Need help and advice on my headlights...quickly

[SunPilot]

I have a problem with my 2007 Runner projector headlights that I need advice on. In a nutshell, my headlights were very dim. I decided to do an HID upgrade and clean and restore the lens. I took the complete light assembly out for the project. Since the lights were out I also decided to black out the inside. I bought HID bulb kit. I cleaned and restored the outer lens to like new. Then I put the assembly in the oven and opened it up to do the blackout project. All went well. Since the assembly was open I figured I might as well address the "squirrel finder" problem. I took the projectors apart to bend the tab and when I did I looked inside and found a lot of the chrome plating inside the projector reflector was peeling off. I think this is due to heat from the halogen bulbs, but I'm not sure. The plastic under the plating is black, so there is a very reduced area of reflection inside, probably really hurting my light output. I can't be sure how much, but I'm certain it is not a good thing. I looked at the other light assembly and found a similar flaking problem. I'm bummed now.

I'm asking for advice. Have any of you encountered this problem? Is there any way to fix it...plating paint, etc? I've looked and can't find the reflector for sale anywhere, only complete lights. Do I have any other options? I know new factory lights are expensive. I only need the projectors. Have any of you used aftermarket products? Which are good and which should I stay away from? If I need to replace the whole assembly, I might as well get ones already blacked out! I would appreciate any advice or input. I am reluctant to put these back on the car now until the problem is solved, thus my urgency. BTW, I'm thinking that if both of mine are peeling there must be problems for others too. If you have diminished light output, this might be the culprit. The only way to know is to open the lights and take the projector apart. Look at the included photos to see where and what the problem is. Thanks for you help!

 

[Folsom4Rnr]

I have a problem with my 2007 Runner projector headlights that I need advice on. In a nutshell, my headlights were very dim. I decided to do an HID upgrade and clean and restore the lens. I took the complete light assembly out for the project. Since the lights were out I also decided to black out the inside. I bought HID bulb kit. I cleaned and restored the outer lens to like new. Then I put the assembly in the oven and opened it up to do the blackout project. All went well. Since the assembly was open I figured I might as well address the "squirrel finder" problem. I took the projectors apart to bend the tab and when I did I looked inside and found a lot of the chrome plating inside the projector reflector was peeling off. I think this is due to heat from the halogen bulbs, but I'm not sure. The plastic under the plating is black, so there is a very reduced area of reflection inside, probably really hurting my light output. I can't be sure how much, but I'm certain it is not a good thing. I looked at the other light assembly and found a similar flaking problem. I'm bummed now.

I'm asking for advice. Have any of you encountered this problem? Is there any way to fix it...plating paint, etc? I've looked and can't find the reflector for sale anywhere, only complete lights. Do I have any other options? I know new factory lights are expensive. I only need the projectors. Have any of you used aftermarket products? Which are good and which should I stay away from? If I need to replace the whole assembly, I might as well get ones already blacked out! I would appreciate any advice or input. I am reluctant to put these back on the car now until the problem is solved, thus my urgency. BTW, I'm thinking that if both of mine are peeling there must be problems for others too. If you have diminished light output, this might be the culprit. The only way to know is to open the lights and take the projector apart. Look at the included photos to see where and what the problem is. Thanks for you help!

Do you have any local parts recyclers you can scavenge parts from? You may still have to buy the whole assembly, but it might not cost as much as new replacements... I've used this place (tlsautorecycling.com) for a couple of items and they seem to be decent... and I believe they ship.
Good luck!

 

[drbiii]

Interesting. I have. 2007 as well, but I've never opened the headlights so I can't tell you whether my reflector has a similar issue.

I replaced my bulbs with HIDs back in 2010 and my light output is great.

I think there is a projector retrofit kit...somewhere.


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[SunPilot]

Interesting. I have. 2007 as well, but I've never opened the headlights so I can't tell you whether my reflector has a similar issue.

I replaced my bulbs with HIDs back in 2010 and my light output is great.

I think there is a projector retrofit kit...somewhere.


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I was wondering if anyone else experienced this. The original reflector piece is just plastic with the chrome coating. Looks like it doesn't stand up to heat over time. I say this because both of my lights experience the same problem. I see some aftermarket projectors, like Morimoto, have metal pots with chrome plating. Looking into it. PS...glad your lights are working well!

 

[drbiii]

https://www.theretrofitsource.com/complete-retrofit-kits.html

This place used to carry a kit specifically for our 4runners (06-09).

It looks like they may not have it now.


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[riceandpho]

Quality hid bulbs have better uv protection. Also if you are using those so call 55w hid kits, the bulbs are most likely 35w bulbs and being over driven. Quality bulbs have no problem with being boosted. Oem like osram and phillips are better since they can take the boosted power like nothing. Sin c e you have everything apart. Why not do a full hid projector retrofit. You have a few options to replace with.

