Educate me on Headlights.

My headlights are crazing from age, the truck is '06 TRD Sport. I've done the "restore" rub, but that is a temporary solution. So, I'm looking to replace both sides.

I can find numerous Assemblies on the net. My question is what is the difference between a "Sport" and "w/o Sport" headlight assy? I gather these are labeled as Type 1 and Type 2. Which is which Type?

Fitment difference?
Lens difference?

 

From what I gather in the links below.
Only the “tent” or “smoked” lenses.
Basically they are the same dimensions and fit either model.
The difference is “looks”.

Obviously, the Gen 2.5 headlights won’t fit. (2012+)


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-sport-headlights-vs-tacoma-non-sport-headlights.213142/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/sport-headlights-vs-sr5-and-or.252282/

 

Non-Sport has bright chrome surrounds.
Sport has dark chrome surrounds.

Both have clear lenses. Both have the same reflector buckets, and use the same bulbs/sockets. Mounting points are the same. Functionally they are identical.

Type 1 vs Type 2, I think refers to the lens style used on the DRL/turn signal. Guessing here, but type 1 is probably the original design, and type 2 is the updated TSB version.

 

Knute, I Can’t help you as far as new headlights but I can tell you the secrete to making headlights stay crystal clear after restoring them is to put a coat of Headlight UV protectant and sealant on them. When the headlights get hazy and oxidized the UV protectant properties in the plastic have deteriorated. When you refurbish them what little is left is destroyed. There is nothing left to protect them from UV’s and other environmental contaminants, so they get hazy again quickly. Using a protectant will keep them clear for a long long time. I’ve done my lights twice. The last time was a couple years ago and they still look great. I spray protectant on twice a year, easy peasy. My truck is outside 24/7 so no protection from the elements at all. I use Meguiar’s but there are several on the market. Here’s what I use.

 

@Sprig

Thanks for the tip. My truck endures all the weather also. Central IA weather has big swings....from bone chilling blizzards with windchill pushing -30s*F to F5 Tornado to 100*F temperatures with matching humidity.

I'll turn to the UV protectant to squeak out some more time. The budget will take a hit with OEM heads. Not particularly comfortable with the reports of leaks in Aftermarket units in just months.

 

Alright, we will try those for the incoming 4Runner project. It has been sitting under the tree for about 2 years but immediately fired up after oil and filter change. The front end needs some TLC including the bumper repaint and headlight restoration. Still waiting for it to return from tire mounting and balancing before we can do the cosmetics.

 

Thanks Sprig, I've done mine twice ( on a 2010) and they don't last very long.

 

I just want to second what was said above. There are a lot of products that work very well at restoring the headlight. But the key to making it last is UV protection.

Here is a comparison of a few popular brands:

 

Another option that worked well for me is clear wrapping your headlights. its cheap to buy and fairly easy to install.

 

UV protection added to our to-do list.

 

I've used this on my old Corolla. It worked really well. I would do this before I'd buy some leaky aftermarket crap. It'll hold up well for a few years if you do you part with surface prep.

 

restore kit will work for a month then fade again

you can get new aftermarket housings
TRD Sport because the black looks better

then with brighter bulbs and stronger harness as depicted in Ultimate Headlight Upgrade thread, the lighting will be decent

 

If you want to do the black headlight mod (BLHM) heres the link for that.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/blacking-out-headlights-how-to.2327/

For the lens restoration it depends how bad they are. If there is some spider web cracking then that cannot be fixed and new headlights will be needed. If it just weather fading then your all good. However the above process with the Meguairs will last a couple years. If you want permanent (10yr plus) then you want to use a UV clear coat. This will last longer than the clear coat on your truck! haha SprayMax 2K is an automotive grade 2 part clear that is as good or better than the clear coat on your truck.

Supplies:
- SprayMax 2K Clear Glamour

$25 Spray max USC 2k High Gloss Clearcoat Aerosol

https://www.amazon.com/U-S-Chemical...d=1624972157&sr=8-1-spons&smid=A1UMBRA5ZTBCX8
- 340, 600, 800 grit sand paper, preferably automotive grade
- Soft sanding block to avoid groves from your fingers, not 100% needed but it helps.

Trade Associates 2/3 Dura Block 10 1/2'' Sanding Block

https://www.amazon.com/Dura-Block-A...4&sr=1-4-5519553e-2baa-451e-af83-b0156e5c6669
- Spray bottle (32oz) with water and 1-2 drops of Dawn, no more. You don't want suds, it adds a little lubricity and clearing of the sand paper.
- 91% Isopropyl Alcohol or Automotive Wax and Grease remover
- Lint free rags.
- 1500 and 2500
- Polish and a drill polishing pad, harbor freight is fine.

Precaution:
SprayMax 2k clear is some nasty stuff on your lungs. Make absolutely sure you have a well ventilated area and wear a mask!

Here is my process:
- Remove headlights, not needed but makes things a lot easier.
- Wet sand 340 until sanding marks are even and uniform after drying
- Wet sand 600 until sanding marks are even and uniform after drying
- Wet sand 800 until sanding marks are even and uniform after drying. Do NOT sand any finer (like 1000 grit) than 800 grit. Since there is no clear plastic adhesion promotor you are relying on mechanical adhesion, after 2 coats it is crystal clear.
- Clean the lens well with either Alcohol or Wax and Grease remover
- Mix the can of 2k clear and spray a light tack coat, follow about 10-15 min after with a slightly heavier coat and follow instructions for following coats. Use the whole can for both headlights since after mixing you only have approximately 24hrs of use.
- Allow to dry overnight or longer.
- Don't worry if you get a run or a slight amount of orange peel. You simply wet sand gently with 1500, 2500 and follow with a polish to clear things up.
- Reinstall headlights, re-aim and your all good!!!!

 

Thanks all.

If I'm going to the trouble to remove the headlights, then I'll replace them with OEM.

FWIW, I have restored headlights on my truck and on a '07 Corolla. I know the process, just didn't have a good UV coating. So, I was faced with the task on a too frequent basis.

Sure would like to see glass headlights again...............

 

Easy to tape off