1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Headlights

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by Otakutoaster, Dec 12, 2024.

  1. Dec 12, 2024 at 12:46 PM
    #1
    Otakutoaster

    Otakutoaster [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2024
    Member:
    #124450
    Messages:
    112
    Gender:
    Male
    WI
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra AC limited Black V8 4wd
    Radio, subwoofer & amplifier, Roll-N-Lock, Cabin air filter,
    They look way better I haven't put clear coat on yet, but how do I clean the inside of the passenger headlight. At first I thought I still needed to sand but after sanding the driver side. The inside of the passenger side is just a really dirty.

    20241212_132921.jpg
    20241212_132928.jpg
    20241212_144237.jpg
    20241212_144240.jpg
     
  2. Dec 12, 2024 at 12:55 PM
    #2
    shifty`

    shifty` We skipped the light fandango

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #48239
    Messages:
    26,977
    ATL
    Vehicle:
    '06 AC Limited V8/4WD
    (see signature for truck info)
    Time to replace your headlight housings. Unless those are mini-projectors in there - if it is, then maybe you can pull the projector out, get rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, and some forceps, and wipe the inside of the lens clean?

    The proper answer is: Replace the housings.
    Alternate OK answer is: Bake off the covers in the oven, then clean them fully, then re-bake shut, and reinstall.

    At the end of the day, I know it all adds up, but I've seen CAPA-certified housings as cheap as $55-60/side depending on brand.

    Just know, you really must clearcoat those things or they'll be hazy again within 6-12 months.
     
    ToyotaDude, Mr Badwrench and Bprose like this.
  3. Dec 12, 2024 at 1:24 PM
    #3
    Otakutoaster

    Otakutoaster [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2024
    Member:
    #124450
    Messages:
    112
    Gender:
    Male
    WI
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra AC limited Black V8 4wd
    Radio, subwoofer & amplifier, Roll-N-Lock, Cabin air filter,
    I'm clear coating right now.
     
    G_unit3000 likes this.
  4. Dec 12, 2024 at 1:57 PM
    #4
    Otakutoaster

    Otakutoaster [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2024
    Member:
    #124450
    Messages:
    112
    Gender:
    Male
    WI
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra AC limited Black V8 4wd
    Radio, subwoofer & amplifier, Roll-N-Lock, Cabin air filter,
    I think to clean them I'll use forceps or long tweezers and some soft paper towel. I've done similar to clean bottles with small necks. I'm too broke to replace the housings.
     
    G_unit3000 and shifty` like this.
  5. Dec 12, 2024 at 2:13 PM
    #5
    Teutonics

    Teutonics BestGen Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2021
    Member:
    #66184
    Messages:
    198
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2005 DC SR5 4WD
    A trick for cleaning Porsche G-body headlight housings ($$$!!!) is to mix a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water and pour into the housing and swish it around. Rinse thoroughly and let dry before reinstallation. I'd at least try it before buying new housings... nothing to lose.
     
  6. Dec 12, 2024 at 2:14 PM
    #6
    Mr Badwrench

    Mr Badwrench New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2018
    Member:
    #17205
    Messages:
    1,320
    Gender:
    Male
    I've cleaned, buffed and polished mine several times and they always clouded up again. Even tried coating them after polishing them, then they just clouded up from the inside kind of like yours.

    Got tired of doing that, so I bought some pretty pricey aftermarket headlight buckets and they just don't fit right. I was able to get them aligned, but they are crappy quality in general. They Toyota replacements, if they are even available, are probably really expensive.

    I don't know what the answer is, but maybe someone will post it here.
     
    G_unit3000 likes this.
  7. Dec 12, 2024 at 2:18 PM
    #7
    Teutonics

    Teutonics BestGen Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2021
    Member:
    #66184
    Messages:
    198
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2005 DC SR5 4WD
    I always finish mine (after coating) with a layer of Vvivid clear vinyl wrap. I've had some as long as five years without a need to refinish (sold the car before it needed it again... that was for a Volvo that the housings were $1100 EACH to replace). I'm on three-ish years on the Tundra and still looks great.
     
  8. Dec 12, 2024 at 2:45 PM
    #8
    Otakutoaster

    Otakutoaster [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2024
    Member:
    #124450
    Messages:
    112
    Gender:
    Male
    WI
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra AC limited Black V8 4wd
    Radio, subwoofer & amplifier, Roll-N-Lock, Cabin air filter,
    The passenger is dirty on the inside. The driver side I just didn't remove all the scratches. I got most which is fine with me because the clear filled the ones I didn't get out. They look good now definitely not great, but good enough till winter is over and I can do it properly outside. I'll try the vinegar water when the clear coat is more dry.
     
    G_unit3000 likes this.
  9. Dec 12, 2024 at 3:00 PM
    #9
    shifty`

    shifty` We skipped the light fandango

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #48239
    Messages:
    26,977
    ATL
    Vehicle:
    '06 AC Limited V8/4WD
    (see signature for truck info)
    We've always used cheap vodka to clear our fine glasswear when it fogs in the past. Pour it in the sink, soak the glasses in it. Works great. I wonder if pouring some vodka in that joker and shaking it out would do the job?
     
