Headlights are yellowed and weird deformed sort of crack

I noticed today while cleaning the truck up the headlights are very yellowed, lots of bugs stuck to them so I sprayed bon ami on them and noticed it took almost all the yellowing off(dripping yellow), so I kept spraying it and scrubbing until they were clear, but then noticed a vertical line in the middle of each lens as if it had almost cracked and you can feel the imperfection as if maybe there was a layer underneath that cracked....weird. Is this normal? Also tried to clear up the fogging when I got rid of the yellowing with some wd40, that didn’t last long. Any good tips to make the plastic look clear on these?

 

I bought some new headlights because mine were starting to get hazy and I wanted to update them anyway. However I have done the steps in the video below with some pretty good success. I recommend going through the effort of removing the lights if you decide to go this route.

https://youtu.be/UEJbKLZ7RmM

 

They sell a headlight cleaner kit everywhere around $20 that you simply rub on and around then wipe off each light about 5 minutes, then a spray to protect the plastic so it does not cloud up again. Not sure what year Tacoma but my 09 had the daytime running lights which are the yellow blinker bulbs in the headlight and they melt the plastic and it cracks the assembly. Was an unannounced fix/recall that no one saw until all were out of warranty time as BS so you are on your own (as usual). I bought new headlights at headlight depo and about $120 with Perde bulbs in the 6000 spectrum which are great at night. I sealed with silicon around all seams before install. Easy aiming also and good cutout on beams. Lots of posts on headlight names and quality on the site so do a search for more info.

 

If you get a kit off the shelf it will do the trick as well but if you don't spray a clear coat on it you will be back in the same spot by 3 months.

 

The vertical line is something in the molding of the lens. I have resealed my headlights twice now on my '06.

 

I've got aftermarket on all three of my trucks. As long as you take the time to seal the parting line all the way around with silicone, they will never get moisture in them. That being said, I'm getting about 2-3 years out of them before the plastic starts degrading, getting cloudy, etc. I just buy a new set for $125 and swap them out.

 

If you get new headlight lens they will just get hazy over time. Get a good headlight restoration kit and make them look like new. I used Meguiers heavy duty restoration kit 3 years ago and the lights still look good. The secret is to treat the headlights once or twice a year with a uv protector or a clear coat. Actually my lights are starting to a very slight haze. I’ll treat them again and be good for another 3 or so years.

 

The kits work well. Dont get worried when you start sanding, trust the process. on my wife's car they looked brand new. i used the 3M

On a side note, i use aerospace 303 cleaner and protectant and my tacoma lights look like the day i bought it

 

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...ration-kit/39008/4462929?q=3m+headlight&pos=1
Just did my headlights last weekend kit above is cheap and works great just follow the directions to a tee. Works a lot better with a faster rpm drill just make sure to tape off about 1-2 inches around the headlights with a good painters tape or the 3m stuff made for cars. The more sanding you do in the beginning stages the better the outcome will be in the end.

 

I was going to get that kit as well. Did you buy a seperate uv sealer? I think 3m makes wipes as well, but I dont believe they are included in the kit.

 

This kit does NOT include any uv sealer, the kit comes with 2 different grit sanding wheels, 1 wet sanding wheel, 1 polish/compound wheel, and compound. You will need to get some painters tape or any other masking tape of your choice as it does not come included in the kit. Kit works REALLY well just be sure to use a drill that can reach higher rpms and take your time especially with the first couple steps when sanding.

 

When your lenses are that yellowed you just need new headlights. The key is caring for them so they don’t oxidize. You can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube.

 

I should warn you that although 303 is a pretty good product, it comes off in the very first wash or rain storm.

 

The 3M lens restorer kit on Amazon

3M 39084 Headlight Restoration Kit

3M Headlight Restoration Kit, Simple Process to Restore Cloudy & Dull Headlights, Hand Application, 1 Kit (39084)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006VB8JTQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tcXxDbHHNXWCC

works suuuuuper well. But at the end of the day nothing restores lenses like a brand new set of lenses

 

Best permanent solution is to apply clear PPF (paint protection film) to the headlights after removing the haze / yellow. Xpel or Lamin-X make pre-cut kits for around $50. Apply once and never again. Side benefit is a small amount of extra protection from rocks / stones.

 

Its possible, but im not sure how you tell. I have used it on my tonneau as well, and after having other tonneau's i can say that the 303 has absolutely extended the life of it as well as the headlights. The bottle also says up to 30 days. Probably a stretch but i doubt a product would be made that can only be used in dry weather.

 

It might last 30 days - on a porous surface. I use it on the upholstery in my boat. But headlight lenses are not porous and that's why I think it will wash / rinse right off. If you want something to protect your headlight lenses, there are any number of waxes / sealants / coatings out there with excellent UV protection. Then again, anything is better than nothing.

 

303 is not the best for exterior.

 

I just got a pair of TYC replacements through RockAuto.com, $40 each and here in three days. They even include the bulbs. I've used TYC on a bunch of different rigs over the years and the quality and fit was always on point.