12-13 BHLM advice needed

Ok I viewed many of the threads on here regarding this mod. I guess my questions isnt with the MOD itself, but here we go. My 13 tacoma was just hit in the front, however it did not scratch the Headlights, but I do need to replace them becacue all the plastic tabs that hold the headlight in place broke. Since I want to try this mod is it possible to either buy just the backside of the headlight from toyato. If I cant do that I was thinking of buying the cheaper knock off headlight replacements since I will only be using the back plastic part of the cheap headlights and I would reuse my OEM bezels and covers. Is there anyreason way I should spend the 350.00 per headlights for the OEM ones when I really only need the back part of them? Any insight or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

They come as a whole unit, the toyota body shop isn't going to order two headlight backs and put the customers in the oven to heat up the butyl and swap lenses. They are going to swap the whole light.

You could practice on your broken ones and then take the new ones apart and swap the BHLM pieces over or sell the lights for scrap. Retrofitters like me could use the interior pieces to have some set aside for future retrofits or if something internal breaks.

But you can get used lights in like new condition for $76-125 on ebay. That is the route I will be going if I decide to retrofit another set to sell.

 

The bodyshop has agreed to let me have my old headlights back and let me buy what replacements I want. At firts I didnt relize that there isnt much out there for aftermarket 12-13 headlights and that I have to mod factory ones to get the look I want. So in short you recommand that I do use OEM backs insead of buying the cheapo knockoff versions for lights. Just to get used oem ones instead? Right? I am going to go get my factory lights from the bodyshop today so I can start working on them.

 

Read the guide in my signature. The heat gun will not provide enough even heating to the whole housing for you to detach the lens without probably ruining the backing plate or the lens first.

And yes OP I would get good condition used ones opposed to buying $500 worth of lights from the dealership...

 

Ok I will keep an eye on ebay then. Thanks for the help. Nice sig I love A7X