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I want to retrofit my headlights but...

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by iJDub, Aug 4, 2013.

  1. Aug 4, 2013 at 4:29 PM
    #1
    iJDub

    iJDub [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have an 06 and I want to retrofit the headlights...but the plastic lense is starting to dull a bit...I don't want to spend more money on NEW headlights...but I don't know if I want to drop money on these headlights if the lenses are starting to dull. I know they sell the restoration kits...but not sure how long that stuff will last before it starts to dull again...

    Recommendations?
     
  2. Aug 4, 2013 at 4:31 PM
    #2
    Germ

    Germ Master Navigator/Zipper Operator

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    Restoration kits did wonders on my dodge headlights. Couldn't tell you how long it will last though since the tranny gave out 8 months after I restored them. Definitely a better option than replacing the headlights though.
     
  3. Aug 4, 2013 at 4:52 PM
    #3
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    Buy a new set.
    Depo housings are good, but since you're doing a retrofit, the reflector and quality of the seal of the housing won't matter.
    A pair on Amazon with the BHLM already done is around $160 shipped.
    Be careful... some vendors are selling single lights for that price.

    Retrofit the new set, then spend an afternoon installing and aiming them. That way your truck won't be down for 2-3 days with no headlights.
     
  4. Aug 4, 2013 at 4:53 PM
    #4
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    Only helped a small amount on my wife's '04 Rav4, and within 6 months they were as bad as before.
     
  5. Aug 4, 2013 at 4:59 PM
    #5
    junkman

    junkman Well-Known Member

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    I hear you can can buff them and then clear coat to make them stay clear longer. Not sure if it is true, but this guy I know that has a body shop says it works.
     
  6. Aug 4, 2013 at 5:02 PM
    #6
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    It works for a while.
    I've even seen some acceptable jobs done with a rattle can.

    But if the housings are coming out for a retrofit, it's just a lot easier to replace them and remember to keep them waxed this time.
     
  7. Aug 4, 2013 at 8:52 PM
    #7
    iJDub

    iJDub [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Do the aftermarket lenses hold up? Dunno if the quality deteriorates faster?
     
  8. Aug 4, 2013 at 9:25 PM
    #8
    iJDub

    iJDub [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Looks like everyone is selling 1 side for 130ish. Not a pair.
     
  9. Aug 4, 2013 at 10:06 PM
    #9
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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  10. Aug 4, 2013 at 10:15 PM
    #10
    iJDub

    iJDub [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you my searchfoo sucks apparently.
     
  11. Aug 4, 2013 at 10:16 PM
    #11
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    LOL!

    "Tacoma Depo pair"
     

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