2006 headlights

My 2006 headlights are completely yellow and are in desperate need of replacing. I’ve gone through the refinishing process twice with kits from auto zone but it only last about a year each time. I need some recommendations on good headlight replacements that won’t break the bank. I’ve searched Amazon and eBay and the prices are decent but I can’t decide what is quality and what isn’t. I need someone with experience to help me out. *Before all the regulars blast me for not checking the previously posted forums, please know I’ve done that. All I can find are folks that are working on rewriring or labor intensive projects that are more than I want to tackle. I’m looking for an easy replacement project, nothing fancy.

 

another link for your perusal. never got a bad part from here ever.
https://www.1aauto.com/search?q=headlight&year=2006&model=405

 

I would highly recommend getting oem replacements. For your money it’s your best investment. The Toyota engineers know what there doing when it comes to the headlights. If you take care of the new ones if you get them they should last another 10 years. I replaced both of mine in the spring and i cleanbthem with plexus and protect them 303 aerospace. From experience with low dollar headlights they get condensation in them.theres a member on here (gully) I think who can get you a good discount on oem parts i believe he works for a dealership

 

Let me answer your question with a question. How picky are you about headlight performance? If you're not very picky and / or cannot tell the difference, you can buy any number of aftermarket headlight housings, try to seal them up to prevent condensation and call it a day. You'll also save a decent amount of money up front. On the other hand, you'll have to endure poor light (pattern) quality, possible condensation and early lens degradation (oxidation). That's the sad truth about virtually every aftermarket headlight housing.

Or, you could spend a few extra bucks up front and buy OEM headlight housings - either new or used. As has already been said, there are very clear (no pun intended) reasons why the OEM lights cost more money up front. In my extensive experience though, they're well worth the price. Your choice.

BTW, here's a set of used housings out of a 2007 that might fit your bill:
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/pts/d/toyota-tacoma-headlights/6738292663.html

 

Nice post! I should tell you that as much as I like 303 Aerospace Protectant in certain applications, using it on headlights is not going to work very well in the longer term since it literally washes off in the first wash or rain storm. You'll be much further ahead using a wax or synthetic sealant with UV inhibitors. (The sealants will last at least twice as long though.) Most good synthetic sealants contain the UV inhibitors, but my favorite is Menzerna Power Lock. Try it and you'll love it. You'll also be able to save the 303 for applications it's better suited for.

 

Thanks have to try it!

 

Meguiar's makes a clear coat spray like paint. I just did the headlights on my Corolla and they look like new. We'll see how long it hold up but I agree, it sounds like the aftermarket offerings are not nearly as good as the stock units.

 

It is important to understand that headlight restoration kits remove all the UV protective coating from the headlight. So while they look better initially, they will rapidly fog much worse than before unless you regularly apply a UV stabilizer coating. Several different brands like Meguiars and others make these UV protective coatings. This becomes a regular maintenance items that you should incorporate possibly with your oil changes, or waxing schedule depending on how often you do so.

If looking for new assemblies, I would strongly recommend OEM for reasons already discussed. Here is a copy/past from the ultimate headlight upgrade thread.

OEM 2005-2011 smoked headlights:
These are like the Pro lights, but came on select Sport models. These are available loaded with bulbs, and unloaded w/o bulbs, saving $60 off the set . These part numbers are for the unloaded housings. These are the updated TSB version of the lights that do not have the melting DRL issue.
Right #81130-04173
Left #81170-04173

Stock light on left, Pro on right. 2012-2015 lights shown for color reference.

 

I would say as far as the reflectors etc go yes they do, however the plastic Toyota uses tends to yellow much more than some other vehicles.

Every Toyota I have had has yellowing plastic for the head lamps and every Ford maintains crystal clear headlights, in my Rangers case they still looked new after parts were rusting off it and it would stop running randomly the day I traded it in for my Taco.

 

Here is the set I got with the black TRD sport housings. The work great and fit perfectly. $150 for the set.

Headlights Headlamps Left & Right Pair Set for 05-11 Tacoma Sport Pickup Truck

$168 Headlights Headlamps Left & Right Pair Set for 05-11 Tacoma Sport Pickup Truck

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077373QJJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1r7-BbQXQJJ74

 

https://www.carid.com/2008-toyota-tacoma-headlights/lumen-factory-style-headlights-847875616.html

This is a set that i liked for my ‘08. As you can see, this sight has Many options, including bulb upgrade options and conversions.

 

I have seen in the past, that people recommend clear coating new lights to make the more UV resistant. I cannot find those older threads but now want to look into this option and wonder exactly what people are clear coating them with.

 

Here's one of the many products available:

$14 Meguiar's G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating - 4 Oz Spray

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G17...ocphy=9005676&hvtargid=pla-494576505021&psc=1

 

PURCHASED.

 

Just to expand on one of the posts above, maybe for someone else doing the research, the clear coat process is simple, effective and lasts. Simply sand the headlights with a 2000 or so grit sandpaper. Wetsand that is. When done, spray clear coat over the plastic and they'll come out looking like new. Won't fade back either as you've now got paint on the headlight, albeit clear paint.

 

A “permanent” fix would be nice. I wish they were glass. All of this stiff would be easiest while the headlights are yet to be mounted, for sure.

permanent

 

Whew, glass! That would be an expense due to all the curves on the lamp! You'd also have to buy a glass protector. Would almost be like the glass/plexiglass headlight protectors over the MK1 XKE!