Headlights, how do I fix this...?

So, my newly acquired 2006 Tundra has headlights that are "frosted over" from age. How do I fix this? Is there a way to clean them? Or do I have to replace them?

 

Replacing would be the easiest. If you’ve got the skill you can sand and clear it. Or for a quick fix you can polish.

 

I'd replace them with aftermarket, not very expensive.

 

I used this on my corolla with some succes.

$18 CERAKOTE® Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit – Guaranteed To Last As Long As You Own Your Vehicle – Brings Headlights Back to Like New Condition - No Power Tools Required - 10 Wipe Kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084RQKLV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_XYM3V8PT345QHFRNR14C?_encoding=UTF8

 

Amazon has a good variety of replacements for '06 if you go that route. Example:

$70 SHAREWIN ALS Replacement For TUNDRA Double 2005 2006 Sequoia 2005 2006 2007 Crew Cab Headlights Headlammp Assembly Chrome Housing Amber Reflector Driver Side and Passenger Side without bulb

https://www.amazon.com/SHAREWIN-Rep...33------------&vehicleName=2006+Toyota+Tundra

 

There are various headlight refinishing kits out there, basically different buffing setups.
Something like this, https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/...vh0rfaqRBsGpIJFH6FBoCV0MQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
They are a temporary fix at best and won’t look like new but will be pretty clear. I have done similar fixes many times (not that specific one, that’s just the first one I saw), you will need to redo it from time to time, I did mine about 2 years ago and they’re ready to be done again.

 

Start by cleaning the headlights with soap and water. Then get a tube of toothpaste that has the baking soda in it. Get a soft bristle brush or a toothbrush and rub it in then wash off.

 

Headlights have always been a wear item. Previously for bulbs that went bad, nowadays for plastic that can't handle the sun. My PO had a fenderbender so the insurance company paid for replacing the aftermarket headlight with a genuine Toyota part. When I got the truck I could see a difference (small but noticeable) so I replaced the other after market headlight with a Toyota part. I doubt it's worth the additional $150 for the Toyota part from a lighting perspective, but from my OCD perspective I can rest better with two matching parts.

For the price of aftermarket assemblies I'd just replace instead of trying to buff it out if you're keeping it for more than a year or two.

 

I usually polish mine once or twice a month. The yellow doesnt go away, but the fog does.

 

I replaced mine with new OEM housings.

 

Replace is the easiest, and you can get some newer style ones to boot. But if you want to restore, you can watch this for a decent analysis of product/procedure (1) Best Headlight Restoration Kit? Let's find out! 3M, Sylvania, Meguiar's, Mothers, Turtle Wax & HF - YouTube

 

I did the same on my truck when I was fed up with my projectors.

 

This is what I did : bought a can of 2K clear coat the kind that has the 2 stage hardener inside a capsule within the aerosol can . Tape off around headlight lens. Wet sand with 400grit, 500grit, 800 grit, 1000 grit, 1500 grit. Dont have to kill yourself just a good thorough scrub with every grit. Clean it all off. Spray with 2 coats of the clearcoat. It looks as good as new.

 

I did a similar thing with my Fogs (Acrylic Assys). Used Rustoleum Acryic Shpray from big box ($8) and looks good! Did the same basic prep as you with sand and clean. I’ll keep in mind your idea on the 2Stage for the head assy in the future.

New aftermarket headlight assys are nice in the $120-150 range.

 

If I'm not mistaken its pretty hard to find aftermarket replacements for 05/06 access cabs. They have a different molding than prior years where the turn signals are.

I would try the cleaning route first. Toothpaste works but you'll need some sort of sealant after. I have yet to try the clear coat method. I have used a few different restoration kits, most last a month or two. McGuire lasted almost a year because they include a polish that protects the plastic.

I might try that Cerakote since it is @Tundra2 endorsed. I would replace mine except I did an HID retrofit. I had to do it while my wife was out of town, can't risk her seeing me throw headlights in her oven.

 

Yeah. I polished my OEM Headlights back in 2010 with temporary success. Did it again and didn’t last but 1/2 as long.

I say do the @Hotdog Shpray 2K Technique and see how she rolls.

 

Before pic is with prep done prior to shpray.

After pic is after Acrylic Shpray. You’ll notice some crackling going on (probs from Acetone Cleaning) but the Lens is so much clearer and has held for 2 years well. I could always sand it back down and redo in the 2k but it still looks good from 10 ft.

 

Thanks for all the input. I'm seeing polishing kits on shelves. Never knew that was a thing since this is the first vehicle I've owned that had this issue. I think I'll try that first.

 

Are some aftermarket replacements better than others on the Amazon & ebay for an 03?

 

I'd go the wetsand and 2k (UV rated) clear coat route. The OEM headlights seem to have the best optics and adjustments, unless going for a complete retrofit.

 

I had great results with Turtle Wax’s headlight restore kit. Small amount of money with awesome results!

I would use masking tape around the lens to help protect the metal painted surfaces.

 

I’ve had success with some polishing compound and a wax applicator pad. Just keep going until it’s clear, wipe with a wet microfiber rag. If you still see haze, repeat.

That combo will also remove the fingernail scratches that develop under your door handles.

 

polish and sealing is the best option. Aftermarket housing are inferior. The optics are junk compared to OEM. Cut off lines are much less sharp.

 

This sounds like good advice. My only suggestion is to say that removing the headlight assembly is relatively easy so consider removing for easy handling, repositioning and avoidance of the tape, untape step.

FWIW, YMMV.

 

Wet sand em… then compound em. I like the 3M products for these things. Or check out certifit… they typically have good deals

 

I'm not sure what other experiences have been with sanding and using different compounds as far as longevity, but mine wasn't ever great. I've got an old Accord that I'd sand and compound and wax and they never stayed clear for more than a couple months. After that I'd have to do it again. Save yourself the repeated work every few months and buy new buckets. I'm glad I finally did for my Honda. Below is the difference between new and old. I've had the buckets since Nov and they still look new.

 

This is why it's better to use a 2k clear coat. Better UV and scratch resistance.

 

I had a good outcome from polishing my 2002 foglight lenses. My experience with various of these huge plastic headlamp assemblies is that they can be brilliantly polished on the outside, which then leaves the inaccessible inside haze more visible. I bought the truck last December and the lenses were nearly opaque. I first installed some aftermarket units from Amazon and found the light pattern lousy. Sprang for a pair of OEM replacements, which have been perfect. I also put in a Susquehanna Motorsports headlight harness and 2.0/+100% Hella bulbs. Since my see-in-the-dark card was revoked at age 65, I need the lumens.

 

Best kit I ever used from the parts store was the Sylvania Kit. When you register it, it comes with a lifetime warranty (which they honor). One of the issues I found was that when the car wash sprayed their bug & tar remover on the headlights, it also removed the clear coat.
SO, I replaced the headlights with new aftermarket ones.

 

Agreed. New Assys, too.