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My lights are very dim. I am assuming I need new headlights?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by N81292, Sep 9, 2016.

  1. Sep 9, 2016 at 3:12 PM
    #21
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    Randy
    West Valley, AZ
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    Which ones you go with?
     
  2. Sep 9, 2016 at 3:14 PM
    #22
    N81292

    N81292 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The OEMs I linked in an earlier post.
     
  3. Sep 9, 2016 at 3:19 PM
    #23
    OneWheelPeel

    OneWheelPeel Well-Known Member

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    Phoenix, AZ
  4. Sep 9, 2016 at 3:23 PM
    #24
    LeftCoastNerd

    LeftCoastNerd Old 'nuff to know betta

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    John
    Santa Cruz, California
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    FWIW, the Depo brand aftermarket OE replacement headlights are pretty decent quality, I've put these on several vehicles, including a Toyota Camry, a Mercedes, a couple Volvos.
     
  5. Sep 9, 2016 at 4:25 PM
    #25
    Ridgerunner

    Ridgerunner Well-Known Member

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    Rocklin, Ca.
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    2001 with; cat-back side-swept twin exhaust, elbow mod, Westin bullbar with Hella 450 driving lights, Snugtop XTR camper shell, TRD off-road 2x4-black beauty.
    I just use the stuff for my truck body, Klasse All-In-One cleaner/sealant. I apply it with a cotton terri cloth in a circular motion two applications and all that dull stuff disappears. I even have done 2 neighbors' vehicles for them LOL. The cutter in the stuff that removes surface scratches and contaminants from the paint finish is what does the same job on headlights as those headlight restore kits do but for a lot less.
     
  6. Sep 9, 2016 at 4:31 PM
    #26
    LeftCoastNerd

    LeftCoastNerd Old 'nuff to know betta

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    I buffed the living daylights out of the 8 year old headlights on my wife's 04 Camry using the Mother's brand headlight cleaner kit with the foam polishing ball, they looked like new when I was done. I think it took nearly an hour on each light, splattered polish compound everywhere, my wrists hurt for a week.
    before and after:
    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    a year later they were nearly as bad. I replaced them with Depo brand headlights... the originals I'd polished are on the ground...
    [​IMG]
     
  7. Sep 9, 2016 at 5:42 PM
    #27
    Indy

    Indy Master of all I survey.

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  8. Sep 19, 2016 at 11:36 AM
    #28
    N81292

    N81292 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Here's the difference.

    [​IMG]

    The job is easy. Removing the grill took more time than it did removing and reinstalling the old and new lights. If you're going to do this, just remember that when you're removing the side lenses you should do so cautiously as the plastic piece where it meets on top of the grill can break very easily.

    I can tell a difference in visibility when driving at night no doubt, but it isn't as good as I had hoped for however it was worth the time. Perhaps I could have done more research and bought nicer bulbs but oh well. Maybe replacing my battery will help with that (I doubt it).

    Thank you everyone for your quick replies nevertheless.
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2016
    EatSleepTacos and OneWheelPeel like this.

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