Replacement for foggy, scratched headlights - options?

[2008LX]

I have a 2008 LX570 that is still a great looking truck. Only major aesthetic flaw is the headlights. They are scratched, foggy and generally just look bad. They probably hinder my visibility at night as well.

I have tried the auto zone fixes and they make the lights look a little better but it only lasts a week or two. And those kits really only make them look a little better. The lights still make the truck look its age when the rest of the truck looks great.

Does anybody have any good fixes outside of buying new oem headlight assemblies from Lexus? I think it would cost about $800 just for the parts. Im guessing total cost with labor would be $1,500 or more. I've scoured the web and haven't found anything good. There are some Chinese companies selling just the lenses (which is really all I need) but idk how good they are or how easy to actually install.

Help!

 

[bloc]

Chinese lenses are total crap, and very difficult to install without introducing water leaks. Bring the truck to a detailer with good reviews and a history of working on higher end cars. They will get them crystal clear, and it shouldn’t cost much money. The tough part will be keeping them clear.. do whatever the detailer says.

 

[airforce1]

I also have an '08 LX.

Any headlight fixes are temporary but you can extend it by applying a 3M sealant after polishing the lenses:

Amazon product ASIN B079QL8BYK

 

[LandyAndy]

If you're handy, following this video worked extremely well for me on my '11 LX. There's a reason this has almost 28M views.

 

[nwfl4runner]

I went to 2 reputable detailers who have done wonders on my cars and both times they did the best they could but the headlights were too far gone/cracked to last. Looked “great” compared to their natural state, and then faded.

Bought 2 new headlights and installed in 2 hours one night. it’s just removing the front grill/bumper, battery, and then some bolts. Extremely easy, especially if you have a friend to just help hold the plastic bumper as you pop it out. It’s Tupperware, so weighs nothing.

Message me if you decide to try it, I’ll walk you through it. Then get it XPEL covered and you’re set.

Probably the biggest difference in refreshing mine that I noticed.

 

[airforce1]

I went to 2 reputable detailers who have done wonders on my cars and both times they did the best they could but the headlights were too far gone/cracked to last. Looked “great” compared to their natural state, and then faded.

Bought 2 new headlights and installed in 2 hours one night. it’s just removing the front grill/bumper, battery, and then some bolts. Extremely easy, especially if you have a friend to just help hold the plastic bumper as you pop it out. It’s Tupperware, so weighs nothing.

Message me if you decide to try it, I’ll walk you through it. Then get it XPEL covered and you’re set.

Probably the biggest difference in refreshing mine that I noticed.

where did you source your headlights?

 

[bloc]

I went to 2 reputable detailers who have done wonders on my cars and both times they did the best they could but the headlights were too far gone/cracked to last. Looked “great” compared to their natural state, and then faded.

So they got them clear, but couldn’t keep them that way?

 

[nwfl4runner]

where did you source your headlights?

OEM Toyota & Lexus Parts | Capital Toyota Parts

Capital Toyota specializes in selling genuine OEM Toyota and Lexus replacement parts and accessories at the best prices online.

oemstop.capitaltoyota.net

So they got them clear, but couldn’t keep them that way?

Yeah - although no idea if they sealed them after. The lights were yellowed and cracked

 

[2008LX]

I went to 2 reputable detailers who have done wonders on my cars and both times they did the best they could but the headlights were too far gone/cracked to last. Looked “great” compared to their natural state, and then faded.

Bought 2 new headlights and installed in 2 hours one night. it’s just removing the front grill/bumper, battery, and then some bolts. Extremely easy, especially if you have a friend to just help hold the plastic bumper as you pop it out. It’s Tupperware, so weighs nothing.

Message me if you decide to try it, I’ll walk you through it. Then get it XPEL covered and you’re set.

Probably the biggest difference in refreshing mine that I noticed.

I'm going to order new ones. Seems like the only other option is the restoration kits but mine are too far gone. Did you have to order any other parts beside the headlight assemblies? I see bolts, seals and various mounting brackets on the website you provided.

 

[nwfl4runner]

I'm going to order new ones. Seems like the only other option is the restoration kits but mine are too far gone. Did you have to order any other parts beside the headlight assemblies? I see bolts, seals and various mounting brackets on the website you provided.

Just headlight assembly and then swapped over the wiring on the bench. A few small screws is all!

 

[2008LX]

Just headlight assembly and then swapped over the wiring on the bench. A few small screws is all!

Nice I just placed the order. If I need help on the install I will send you a message. Thanks for your help!

 

[TomEf]

No BS, this is the best solution I've found. $10 at any parts store. Has lasted longer than the other stuff I've tried, but even if they start to fog again it takes like 20-30 minutes to redo it.

Wipe New Headlight Restore - Clear Headlights in Just Seconds!

Wipe New Headlight Restore restores worn foggy headlights to improve illumination and visibility while driving.

www.rustoleum.com

 

[2008LX]

Got my new headlight assemblies installed. Huge difference in the overall look of this nearly 13-year old car. Shoutout to nwfl4runner for sending me some killer instructions.

Before:

After:

 

[04UZJ100]

Get some PPF on them and it won’t happen again.

 

[bloc]

Got my new headlight assemblies installed. Huge difference in the overall look of this nearly 13-year old car. Shoutout to nwfl4runner for sending me some killer instructions.

Before:
View attachment 2529200
View attachment 2529204

After:
View attachment 2529205
View attachment 2529206
View attachment 2529208

It really does make a huge difference in the appearance..

 

[2008LX]

Get some PPF on them and it won’t happen again.

Yep I'm looking at Expel website now. Looks like about $105 for the headlamp/fogs kit

 

[auggafj80]

Just replaced my headlights on the 08LC. $170 a piece OEM from McGeorge Toyota was cheapest I could find. Now the fog lights look bad in comparison. They want more for the fogs than the headlights though. New lights look good on LX

 

[2008LX]

Just replaced my headlights on the 08LC. $170 a piece OEM from McGeorge Toyota was cheapest I could find. Now the fog lights look bad in comparison. They want more for the fogs than the headlights though. New lights look good on LX

That is an amazing price! These cost me over $900 for the pair. And mine is also an '08. Is that really the parts price difference between Toyota and Lexus?

 

[afgman786]

That is an amazing price! These cost me over $900 for the pair. And mine is also an '08. Is that really the parts price difference between Toyota and Lexus?

08 LC is also uses halogens and the housing doesn't have any of the fancy work the LX has.

Just replaced my headlights on the 08LC. $170 a piece OEM from McGeorge Toyota was cheapest I could find. Now the fog lights look bad in comparison. They want more for the fogs than the headlights though. New lights look good on LX

You could buy some aftermarket short light bars for each of the fogs instead. Mine are destroyed as well, just waiting for when I get my bumper to replace them.

 

[2008LX]

08 LC is also uses halogens and the housing doesn't have any of the fancy work the LX has.

My '08 LX also uses halogens. Maybe the LC doesn't have the adaptive headlights that the LX has.