Demand in DEPO headlamp and Tail lamp?

[uclafan]

Well, I chipped one of the lift gate lenses while removing the assembly to replace the backup bulbs. Checking on Ebay for an inexpensive replacement, I noticed quite a few ads for chipped lenses, so it looks like this may be a common problem if you don't pull the assembly straight out during removal. For the cost to replace this part, I was considering replacing the entire 4 piece assembly. #ranma21, do you have any assemblies that you can recommend? I noticed the price points on Ebay run the gamut for these assemblies, some in the $200 range and going up to around $600? What are the differences in quality/performance between the different offerings? I like the looks of the clear/smoked lenses in the posts above, is that a style/manufacturer that you are thinking about carrying? Thanks for any input.

 

[ranma21]

Well, I chipped one of the lift gate lenses while removing the assembly to replace the backup bulbs. Checking on Ebay for an inexpensive replacement, I noticed quite a few ads for chipped lenses, so it looks like this may be a common problem if you don't pull the assembly straight out during removal. For the cost to replace this part, I was considering replacing the entire 4 piece assembly. #ranma21, do you have any assemblies that you can recommend? I noticed the price points on Ebay run the gamut for these assemblies, some in the $200 range and going up to around $600? What are the differences in quality/performance between the different offerings? I like the looks of the clear/smoked lenses in the posts above, is that a style/manufacturer that you are thinking about carrying? Thanks for any input.

If you were to replace with aftermarket lamp, I would recommend to go with Sonar, Eagle Eyes or Depo brand. The lower price one you saw on Ebay is no brand lamp make in China, cannot speak for its quality but most likely inferior to Depo, Sonar or Eagle Eyes. So far I only carry Depo brand with no complaint or problem. Yes I am still sourcing the clear/smoked style and clear red style lamp.

 

[uclafan]

If you were to replace with aftermarket lamp, I would recommend to go with Sonar, Eagle Eyes or Depo brand. The lower price one you saw on Ebay is no brand lamp make in China, cannot speak for its quality but most likely inferior to Depo, Sonar or Eagle Eyes. So far I only carry Depo brand with no complaint or problem. Yes I am still sourcing the clear/smoked style and clear red style lamp.

Thanks @ranma21. Do you have any pictures of the clear/smoked style on a vehicle, and what is the price and availability please?

 

[ranma21]

Thanks @ranma21. Do you have any pictures of the clear/smoked style on a vehicle, and what is the price and availability please?

Sorry do not have any info at this time as DEPO refused to provide sample on this one along with my current order going out in a week time, so weird. So I will have to source it from my other supplier in other country, only able to source the DEPO red/smoke red/clear tail lamp as of now, price is around $550.

 

[uclafan]

Sorry do not have any info at this time as DEPO refused to provide sample on this one along with my current order going out in a week time, so weird. So I will have to source it from my other supplier in other country, only able to source the DEPO red/smoke red/clear tail lamp as of now, price is around $550.

@ranma21 let us know if/when you get a taillight sample in from DEPO and can post some pictures. I understand that the quality of the DEPOs are worth waiting for? What is the lead time for these lights?

 

[ranma21]

@ranma21 let us know if/when you get a taillight sample in from DEPO and can post some pictures. I understand that the quality of the DEPOs are worth waiting for? What is the lead time for these lights?

Sure I will definitely post picture once it is confirmed. Yes DEPO offer one of the best quality aftermarket lamp in the market. I should be able to get some in about 2 months time.

 

[RS6tofj80]

@ranma21 - interested if they have a darker option - my fleabay specials, are not special........beware chinese junk.....lesson learned...

still have those rear 3rd row seats as well if you want them....

E

 

[uclafan]

@ranma21 - interested if they have a darker option - my fleabay specials, are not special........beware chinese junk.....lesson learned...

still have those rear 3rd row seats as well if you want them....

E

Thanks @ranma21, looking forward to the pics. So, is 2 months lead time for delivery time for DEPO about the normal turnaround time?

@RS6tofj80, was curious as to your experience with your aftermarket taillight. I went to the Bay site that you posted (I think that the vendor was operating from Japan, but it would not surprise me if the lights were made in China), and it was hard to tell the quality from the pictures. Other than the tint not being as dark as you'd like, was there something more specific with the quality of the housing or the lights that you weren't happy with?

Thanks.

 

[RS6tofj80]

the tails are fine - a bit wider gap at the top then OEM
like the look and they are very bright at night

 

[dnh1]

the tails are fine - a bit wider gap at the top then OEM
like the look and they are very bright at night

Why not just get the OEM lights smoked by a shop and put a new bulb in. Seems like a much better solution.

