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Best-looking Aftermarket Headlights?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by bigm2008, Mar 7, 2025.

  1. Mar 7, 2025 at 8:25 AM
    #1
    bigm2008

    bigm2008 [OP] New Member

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    Marie
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    Maroon 1999 Tacoma Standard Cab 4WD, 2.7L I4, 5MT
    No mods yet, but considering many :)
    Hi everyone! I'm curious about your recommendations for more modern-looking, prettier headlights for my '99 4WD 2.7L Tacoma. I personally am not a huge fan of the boxy, large headlights on this truck, and I'm looking for something sleeker and more aesthetically pleasing. Thoughts?

    EDIT: I'm also looking for something significantly brighter; the stock headlights are way, way too dim for my liking. I have replaced bulbs and restored the front plastic, but to no avail.
     
    Last edited: Mar 7, 2025
  2. Mar 7, 2025 at 11:28 AM
    #2
    Toyoda213

    Toyoda213 Well-Known Member

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    Retro fit.

    Theres some companies out there that will make some for you but very pricey. They look good and definitely better light output. You can also build your own which will be cheaper. I did it on my 2003 tacoma and they looked great. I got my parts from these guys.
    The Retrofit Source | The Best Brands in Automotive Lighting
     
    bigm2008[OP] likes this.
  3. Mar 7, 2025 at 11:31 AM
    #3
    bigm2008

    bigm2008 [OP] New Member

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    Maroon 1999 Tacoma Standard Cab 4WD, 2.7L I4, 5MT
    No mods yet, but considering many :)
    Awesome! Thank you for the consideration of price; as of right now I DEFINITELY won't be able to afford anything too fancy, so this helps a ton! I'll explore the website later tonight.
     
  4. Mar 7, 2025 at 7:21 PM
    #4
    Logans2001

    Logans2001 What’s crackin’

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    Toyoda213 likes this.
  5. Mar 8, 2025 at 7:51 AM
    #5
    Toyoda213

    Toyoda213 Well-Known Member

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    I know it may seem daunting to some but it really is not that difficult to do this retro fit yourself. I bought new housings as there were super cheap and I had no problems with leaks.
     
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  6. Mar 8, 2025 at 8:21 AM
    #6
    Old green toyota

    Old green toyota Well-Known Member

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    Oil leaks
    I don't think there are any different shaped headlamps. There are different configurations, but they typically use H1 bulbs which in my opinion are a very poor choice for a headlamp bulb.

    Maybe you could get something like this and diy retrofit something small in there? But as others have suggested, get a clear set and drop in a full size projector.

    Screenshot_20250308_081735_eBay.jpg
     
    bigm2008[OP] likes this.
  7. Mar 8, 2025 at 12:54 PM
    #7
    bigm2008

    bigm2008 [OP] New Member

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    Maroon 1999 Tacoma Standard Cab 4WD, 2.7L I4, 5MT
    No mods yet, but considering many :)
    Oooooh yeah these look pretty nice! I'll definitely keep those in mind. I still don't know about retro-fitting, but given my budget, that might be the way I'll have to go. Hopefully some crafty people come up with some custom lights for our cars sooner or later!
     
  8. Mar 8, 2025 at 12:57 PM
    #8
    bigm2008

    bigm2008 [OP] New Member

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    Maroon 1999 Tacoma Standard Cab 4WD, 2.7L I4, 5MT
    No mods yet, but considering many :)
    Thanks a ton! I might do that this summer, I'll have lots of free time and hopefully a buck to spare for some other upgrades.
     
  9. Mar 9, 2025 at 12:02 AM
    #9
    Old green toyota

    Old green toyota Well-Known Member

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    Oil leaks
    Those headlamps might have a better style for you. But they will definitely be less bright. I suggest trying Sylvania Silverstar bulbs if you want a light output improvement.
     
    Laxtoy and bigm2008[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  10. Mar 9, 2025 at 5:33 PM
    #10
    MadNachos

    MadNachos Well-Known Member

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    You can get really nice quality replacements housings easy, Amazon even, then you can retrofit them with HID. I actually have everything to setup a new set I purchased with Morimoto projectors that I am waiting to install. I have bench tested them and they seem awesome but waiting for better weather to do the install. I am getting old and the OE lights just don't hold up when on the road with modern cars. When I drive my Porsche with adaptive LED headlights then get into the Taco it's almost like I can't see anything in comparison. But it builds character...
     

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