I recently picked up a rock on the windshield which cracked it pretty much 1/2 way across the length of the window. Has anybody attempted to replace the windshield? How difficult was it? What are the "gotchas"?

Second, with +160,000 I've tried cleaning the headlights several times - to no avail. Anyone have any suggestions (that they actually used and it worked) to refurbish them? With the Xenon lights, replacing them with even used lights is a bit more than I would like to spend. I have heard that it's possible to sand off the top layer and then use some kind of plastic compound on them. What grit paper would one use and what compound?

TIA,
Larry

 

I bought a $20 Crystal View kit from Advance Auto to restore my headlights. Here is a thread where someone else used a Crystal View kit to restore his headlights: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...eadlights.html

PlastX works too but Crystal View supposedly lasts longer - maybe permanent. I restored my headlights with a Crystal View kit in August(?) 2008 and they still look great.

PlastX works too but people have reported that they have to reapply it every few months to keep the headlights clear -- not necessay after using Crystal View which restores the headlight's clear finish.

A high quality aftermarket windshield should cost less than $300 including installation. Check with your insurance company -- replacement may be covered at no or little cost if you have a zero or low deductible on comprehensive coverage. Might want to stick with a well known brand like PPG. I had the windshield on my previous LS400 replaced about 8 years ago with an aftermarket windshield for about $200 -- had the body shop owned by the same company as the Lexus dealer do it ... they don't use OEM windshields unless the customer demands it. Had the windshield on wife's 98 Camry replaced about the same time with an aftermarket windshield. Both had no distortion and seem as good as OEM.

 

Kansas,

Thanks for the information. I will check on the Crystal View and try it tomorrow.

Thanks again

 

meguires makes a proper kit to clean the headlights with a pad to polish it , then apply clear bra over it so it never comes back again.

Oh yah , the windshield has a heater element from the coolant line that needs to be incorporated into the glass so make sure you use OEM as well as a good installer.

 

SK, I've never heard of that. Is this something only on Canadian spec cars? There are lots of differences between U.S. and Canadian spec LS400's.

Besides, leboyd1 is in Texas -- not in the Great White North.

 

I've never heard of the heater in the front windshield of the '98. I also don't see anything in the windshield that might use electricity. Do you have a picture or diagram to show it for me?

Has anyone tried the 3M light restoration kit? When I compare it to CV product it looks like the 3M has a more complete system, but doesn't have the final protective covering step.

 

have a look over here
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...os-inside.html

 

It should be universal for all areas. It is just a pipe shaped like a T in a loop that is right in the center at the bottom of the glass and has coolant circulate to melt anything .
It took me 20 minutes looking through manual to find it as i know it was there as i have seen it when replacing the glass on a friends LS .

 

FYI 3M makes a good plastic cleaner and polish, Mother's polishing compound (made for paint, not necessarily for plastic), and Zaino products all work well.

I've had the best luck using the 3M product initially, then coating the lens with Zaino (as I do the rest of the car.) This keeps it clean, and keeps me from having to do it again anytime soon.