    G_unit3000 likes this.
  10. Dec 12, 2024 at 3:58 PM
    #10
    w666

    w666 D. None of the above

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2019
    Member:
    #40020
    Messages:
    1,675
    Gender:
    Male
    Maryland
    Vehicle:
    04 Access Cab SR5 V8 4WD
    None yet
  11. Dec 12, 2024 at 4:45 PM
    #11
    shifty`

    shifty` We skipped the light fandango

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #48239
    Messages:
    26,977
    ATL
    Vehicle:
    '06 AC Limited V8/4WD
    (see signature for truck info)
    Last edited: Dec 13, 2024
    G_unit3000 and Weagle like this.
  12. Dec 12, 2024 at 5:13 PM
    #12
    FishNinja

    FishNinja HIDE YOUR DAUGHTERS

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2024
    Member:
    #109562
    Messages:
    2,162
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lee
    TEXAN....big surprise
    Vehicle:
    06DC2wd

    So like a shoey but with liquor.....and a headlight.
     
  13. Dec 12, 2024 at 6:04 PM
    #13
    Otakutoaster

    Otakutoaster [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2024
    Member:
    #124450
    Messages:
    112
    Gender:
    Male
    WI
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra AC limited Black V8 4wd
    Radio, subwoofer & amplifier, Roll-N-Lock, Cabin air filter,
    I definitely should just replace but I'm selling this truck next year. So I'm spending as little as possible to make this easier to drive.
     
  14. Dec 13, 2024 at 3:32 AM
    #14
    tvpierce

    tvpierce Formerly New Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2019
    Member:
    #30129
    Messages:
    1,404
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra AC SR5 4WD, 4.7 Automatic
    Cut a piece of cotton rag, and shove it in the hole for the lamp. Use a paint stir stick to manipulate/rub the rag against the inside of lens. Turn the housing upside down, and pull the rag out. I'd try it first with a dry rag. If that doesn't do the trick, dampen the rag with window cleaner (or vodka as @shifty` suggested), then follow up with a dry rag again. I bet you can get most of it.
     
    G_unit3000 likes this.
  15. Dec 13, 2024 at 4:58 AM
    #15
    Jjclamdips

    Jjclamdips New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2019
    Member:
    #35103
    Messages:
    223
    Gender:
    Male
    Wichita, Ks
    Vehicle:
    2000 Access Cab
    I have had good luck with Rock Auto

    https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...,body+&+lamp+assembly,headlamp+assembly,10762
     
    G_unit3000 likes this.
  16. Dec 13, 2024 at 9:45 AM
    #16
    bfunke

    bfunke Tundra Curmudgeon

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2019
    Member:
    #37321
    Messages:
    2,322
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    South Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR-5 CM 5.7, 2000 SR-5 AC 4.7L
    RockAuto says the TYC lights are CAPA certified.
     
    G_unit3000 likes this.
  17. Dec 13, 2024 at 9:50 AM
    #17
    tvpierce

    tvpierce Formerly New Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2019
    Member:
    #30129
    Messages:
    1,404
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra AC SR5 4WD, 4.7 Automatic
    I've had TYC (non-CAPA) from Rock Auto for years and they're great.
     
    shifty` likes this.
  18. Dec 13, 2024 at 9:53 AM
    #18
    shifty`

    shifty` We skipped the light fandango

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #48239
    Messages:
    26,977
    ATL
    Vehicle:
    '06 AC Limited V8/4WD
    (see signature for truck info)
    Damn you're right. I missed it in the top-right corner next to the price. I was looking at the specs over on the left-hand side.

    Shit that's a killer price. @FirstGenVol did you deal with your headlight situation yet?
     
    G_unit3000 likes this.
  19. Dec 13, 2024 at 10:44 AM
    #19
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Check the name tag. You're in my world now.

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2018
    Member:
    #22934
    Messages:
    14,002
    East TN
    Vehicle:
    2002 AC TRD 4x4 V8
    Sort of. I installed a new ballast on the driver side so that issue of it not turning on the first time is fixed. The other issues remain. I don't drive enough at night to want to make any more changes.
     
  20. Dec 14, 2024 at 1:21 AM
    #20
    Otakutoaster

    Otakutoaster [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2024
    Member:
    #124450
    Messages:
    112
    Gender:
    Male
    WI
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra AC limited Black V8 4wd
    Radio, subwoofer & amplifier, Roll-N-Lock, Cabin air filter,
    I will definitely be buying new ones for my new truck next year. The sanding and polishing is easy but on 22+ year old plastic will only do so much.
     
