Headlight Replacement

My 2016 Taco has sat outside for 9 years because it doesn’t fit in my garage.The headlights have yellowed due to Sun exposure and I wish to replace them with NON-YELLOWING headlights. Does such a thing exist? I need something that will fit AND plug in with no need for electrical modification… I’m looking at LEDs…

Can anybody make any suggestions? I’m a 72 year old woman and I’m basically clueless. Thank You in advance

 

Plastic headlight lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is damaged by UV light exposure. To extend their lifespan, polycarbonate lenses are coated with a UV protective coating.

Non-polycarbonate lenses are not used in the US, although I believe in ECE regulated countries, the use of Grilamid, an equally shatter resistant plastic which is itself not damaged by UV exposure is legal.

Your best bet is to replace the existing headlamps with a new(er) set of OEM lamps, and try to park with the front of the vehicle facing away from the sun as much as possible throughout the day.

You can also sand off the exterior hazing/crazing plastic and what remains of the factory UV protective coating, and apply a UV protectant topcoat. It's a bit time consuming, but it is basically wet-sanding with various grits until you have a fine haze over the entire lens with no deep grooves or scratches. Typically I've started with 4 or 600 grit (depending on how bad the lens exterior is), then 800, 1k and 1500 grit, keeping bith the sand paper and lens wet with clean water mixed with just a drop of dawn detergent to increase lubricity. Then you clean off the plastic residue, tape off the body using painters tape and newspaper, and apply a clear coat evenly.

2k (UV curing) gloss clear will last the longest, but there also headlight specific products like "Light Rite" in a similar price range.

If you don't want to pay for new OEM headlamps, take a look at the sales forum for 3rd gens. Headlights get listed ocassionally and will be much cheaper than from a dealer parts desk.

Edit- if you want LEDs specifically, the OEM LED headlamps are the best performing options out there by a pretty big margin -BUT- you will need a wiring conversion harness. I believe @Puppypunter makes these. I've bought a wiring harness for triggering auxiliary lights with my oem led headlamps, and the quality is extremely good. He uses oem plugs and everything is extremely neat and tidy.

 

Please remove Help from the thread title.





Park facing north.

I made a template for my headlights and buy rectangle sheets of LaminX and apply it every 3-5 years front of the lens. I live at 7000’ and UV damage is very common. Find a pair of take off OEM headlight that have clear lens, buy the LaminX, and install them.

Almost all headlight restoration kits suck and you will have to keep doing it until the lens gets so thin it cracks.

 

I used this kit once. Followed the instructions and it worked well. Lasted for a little over two years - until I sold that car

$22 SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps to Restore Sun Damaged Headlights with Exclusive UV Block Clear Coat, Light Output and Beam Pattern Restored, Long Lasting Protection

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK?th=1

 

There is no “park facing North” for me. My driveway is oriented East/West. Also, my truck is parked in Albuquerque (5,500’) or Taos (7,000’) but I’ve basically gleaned the same from Google searches. The film over headlamps seems to be superior to any kind of spray-on sealant. I WANT LED as the OEMs are not bright enough for me to see Elk on backcountry roads. Further research is ongoing. Thank You for your response❤️

 

Definitely stick with the OEM headlights if switching. There are sales on Toyota parts once or twice a year, in this case it might be worth waiting for, as they are well over $1k for the pair. As mentioned you will need a harness made to avoid wiring. Also look at yootuber install videos to plan if you want to to install these or sub the work out.

 

Add the 2020+ newer design oem led headlights, just simply use the piggy back harness as noted above. I’ve modded my truck a lot, from suspension, to armor/winches etc., I recommend the headlights over any mod now, it’s insane the difference between my original headlights and the new design oem led’s. They aren’t cheap but you feel so much safer driving at night on and off-road. To prevent yellowing, I’ve added clear bra to them, many years with the clear bra on headlights and all my vehicles have yet to experience issues yellowing with it.

 

I'll just add that any headlight assembly will fade and yellow over time.

The most practical and cost-effective method would be to use a lens restorer kit to being them back to their clear and no-yellow lustre.
It's a fun little half afternoon job with a cold beverage in the sun. Or many auto detailers and pointless dent repair folks offer this service if you're not up for the task.

From my experience a well performed restoration will last over 2 years. Headlight assemblies are super expensive (north of $1500) and I wouldn't want to go that route unless absolutely necessary

 

What an adorable dog!!! 11/10

 

Get you a harness adapter and replace them with OEM led headlights you won’t be disappointed.