New headlights.

Looking for opinions on new lights for the Tundra. Not to customize, but because the old ones are yellowed and fogged. Should I go after market? (If so any suggestions on quality aftermarket?) Or should I go OEM? OEM are pretty expensive but I would like some opinions. Thanks!

 

If yellowing and fogging is your only complaint, I would think that you could just try to restore them first.

 

https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/192842690712

Crew cab?

This is a great cost effective option. I was in the same boat as you. My lights were pretty worn inside and out. So I decided to get new aftermarket replacements.

 

While it's been about even responses here regarding 3M or equivalent restoring products, I am in the camp that the 3M product if followed according to instructions, will last until they don't. Perhaps it might have to do with ones location but here in my climate, my restore has lasted 1 1/2 yrs on my 14 yr old 2004. I do need to consider applying some more clear coat.

I have also seen it posted that Akkon(Taiwan?) has good quality replacements.

 

Another theory I have is the actual headlamp bulb is doing some damage to the assy as well as the sun.

Just look at the side markers assy adjacent to the headlamp assy. Mine (OEM side assys) were still new looking, but the headlamps were cooked. Why? See my theory.

Anyhoo, to Dirt... try Akkons (aftermarket made in Tiawan). They feel more solidly made than the Mainland China ones I had prior for about 5 years. I ordered a set and one of the side markers developed a leak. Went through warranty and they sent an entire new set which are holding well. Some reviewers say their aftermarkets are hard/not able to adjust. These are fine.

Go ahead and do some Katana LED bulbs while you are at it. Even new incandescents will be an improvement over your current situation. Check my build page for more detail.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/the...vestment-‘build’-a-chronological-story.46816/

 

Thanks guys... I'll be doing some investigating. I did think about restoring but just never did it my self.. I will definitely look at the Akkons.

 

@DirtMerchant63, if your not doing anything with them, then definitely buy the 3m restore kit. This kit will clean them up nice, but will not remove scratches of any kind. Also another route, which I went was A backing plate with adapter to fit your cordless drill. Buy some orange lake country pads and polish. I purchased all from Autogeek. Just a suggestion. Good luck

 

Thanks, I'll give it a try. Too baad the weather is starting to change here. Only going to be 29F tomorrow.

 

Professional Hand Model, really like your link... Thanks for posting..

 

I bought mine off eBay because they were cheaper than Amazon. No real complaints so far and work great. I think I spent $60 for the set.

 

I used my HF buffer with a lake county backing plate and pads and wheel polish.

I just did my new to me LX 470, this took me maybe 10 mins per side.





Super easy and nearly free, I had the stuff already.

 

WOW! That looks great.. Thanks I appreciate the pics. I will definitely give this a whirl. What grit was your polish? I have 2000 from NAPA for body work.. If that's fine enough I'll give that a shot. You have a dedicated buffer? Is the speed slower or faster than a conventional grinder?

 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Meguiar-s-G17804-Keep-Clear-Headlight-Coating-4-oz-Maintain-the-Clarity-of-Your-Headlights/191830787

If you go the wet sand and buff route, this product works really well as the final step.

 

Thanks revtune. I'll give it a look...

 

+1 to the Megs headlight coating. I use it on all the headlights I touch up.

 

I have tried almost every solution offered here and more, including professionally applied ceramic coating, and each one of them does a good job of restoring the headlight lens. However, my experience is that none of them last for more than 12-18 months where I live (CA). After 8-years of fighting it, I finally bought new Toyota OEM headlights this year. Expensive, but willing to pay for fitment and quality to last for years.

 

I think one thing people fail to realize is that the lights require a uv protectant just like your paint.
How often do you polish and wax your paint? Maybe once or twice a year? Try waxing the headlights at the same time. This will help add a layer of UV protection that will extend the "clarity" period. Even brand new headlights will benefit from that added layer of protection.

 

Good call on this wax on wax off Miagi technique of which the 2002 received plenty in the early years. I still think the damage is from constant daytime running light incandescent heat with whatever groovy cosmic rays those 55w bulbs radiate into the ethereal.

My theory will be tested now with LED’s inside my new assys. Will have a conclusion in about 8-9 years on said theory.

 

Hmmmmm..not sure I can wait the 8-9 year test period...

 

and be sure to protect them after you refurbish and UV clear coat them with some of these...

https://www.weathertech.com/lampgard/

 

Didn't know Weathertech made these.. This is a great idea. Thanks. Are weather tech floor mats worth the investment?

 

They are super thick also. Refinished my wife's 2005 Mazda3S' headlight with the Sylvania kit, then the lampgards 3 years ago and they are still perfectly clear. I know lots of folks are getting tired of me mentioning the kit and the lampgards, but they honestly work as advertised and last.

I've got weathertechs in my dblcb, but other's swear by different company's products. May as well ask who makes the best seat covers...

 

Or, which color sway bar should one get?

Good concept on the lens protectors, but the cost outweighs the benefit in my opinion. $50 for some thick film is a negative when new assys cost about $115.

Now, if the assys were very expensive and prone to regular breakage the film makes sense.

 

bvia, yeah I kind of figured everyones got a favorite.. Just thought I'd ask...

 

I'd agree with you if they have to be replaced every 6 months to a year. But if they hold up for longer might be a good investment especially for newer trucks, vehicles.

 

Agreed!

https://headlightrevolution.com/toyota-tundra-07-13-xb-led-headlights/

;-)>

The film is really there to stop the surface UV clear coat degradation from environmental hazards (rocks/sand/tar/chemicals) which haze the surface.

 

Yikes! bvia, I think those lights are a bit out of my league.. Nice looking but just need to drive to work and back...Not light a runway..

 

LOL...was just reminding PHM that our lights ARE costly...when you upgrade to Morimoto's that is..

 

Not costly at all for this crowd since it's not an option for 1st Gens....

 

Whoa!

Glad the 1st Gens assys are low cost ($115). BTW, I purchased some Headlight Revolution PerfectFit Fogs bulbs and really like them.