Headlight replacement ?? (1 Viewer)

[DJCloz]

When I purchased my 2013 last summer the headlights were already pretty shot. Weathered, discolored, Ect. It was a little surprising for a car with only 44k miles. I did a DIY refinish to them and they improved drastically. Not perfect, but much better than before. However, now that I am going to receive my dissent bumpers in the next couple weeks I am really considering just replacing them with brand new ones to get that front end super fresh. Are there any after market options out there that are worthy? If not where is the best pricing on Oem replacements?

 

[edwardg]

Aftermarket headlights are a total crapshoot. There were some on mine (2013 LC) when I bought it, and while the housings looked great and basically identical to OEM, the internals were not. Worst was a wobble on the projector housing that could have possibly been mitigated, but given the hassle of getting the assembly in/out of the truck, I just replaced with new OEM.

The pre-facelift style for a 2013 Land Cruiser seem to have been reduced after the last rev had been out for a while. I think I paid ~450 or so per side last year from one of the typical online-focused dealers (Olathe or McGeorge?).

 

[JcrewLC]

side question:

does the bumper have to be removed to remove the headlights?

 

[Cruisin911]

I agree with @edwardg on this. Aftermarket is complete crap. I am nursing mine along with multiple renewal kits. OEM is the ONLY way to go.

 

[Cruisin911]

side question:

does the bumper have to be removed to remove the headlights?

Loosened, yes. Completely removed, no.

 

[DJCloz]

After thought.... it's really the "top" area that bothers me. Has anyone ever vinyl wrapped this section as seen on other sporty type vehicles to change the look of the headlights?

 

[edwardg]

Loosened, yes. Completely removed, no.

Ah, yeah, that jogged my memory - having to pull the freaking bull bar was what made it such a headache for me. I imagine loosening the factory bumper is significantly easier.

 

[04UZJ100]

Replace with OEM and put PPF on them.

 

[Lester did that]

They look like they are just starting the blushing out. No tiny cracks yet. Meguiar's has a really great restoration kit. Their clear coat spray is what sets it apart from others. You can also buy the headlight clear coat separate. So even if you have brand new vehicle and apply it once a year it will keep the plastic headlights from blushing in the future. It's great stuff.

As everyone said the replacement aftermarket units are complete junk. I've never had a good experience with them. The OEM units are very expensive for what it is. Remember when they where made from glass? Windex or simple green problem solved. I guess the complicated shapes today would make a glass option cost $$$$.

Amazon product ASIN B01M75GUJB

 

[greendiver]

Mine looked like yours last year. Took the time to sand and polish using the Craftsman kit I got at Home Depot. Not new but looks pretty good. Still has the crazing on the top but not yellow anymore.

 

[DJCloz]

I'll take another stab at refinishing them this weekend! I'm pretty
Sure I have the meguires kit

 

[PDoyle]

I just replaced the high and low beams. I saw this thread and bought the bulbs. Great results.

Builds - eatSleepWoof's '14 LX

Yesterday the Tacoma got traded in for this 2014 LX570. It has only ~39,000km, (after the drive home), and is a single-owner car. The drive home, over numerous high-elevation, snow-covered mountain passes was better than I could have imagined. Despite seriously worn all season tires, the LX...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[DJCloz]

I finally got around to refinishing my headlights with the McGuire kit I have. They loook much better. I even did my front Toyota emblem that was a bit faded. I guess I don't need new headlights

 

[glfadk72]

I finally got around to refinishing my headlights with the McGuire kit I have. They loook much better. I even did my front Toyota emblem that was a bit faded. I guess I don't need new headlights

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Love the hidden light bar, did you do it or have it installed. Would love to do on mine.

 

[DJCloz]

@glfadk72 thanks man. I really liked it too! It was a 38" single row split that I had laying around, so I installed it. The mounts I made with square stock was far from pretty, but did the job. I now have a dissent front bumper....... I do miss that stock look.