 

[Atlas415]

I was wondering if anyone else experienced this. The original reflector piece is just plastic with the chrome coating. Looks like it doesn't stand up to heat over time. I say this because both of my lights experience the same problem. I see some aftermarket projectors, like Morimoto, have metal pots with chrome plating. Looking into it. PS...glad your lights are working well!

I have a set of black projector headlights that are almost identical to the ones in my avatar that. After installed them I decided to get the ones with the halo rings. They are just sitting in my garage in a box. If you want to pay for shipping, they are yours for free!

 

[Atlas415]

I have a set of black projector headlights that are almost identical to the ones in my avatar that. After installed them I decided to get the ones with the halo rings. They are just sitting in my garage in a box. If you want to pay for shipping, they are yours for free!

Haha, just realized my avatar is a side shot! Here is the link for the ones I'll give you:

HID Xenon + 2006-2009 Toyota 4Runner [Non Sport Only] Projector Headlights - Black

They don't have the HID harness or bulbs, though. I used them in the new ones.

 

[DZNUTS]

Haha, just realized my avatar is a side shot! Here is the link for the ones I'll give you:



HID Xenon + 2006-2009 Toyota 4Runner [Non Sport Only] Projector Headlights - Black



They don't have the HID harness or bulbs, though. I used them in the new ones.

If OP doesn't want them I'll gladly take them off your hands


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[t-rex grrr]

I'm not sure how much extra brightness you'll get from the chrome plating, but if you want to remove all of the chrome cleanly and quickly, spray some break cleaner on it. You'll be left with a nice black housing.

DO NOT GET BRAKE CLEANER ON YOUR HEADLIGHT LENS.

 

[AuSeeker]

I have never found a true chrome "paint" but this product looks very promising, a true metallic chrome paint possibly(?), but I have never used it and it is a bit expensive for a spray can product, but if it does as advertise it maybe worth the cost.

Killer Chrome - Finest Metallic Pigment

Edit, it appears this product is used in a 3 step process, so other products may have to be purchased as well for this product to work.

 

[AuSeeker]

A little more info on chrome plating plastics, the above mentioned product is also recommended on this site.

6 Ways to Transform Plastic into Chrome - The Hog Ring | Auto Upholstery Community

 

[Atlas415]

If OP doesn't want them I'll gladly take them off your hands


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No problem. I'll give him a week to respond then we can PM for address and such.

Hopefully somebody will help me out on my research into lift and tires!

Cheers

 

[SunPilot]

Quality hid bulbs have better uv protection. Also if you are using those so call 55w hid kits, the bulbs are most likely 35w bulbs and being over driven. Quality bulbs have no problem with being boosted. Oem like osram and phillips are better since they can take the boosted power like nothing. Sin c e you have everything apart. Why not do a full hid projector retrofit. You have a few options to replace with.

I am probably going to do a new projector kit. Just don't know which one. I did see one from Morimoto...it's universal fit bi-xenon, but looks decent

 

[SunPilot]

Haha, just realized my avatar is a side shot! Here is the link for the ones I'll give you:

HID Xenon + 2006-2009 Toyota 4Runner [Non Sport Only] Projector Headlights - Black

They don't have the HID harness or bulbs, though. I used them in the new ones.

PM sent

 

[SunPilot]

No problem. I'll give him a week to respond then we can PM for address and such.

Hopefully somebody will help me out on my research into lift and tires!

Cheers

What info are you looking for on lift and tires?

 

[SunPilot]

I have never found a true chrome "paint" but this product looks very promising, a true metallic chrome paint possibly(?), but I have never used it and it is a bit expensive for a spray can product, but if it does as advertise it maybe worth the cost.

Killer Chrome - Finest Metallic Pigment

Edit, it appears this product is used in a 3 step process, so other products may have to be purchased as well for this product to work.

I've been researching chroming plastic. It appears the factory uses a method that transfers aluminum to the plastic via a vapor process. I'm a little skeptical of chrome paints. I don't think I'll be able to put the paint on in an even enough coat to get a finish smooth and shiny enough to work properly. Also, the heat inside there is pretty intense I would imagine. I'm kinda surprised they last as long as they do!

 

[SunPilot]

I'm not sure how much extra brightness you'll get from the chrome plating, but if you want to remove all of the chrome cleanly and quickly, spray some break cleaner on it. You'll be left with a nice black housing.

DO NOT GET BRAKE CLEANER ON YOUR HEADLIGHT LENS.

I know EZ Off works great at removing the chrome off plastic also. Thanks

 

[riceandpho]

some have great success on doing the d2s 4.0 projector in there, stay away from the 2.0 version, its not that great. trust me on this, i did the rx330 afs after i had the 2.0 for couple of months, even tho its a better than stock upgrade, i still prefer the oem hid projectors and modify it for some better output. i forgot who on this forum did the 4.0 in theirs, but it was good.

 

[BackOff]

Did anyone mention metal tape? For ducting.
Might work till the heat starts to peal the tape...maybe.