  21. Dec 14, 2024 at 9:39 AM
    #21
    ToyotaDude

    ToyotaDude Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2023
    Member:
    #99955
    Messages:
    800
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tundra AC V8 4x4
    3" Front Eibach Pro-Truck Sport Ride Height Adjustable shocks with OE springs Rear Wheeler AALs Pathfinder AT 275/70/R18 (33.2") tires on 9” wide XD778 Monster wheels with 4.53 backspacing / -12 offset
    Those RAs for $34 look like the ticket and shiny clear lights should help with sale. Truck looks so much better. Actually got mine from carparts.com like $150 for all light housings on the truck front back and side and decided on that becuase they were less than RA with shipping, but think they went up in price.They were Eagle Eyes. Found Eagle Eyes on Walmart actually too with free shipping for another vehicle.
     
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2024
    dirtnsmores and G_unit3000 like this.
  22. Dec 14, 2024 at 12:02 PM
    #22
    shifty`

    shifty` We skipped the light fandango

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #48239
    Messages:
    26,977
    ATL
    Vehicle:
    '06 AC Limited V8/4WD
    (see signature for truck info)
    Definitely would help w/resale, and you could potentially move them to the new/replacement truck.

    TYC, Eagle Eyes, DEPO are the three big ones in my list for 'better than the usual China crap'. I've used all these brands over the years on many vehicles and had pretty solid experience. Worst issue I've seen with TYC and Eagle Eyes both, are periodic condensation on some models, but that can happen with genuine OEM too...
     
  23. Dec 14, 2024 at 4:28 PM
    #23
    w666

    w666 D. None of the above

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2019
    Member:
    #40020
    Messages:
    1,675
    Gender:
    Male
    Maryland
    Vehicle:
    04 Access Cab SR5 V8 4WD
    None yet
    Fine...but don't count on them being $34 next year
     
    ToyotaDude likes this.
  24. Dec 14, 2024 at 6:12 PM
    #24
    bmc02

    bmc02 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2020
    Member:
    #51245
    Messages:
    489
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Buddy
    E WA
    Vehicle:
    05 DC SR5 / 06 SEQUOIA LTD
    I recently tried the new cerakote ceramic headlight sealer. Stuff did amazing clearing up headlights back in March. Still look great. One box did 3 vehicles. Way better than the polish every couple months routine I had been doing.
     
    G_unit3000 and Otakutoaster[OP] like this.
  25. Dec 14, 2024 at 8:37 PM
    #25
    Otakutoaster

    Otakutoaster [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2024
    Member:
    #124450
    Messages:
    112
    Gender:
    Male
    WI
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra AC limited Black V8 4wd
    Radio, subwoofer & amplifier, Roll-N-Lock, Cabin air filter,
    They probably will be more expensive, but I don't mind. At least it's not $900.
     
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2024
    Weagle likes this.
  26. Dec 14, 2024 at 8:39 PM
    #26
    Otakutoaster

    Otakutoaster [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2024
    Member:
    #124450
    Messages:
    112
    Gender:
    Male
    WI
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra AC limited Black V8 4wd
    Radio, subwoofer & amplifier, Roll-N-Lock, Cabin air filter,
    I used the cerakote ceramic paint sealer on my headlights after clear coating. Also my paint and it works nice.
     
  27. Dec 15, 2024 at 8:04 AM
    #27
    Mr Badwrench

    Mr Badwrench New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2018
    Member:
    #17205
    Messages:
    1,320
    Gender:
    Male
    Brand new Toyota headlight buckets are $182 apiece on Toyotapartsdeal.com. Roughly 2.5x the Eagle Eye brand. A little steep $$, but if they fit great, might be worth considering. Damn I probably would have considered them given all the time I've spent polishing mine over the years.

    Sounds like the finish work is key here, if you are restoring them... coating, wrapping etc.

    I think I used to pay $8 for headlights for my Scouts and Blazers back in "the day".
     
  28. Dec 15, 2024 at 8:11 AM
    #28
    shifty`

    shifty` We skipped the light fandango

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #48239
    Messages:
    26,977
    ATL
    Vehicle:
    '06 AC Limited V8/4WD
    (see signature for truck info)
    I forked out for new OEM. They weren't bad or anything, but I didn't see much improvement in output.

    Which is what led me to buy a couple CAPA certified DEPO housings and move to the mini projectors. Drastic difference. I was in it all for around $150, which is less than I recall paying for a single OEM housing. Had I known back then there were CAPA housings for $35 and I could be in the same upgrade for $100, I'd have leapt at it.
     
  29. Dec 15, 2024 at 8:18 AM
    #29
    Mr Badwrench

    Mr Badwrench New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2018
    Member:
    #17205
    Messages:
    1,320
    Gender:
    Male
    I think mine were CAPA certified :confused: which is why I was a little surprised they did not fit great. I think they were $75 or so apiece. Man, I'm not sure I'd go with a $35 housing unless someone could talk me into it based on their experience. They are probably all made in the same factory in Taiwan (I think I am joking here).
     
  30. Dec 15, 2024 at 9:19 AM
    #30
    shifty`

    shifty` We skipped the light fandango

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #48239
    Messages:
    26,977
    ATL
    Vehicle:
    '06 AC Limited V8/4WD
    (see signature for truck info)
    @tvpierce had same brand in the non-CAPA version and said they've been great for years.
     
    Desert Dog likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top