Time to replace headlamps. Where to start?
#1
10th Gear
Thread Starter
Time to replace headlamps. Where to start?
Howdy, folks! Long time no post.
Well, the TSX lost her first headlight... Simply burned out. Both headlight assemblies are oxidized, and I hear mixed reviews on the myriad of "solutions" to fix oxidation alone. Considering both assemblies are oxidized and I need a new lamp, should I consider purchasing all new assemblies or am I better off just buying lamps and one of the creams/solutions/rubs that supposedly fix oxidation?
I'm not really looking for anything custom, unless it is marginally more expensive or otherwise has a clear performance enhancement over the stock HID lamps. A search of the forums and Google presents way too many options for my brain to process. Would I be able to get pointed to some threads and/or car sites with some more popular options?
Also, what kind of difficulty am I looking at installing these things?
Thanks for the help!
Well, the TSX lost her first headlight... Simply burned out. Both headlight assemblies are oxidized, and I hear mixed reviews on the myriad of "solutions" to fix oxidation alone. Considering both assemblies are oxidized and I need a new lamp, should I consider purchasing all new assemblies or am I better off just buying lamps and one of the creams/solutions/rubs that supposedly fix oxidation?
I'm not really looking for anything custom, unless it is marginally more expensive or otherwise has a clear performance enhancement over the stock HID lamps. A search of the forums and Google presents way too many options for my brain to process. Would I be able to get pointed to some threads and/or car sites with some more popular options?
Also, what kind of difficulty am I looking at installing these things?
Thanks for the help!
#2
I wet sanded and polished mine. Unfortunately, I was lazy on keeping them waxed over summer, so some of the oxidation returned. The oxidation will return at a faster rate after any polishing...because you will have taken off the UV protectant layer.
Wet sand paper grits in stages:
-600
-1000
-1500
-2000
-polish with a circular buffer.
-plastix with a circular buffer.
-wax by hand.
Never go in circular motions with the sand paper. Always straight. The next grit should be rubbed at a 90 degree angle opposing the last. Meaning...if I finish doing 600 side to side...I'll do 1000 up and down.
It takes about two 90 degree rubs per grit. Takes me like 45 mins total to do both lights.
I think maybe I will try and re-do them this summer and then buy some UV protecant clear bra to put over them.
Here are before/afters.
Wet sand paper grits in stages:
-600
-1000
-1500
-2000
-polish with a circular buffer.
-plastix with a circular buffer.
-wax by hand.
Never go in circular motions with the sand paper. Always straight. The next grit should be rubbed at a 90 degree angle opposing the last. Meaning...if I finish doing 600 side to side...I'll do 1000 up and down.
It takes about two 90 degree rubs per grit. Takes me like 45 mins total to do both lights.
I think maybe I will try and re-do them this summer and then buy some UV protecant clear bra to put over them.
Here are before/afters.
#3
Pro
One of the DIY'ers I follow on youtube has a good cleaning process for headlights. Look up chrisfix. Goes through cleaning, sanding, and he clear coats the plastic instead of wax for longevity. The majority of aftermarket headlight assemblies will not give you the clear cut-off the OEM's provide. Visibility will be worse.
And it sounds like you just need a pair of new bulbs (always replace in pairs) .. hopefully, and not the ballast or igniters.
And it sounds like you just need a pair of new bulbs (always replace in pairs) .. hopefully, and not the ballast or igniters.
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