 

[RS6tofj80]

I like the LED's in the ebay ones - and smoking/ tinting on the factory ends up very dark - more then I wanted on the white truck,but likely perfect for black or grey rigs.... i did use nightshades on the rear lower lenses in the bumper as a temp solution shile we wait for the Slee rear bumper.....

Cheers

 

[ranma21]

@ranma21 - interested if they have a darker option - my fleabay specials, are not special........beware chinese junk.....lesson learned...

still have those rear 3rd row seats as well if you want them....

E

Hey Erich, sure will let you know once I am able to get some. Yeah gotta becareful with fleabay stuff, stay away from no brand items if possible. Will text you about the goodies, been extremely busy

 

[ranma21]

Thanks @ranma21, looking forward to the pics. So, is 2 months lead time for delivery time for DEPO about the normal turnaround time?

@RS6tofj80, was curious as to your experience with your aftermarket taillight. I went to the Bay site that you posted (I think that the vendor was operating from Japan, but it would not surprise me if the lights were made in China), and it was hard to tell the quality from the pictures. Other than the tint not being as dark as you'd like, was there something more specific with the quality of the housing or the lights that you weren't happy with?

Thanks.

Yes the turnaround time from DEPO is usually 2 months from order to delivery.

 

[ranma21]

Just throwing out there, I am sure some of you guys knows that Toyota does makes a smoke version tail lamp for the factory Supercharged LX570 in the middle east.

 

[ranma21]

Update, have few sets of the smoke depo led tail lamp available now =)

 

[HRTROB]

Be careful with these cheap DEPO lights. I had Tom's LED tail lights in my Toyota 86 which were made by DEPO for Tom's and they are absolute garbage. The fit was fine, but the plastic was melting from the heat of the sun and the leds started to go out. $500 down the drain.

WARNING: Toms Taillight owners, check for melting! - Scion FR-S Forum | Subaru BRZ Forum | Toyota 86 GT 86 Forum | AS1 Forum - FT86CLUB

 

[ranma21]

Be careful with these cheap DEPO lights. I had Tom's LED tail lights in my Toyota 86 which were made by DEPO for Tom's and they are absolute garbage. The fit was fine, but the plastic was melting from the heat of the sun and the leds started to go out. $500 down the drain.

WARNING: Toms Taillight owners, check for melting! - Scion FR-S Forum | Subaru BRZ Forum | Toyota 86 GT 86 Forum | AS1 Forum - FT86CLUB

I will not generalize DEPO as cheap light just because a small percentage of a lamp defects out of thousands of lamp DEPO makes. As long as manufacturer warranty their product and replace with a good one then it is ok which seems to be the case with the lamp you have with authorized DEPO dealer. Did you not get yours from authorized DEPO retailer?

Say 5.7 3UR-FE is known for cam tower leak even in fairly new condition, does that mean Toyota makes cheap car? So far I have no problem/complaint with all the headlamps, corner lamp and tail lamp for 40, 60, 80 and 100 series I sold.

 

[ckkone]

I had the red Toms on my BRZ for two years and had some depot clear corners on my 100 series, didn’t have an issue with either.

 

[HRTROB]

I will not generalize DEPO as cheap light just because a small percentage of a lamp defects out of thousands of lamp DEPO makes. As long as manufacturer warranty their product and replace with a good one then it is ok which seems to be the case with the lamp you have with authorized DEPO dealer. Did you not get yours from authorized DEPO retailer?

Say 5.7 3UR-FE is known for cam tower leak even in fairly new condition, does that mean Toyota makes cheap car? So far I have no problem/complaint with all the headlamps, corner lamp and tail lamp for 40, 60, 80 and 100 series I sold.

I rarely use the car. Then I moved to a house which had a garage that exposes the rear of my 86 under direct sunlight. That's when it started to melt, and it was already way past warranty.

I used the term CHEAP because DEPO lights are indeed sold as cheap replacements for OEM lighting. You yourself said the DEPO headlights were $750 vs $1720 OEM. So your 3UR Cam tower leak analogy doesn't really apply here. The Tom's DEPO lights, which are not cheap at $500, are cheaply made in my opinion due to them melting and the LEDs going out.

I have used DEPO in the past and fit/finish is not as good as the OEM Koitos but close enough

 

[jetstream23]

Bump. Are Depo tail lights still the best way to go if you want something slightly tinted/smoked (not dark or blacked out)? Anyone who has found some good options please share. TIA