Replacement headlights

So after restoring headlights several times on my 2011, I decided it was time to order new OEM headlights back in April. Initially the passenger side showed up with a few days but the driver's side was on back order. Fast forward it is now July with Toyota giving a TBD date for the last headlight. The dealer I have been working with has been great about updating ETAs. Surely someone has a driver's side headlight in stock. Any thoughts or tips on where to get one? I checked fleabay but not seeing anything off hand. Keep in mind I am looking for the sport version not the chrome version. Been waiting to install my new Diode Dynamics fog and do the ultimate headlight upgrade.

 

Working at a Toyota dealership - formerly in Parts - I can tell you that most Toyota dealerships don't keep much in stock other than fast moving parts. (Oil filters, brake pads, rotors, etc.) Why you ask? Because Toyota offers 24 hour delivery from their warehouses on virtually anything. Why have money tied up in slow moving inventory when you can get it next day? Unfortunately, the pandemic played hell with supply chains and some parts - like your headlight - are hard to get. Trust me though, they will get things straightened out.

Your dealership's friendly Parts guys can look for inventory all over the country with a few quick key strokes. I'd ask them first.

 

I’ve used these guys in the past.
I believe they are a parts supplier?

https://toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth.com/search?search_str=Headlight Assembly&ptid=10762

 

get DEPO black sport housings for ~$50/side, coat them, and move on

Not sure why you would excessively overpay on an OEM housing that won't even have an upgraded bulb

It's plastic. Plastic is plastic. It doesn't need to be handcooked by Gordon Ramsay for $350/side.
You've got grey plastic. Clear plastic. Reflector plastic coated in AL PVD
DEPO has been making popular aftermarket housings for many years
they have an established reputation

save the rest of the money for when you actually need it, like performing other needed maintenance services, or repairing other shit that absolutely will break and is a matter of time/when not if, that will cost money

"Oops can't replace this worn $350 wheel bearing, I spent that $350 on a $50 headlight"

 

i have bought aftermarket in the past…quite frankly they are garbage compared to OEM. Appreciate the suggestion but I will spend my money how I see fit.

I already have the passenger side, so I need matching drivers side.

 

I've seen several sources for headlights (dealer and other internet sources) and several manufacturers are experiencing delays in getting replacement inventory because of the widespread COVID shutdowns. CAR ID (and several other web sites) offer headlights that start at the basic and work their way up. Might be too late in the game to help your particular need, but there are many options for headlights/tails lights depending on the amount of money you are willing to spend.

2011 Toyota Tacoma Factory Replacement Headlights - CARiD.com

 

There are plenty of good aftermarket headlights if you know what you are looking for. The factory lights arent as great as you think, if they were many sets wouldn’t have melted their DRL lenses and have to be replaced. If you cant get the OEM look for CAPA certified and get a matching set.

 

I beg to differ. Some of the aftermarket lights may look like OEM, but they flat out don't perform like OEM. I spent 35+ years in manufacturing and I know a thing or two about how some folks can offer "OEM like performance" for pennies on the dollar. In short, they simply cannot. You might want to ask our resident lighting guru @crashnburn80 for his expert opinion here. In short, all you get with a $50 headlight is a $50 junk headlight. Sure, if you're paying retail, OEM is too expensive, but there are plenty of places offering pretty decent discounts.

As for CAPA Certified stuff being identical to OEM, don't even get me started. CAPA certification is just a sleazy way for insurance companies to trick unsuspecting folks into thinking they actually got decent parts when the insurance company paid to repair their damage. Anybody who thinks their insurance company is actually working in their best interests needs to get their head examined.

 

This is what I got. DEPO. Yep crashnburn recommended harness with high watt bulbs. Maybe twice brighter now.

I'll be honest. It's probably got less than a year on it. Can they handle UV from inside sent by the bulb? Or outside from the sun? Not sure. I might not have even coated them. I guess time will tell.
Even if it's just a holdover in the meantime until failure at least they'll run until ordering a next set if it comes down to that.

I know my old original ones, even after a polish/refinish, they faded yellow quickly. But it was done with autozone kit method (sand, polish, etc.) and not spraypaint method some people do. I've seen it done people will sand to about 600 grit, then spray auto UV-resistant clear that fills in those 600 grit scratches to a clear level surface protected from the sun
have also seen a pro mobile truck do it that way, but sprayed through a paint gun vs can
there might even be some DEPO housings on cars out there still functioning after 10 years
I'm not sure if area matters. CA sun seems mild. AZ sun beats on paint much harsher

yes you are right. insurance company + body shop usually = ripoff in terms of aftermarket parts

 

Royal south toyota on eBay has OEM drivers side.

 

Not the smoked version for a 2011.

 

I still have the original headlights in the truck. No issues with drl melting. Maybe I don’t know what to look for in aftermarket but judging from the ultimate headlight thread and my experience from a previous vehicle, aftermarket is garbage. In the interim I can correct these again and until I find OEM.

 

Can find them (OEM) on eBay.

 

Part #'s.

81110-04210 - RH

$350 81150-04210 Toyota Genuine Parts - Headlamp Assy, Lh (81150-04210)

81150-04210 - LH

 

Hope you find one soon. That kind of stuff drive me nuts. Having everything but one item. Gl.

 

Not sure why link didn’t work it was to this.

 

I went with OEM after I bought my 2012 Taco last Halloween (2020)......I am super happy and didn't mind shelling out $282.30 per side from Camelback toyota.....my truck looks like new now and the light output is awesome........(I also bought the OEM grill insert from them and again super happy.....I'm done buying aftermarket "crap" unless it's something I don't care if it only lasts a short time.....

 

Thanks I will call first. From what I understand it is nationwide back order.

 

https://parts.moderntoyota.com/a/To...unner-40L-AT-2WD/_51522_6722810/HEADLAMP/6744
Modern Toyota seems to have them. @ace96
Picked up the 12 pro for mine last month .Shipping to Hawaii was $190 but still $100 cheaper then dealer here .

EDIT link no work but google Modern Toyota
parts

 

Latest update from dealer I have been working with. Appears it is a supplier issue from the manufacturer of the headlight. They are unable to give ETA.