Headlight Restoring
#1
Headlight Restoring
So I've been taking apart my 06 GS430 for about a week now. Dealing with all the small kinks I'd like to get out of the way.
One major and possibly costly fix are my headlights. Since I purchased the car back in 2012 the headlight lenses were slightly cracking on the inside but not so bad. Though now it's more noticeable than ever and it's really bugging me. I've never had an experience taking headlights apart nor do I have the talent to do so. Haha. I'd probably go to a friend that does this type of stuff..
My question before I end up spending an arm and a leg on new headlights. Can these be restored in any way?
One major and possibly costly fix are my headlights. Since I purchased the car back in 2012 the headlight lenses were slightly cracking on the inside but not so bad. Though now it's more noticeable than ever and it's really bugging me. I've never had an experience taking headlights apart nor do I have the talent to do so. Haha. I'd probably go to a friend that does this type of stuff..
My question before I end up spending an arm and a leg on new headlights. Can these be restored in any way?
#2
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
Most likely the damages are on the outside of the lens. What you can try to do is take some wet 1500 grit sand paper and test a small area to see if it helps remove it. If it does, you can completely sand down the lens with 600 grit then 800 and take it to a body shop and have them spray clearcoat on top.
I am against using these headlight restore kits as all they do is remove the OE clearcoat from the headlight and polishes the raw plastic. After a month or two headlights will be worst then before.
I am against using these headlight restore kits as all they do is remove the OE clearcoat from the headlight and polishes the raw plastic. After a month or two headlights will be worst then before.
#5
Mines also look the same =X. At night when I have the HID on; the lens look brownish but still disburst white light from the 5k bulb. But it doesn't match my 5k fogs and 5k driving lights =X. I was considering on sanding them down myself and using a restoration kit, but its very costly to purchase a new pair even with the Swell discount.
#6
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
This is generally caused by heat. I have also read if there is moisture on the inside combined with high heat cracks can occur. Unfortunately they need to be replaced unless someone comes up with an innovative idea.
What concerns me is if your lights are the factory OEM as this generally occurs when people upgrade their HID as the lenses are not made for the increased temperature.
What concerns me is if your lights are the factory OEM as this generally occurs when people upgrade their HID as the lenses are not made for the increased temperature.
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#8
Lead Lap
iTrader: (2)
to be honest that looks like your lens is cracking(those tiny little cracks). you may not want to sand that too far. I mean you will definitely get the yellowing out but not the cracks.
I have used the 3m restoration kit numerous times. just make sure you clearcoat the headlights and maintain them well.
as for yours I would definitely order new ones. a cheaper route is if you find a junked or totaled gs get those headlights which will probably have some yellowing and restore those. just make sure there are no cracks.
I have used the 3m restoration kit numerous times. just make sure you clearcoat the headlights and maintain them well.
as for yours I would definitely order new ones. a cheaper route is if you find a junked or totaled gs get those headlights which will probably have some yellowing and restore those. just make sure there are no cracks.
Last edited by uberEJ; 06-11-14 at 08:06 AM.
#9
I actually want to get rid of the washer sprayer on my headlamp. I feel it made my headlight condition worse and most of the time i forget when you use the windsheild washer spray it also trips the headlight washers as well :| I think it helped yellow my headlights. Im wondering if I can get the non washer headlight and hope my car wont trip out or cause sensor errors.
#10
Lexus Test Driver
What about tinting the housings like the ones shown here?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-LEXUS-GS...ab520e&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-LEXUS-GS...ab520e&vxp=mtr
#12
5% Club. Killing it!!!
iTrader: (15)
I've always wanted these from carid.com. Just wondering if this price is for one headlight or both. http://www.carid.com/2006-lexus-gs-h...-16799555.html
#15
Lead Lap
Those cracks will never go away, but after some 1500 grit wet sand and some polishing, they'll be looking 90% better. There's a great chemical coating out there that you can apply after sanding, which will block UV and prevent the yellowing from coming back... Forge what it's called. Try the wet sanding and polish method before you replace.