GRAYM

I was searching for someone who may have changed their own headlamp assembly. Ours have hazed over really bad (it's a 2003) and I really just want to replace them. Dealer said 1200.....I found them on Sewell and if I can do them myself I'll save 600. Anyone ever do this job?


Let me know

eddyprice

Instead of replacing the headlights you could look into headlight polishing compound to remove the haze. I've seen products for this but have no personal experience. Online reviews seem to suggest that they work well. Hopefully some members with experience can chime in.

You could also look on ebay for headlamps - buy a matched set. I believe that there are 3 different headlamp styles, one that's clear, one with a greenish tint, and one that came on sport package GX's that is "smoked".

jugdish

I've been thinking of the same thing lately..... Mine is an '07, but the headlights are so cloudy that it affects the headlights at night....

desman

I recently gave my headlights a clean (lexus ES).
My newly learnt trick, old toothbrush and some toothpaste....scrub away for 10-15min, add some water and scrub some more, wash off and whamo! GOOD AS NEW Better still, you dont even have to take them out if its all on the outside !

There is still a bit of haziness on the inside of mine so am going to try and open the lights up this weekend and clean inside too

GRAYM

yea, I have done both. problem is, it keeps coming back so I am looking to just put in a new pair and that will last the life of the vehicle. I was really hoping that someone outthere did this as a a DIY job and maybe has some pointers. It looks like there is a lot to undo and remove!

cssnms

What you need to try is Mequiar's Headlight Restoration Kit. Works like a champ!

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+G1900

Now watch the video on how it works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8mkB...embedded#at=64

stl2chi

any idea what is causing this hazing?

<VENOM>

I would be willing to bet his paint is just as hazy except you notice the cloudiness on the clear plastic headlight housing more then the paint, if he goes through a car wash, more likely

Bob GX

My 04 GX and 02 RX both had the 3M clear film installed when they were new and there's no clouding or haze - headlamp lenses are still crystal clear. My 06 Corolla didn't get the clear film and the headlamps began to turn white already - the Meguiars PlastX got them back to almost clear. I think the clear film is a gotta do at least on the headlamps.

cssnms

Like with any plastic, exposure to the sun/elements will degrade clarity over time.

GRAYM

well I found the mothers headlight cleaner product and normally I am a skeptic of these cause in the past they did not work, I was amazed that the product actually took the haze off and cleared them up like new. I am very happy with this product. Saved me 1200 in new headlights!

BlairC

The hazing is caused by the failure of the UV coating. Most of the home remedies will get you a C+ to B+ type finish. Call a reputable detailer in your area and they will be able to wet sand and polish the headlamps back to stock condition.

Kymber317

I wet sanded and polish headlights all the time. It's a great alternative to buying new headlights.

I use 800, 1,000, and 2,000 grit sandpaper, along with Meguiars Plastic X and Ultimate Compound. After that, I use Meguiars NXT 2.0 wax and baby oil to shine them up. I'll post some pics later.

masboy

iTrader: (30)

i only used PlastX & Porter Cable FTW !

before :



Drop some PlastX around it :



used porter cable for maybe 15 min each headlight :



and.....voila :





the different is night & day.

Now i need to figure out how to keep it stay like this...

cssnms

Looks good. I like Plastx, used it on my Eisenglass and clear windshield on my boat, works like a champ.