Headlight upgrade

WXman

WXman

New member
I'm getting kind of tired of looking at these hazed over headlights. Looks like there's two options. Ebay replacements, or polishing the OE ones a few times per year.

I searched but amazingly didn't find many threads on this. Does anybody have the Ebay ones? Do they hold up to moisture over time? Do they stay haze free through the hot summer months?
 
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Polishing seems to save the most $$$

WXman said:
I'm getting kind of tired of looking at these hazed over headlights. Looks like there's two options. Ebay replacements, or polishing the OE ones a few times per year.

I searched but amazingly didn't find many threads on this. Does anybody have the Ebay ones? Do they hold up to moisture over time? Do they stay haze free through the hot summer months?
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Been there, done that. Ebay lights do NOT hold up over time. I thought I saw another member here that mentioned that they hazed over in less than a year. When I was getting my retro-fits done, I bought ebay headlights (at the time I used my truck alot) and at the first wash, one of the lenses fogged on me. It was quite annoying.

Polishing/restoration: My headlights are starting to "decompose" on my truck (plastic is starting to fog and spiderweb) and on my DD (Honda Civic with retros as well). Because I have retros, it's even tougher for me to just throw them out and get new ones. Going to polish them as much as the plastic will take. From my research (on HIDplanet as well), the Sylvania headlight restoration kit seems to last the most. 3M kit seems to be pretty good too. The key is protecting them. I've also heard of a film you can apply that last a few years. If this is the case, then basicallly any restoration kit will do (most of them will restore the oxidation on any surface so long as it's on the outside).

Ebay headlights: If you want longevity, nah, stay away from them. I'm sure they are better brands than others, but not sure which ones are. I want to say "depo". Beam pattern is also an issue. They are usually crap.

Best option (pricey): Get OEM headlights. You KNOW they will last few/several years before the plastic goes to hell.

Hope this helps.
 
jwyshrek said:
How about new OEM headlights and then apply the protective coating on them...like the 3M film or equivalent?
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I don't believe there is a point as they come with protective coating from the factory. The 3M film is best for when you just restored them. Don't forget when you sand all the nastiness away, there is NO UV protection at all. BUT, I don't see how it would hurt.

jwyshrek said:
...remember the good old days when things where made of metal and glass???...
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I KNOW!! But plastic is easy to mold into crazy shapes that car manufactures love to do. Glass not so much. Plus it's cheaper. I remember when I had my 3rd gen Surf, I actually got glass OEM replacements. Those were sweet.
 
Just did this on a buddy's nissan. His headlights looked like crap, did a restoration kit (I wanna say Meguiar's). He bought some protective film (~50 bucks) to put on there too. GUess we'll see how it holds up, but the most important thing is to deal them after the kit.
 
CookieRoe said:
Not a film, but Lightwerkz (they do retro-fits and headlight restoration) likes this product. Just throwing it out there. Kinda pricey though........

Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 Permanent Paint Coating

Retails for $79, but I found it for $64 at detailing.com.

The only thing I don't like about films is that apparently they are PITA to remove when the time comes.
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marginally more than the films and looks like it's easier to apply. I know a 5th gen guy opticoated his whole truck
 
zopperman said:
marginally more than the films and looks like it's easier to apply. I know a 5th gen guy opticoated his whole truck
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Whole truck?? Wow? Not sure how I feel about applying something that reads "PERMANENT COATING".

Headlights fine, but paint? Pass. :hand:

Maybe someone who doesn't want to wax his truck. Ever. I enjoy detailing my truck so this product isn't for me.
 
CookieRoe said:
Whole truck?? Wow? Not sure how I feel about applying something that reads "PERMANENT COATING".

Headlights fine, but paint? Pass. :hand:

Maybe someone who doesn't want to wax his truck. Ever. I enjoy detailing my truck so this product isn't for me.
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I'll bring mine to you when I need a detail :naughty:
 
Polish out the OEM headlights and seal. You may not need to do all the sanding depending on how deteriorated your headlights are. I used a DA polisher on mine with M205 (ultra cut compound), M105 (fine cut) and buffed to a shine.

Here's a good discussion on some different options. I finished mine w/ a polymer coating. Opti-coat is pretty good stuff too.

Linky
 
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I just replaced the stock units on my 2003 with TYC headlights and they look great. Time will tell how they hold up.

My wife liked the refreshed look so much that she had me get a pair for her 2006 Accord. It really looks nice.

Polycarbonate has a life in the environment, and once its' time is up, it will not remain clear. I have no interest in having headlights become a regular maintenencte item and having to polish and wax every couple of months.
 
I plan on buying the X-pel film before I do another polish on the lenses. I heard from the guys at Autotopia that it does hold up well. I would rather do that then install eBay lights they have a tendency to leak and get foggy.
 
zopperman said:
I'll bring mine to you when I need a detail :naughty:
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icon_ninja8.gif


But seriously, I'd say come on over. BUT, I have a carport. At my parents house, there's a hose, 2 car garage and all of my detailing paraphernalia. That's where I do most of my mods too. Unfortunately, they live in Allentown (1 hr north).
 
Rock n roll. Thanks guys. Headlights are kind of like tires...they totally change the look of the rest of the vehicle.
 
Guys over on My.Is claim the Chrystal View kit works well on Toy & Lexus headlamps , lot cheaper than buying any new ones IMO !
 
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