Just replaced shattered headlamp. Does anyone protect their glass?
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It was broken when I bought it, so I have no idea. Looks like a rock hit it... Small irregular shaped impact hole about a 1/4" in diameter, multiple spider legs extending out in various directions for a few inches. It's glass so I'd like to protect it if possible. The replacement ones are usually plastic (affordable ones at least) but the glass doesn't fog and looks new, even after so many years.
When I lived in Australia I remember lots of their "utes" (trucks) had these wire screen covers for protection. Don't remember what they are called though. Looked to be very effective though.
When I lived in Australia I remember lots of their "utes" (trucks) had these wire screen covers for protection. Don't remember what they are called though. Looked to be very effective though.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Mine had a hole in it as well when I bought it. Same size and all.
The TYC headlights from RockAuto.com are about $35-$40 new and are very good replacements, it's what most of us use for replacements, retrofits, etc. Unless you can protect your headlights for under that, I'd say don't worry about it and replace it if you are unfortunate to break another.
The TYC headlights from RockAuto.com are about $35-$40 new and are very good replacements, it's what most of us use for replacements, retrofits, etc. Unless you can protect your headlights for under that, I'd say don't worry about it and replace it if you are unfortunate to break another.
ToyotaBrah
Member
Apply paint protection film to the lenses. Look into Xpel
Exactly!I call those shopping cart protectors.ound:
Have you ever seen them for a T4R?
FOR THE 1996 ONES they want more
TYC 20355600 {#8115035211, TO2502118} Complete Assembly; Includes Bulb & Socket Info
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$102.79
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BUT 1999 ARE CHEAPER,
TYC 20565200 {#8115035300, TO2502128} Complete Assembly; Includes Bulb & Socket Info One of our most popular parts
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$35.79
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TYC 20565100 {#8111035320, TO2503128} Complete Assembly; Includes Bulb & Socket Info
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$35.79
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Are the TYC ones glass?
firemanj92
New member
The TYC's I bought from rockauto are glass for $35 each
That’ll teach me. I just assumed replacements were all plastic and I wanted it to match so I spent three times that for a used glass one. Expensive lesson, but a lesson just the same
Hepar
New member
How do you feel they compare to the stock lenses?
cblock406
Member
When I did my retrofit I tried using 3m clear braw to protect the glass from pitting but the problem with it is it doesn’t breath and never looks clear. If you want to do a clear protectant film you need to do laminx, it actually breathes and once fully cured is crystal clear on glass.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
The 96-98 and 99-02 styles are interchangable. I bought 99-02's to replace my broken/dirty ones and they fit perfect and are brighter than the old 96-98 design.
Yes. Same materials as OEM.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
I'm gonna quote myself here lol:
Had a little time this evening to put in the brand new TYC headlight assemblies I got off Rockauto.com. They are aftermarket, so not "perfect" but new assemblies from Toyota are downright ridiculous. Would have been $500 for a set new!
Here's a photo comparing my old, dirty 98 headlights to the new TYC on the right. You'll notice the beam pattern is a bit uneven, but it is significantly brighter. I can see much better at night, I'll just live with the sloppy beam pattern. But it's brighter, and that's all I care.
EDIT: I had some time last night to aim my headlights and WOW what a difference! Definitely aim your headlights after installing a new assembly, made world of a difference! I think my frame is slightly tweaked up front, I almost ran out of thread on 2 of my adjusting screws. The difference is (literally) night and day, best $70 you can spend on lighting if you own a 96-98!
Hepar
New member
Sorry, I was speaking to the build quality.
firemanj92
New member
I think for the money they are fine but if you want more accurate lighting I would go OEM. The TYC's are are just as bright but for our 20yo T4R I was not going to spend $500+ for new (loaded) lamps. I figured if my son, a new driver, damages a $35 lens it is a whole lot easier to justify the expense. (cost vs. benefit-one could buy nearly 7 pairs of TYC's for the price of 1 OEM pair depending on where you were to buy it. Rockauto also has the "tested CAPA-test fitted" TYC's headlights for $150 but I found it is the same part # and item as the $35 ones. I think it's just a marketing thing.
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