Replacing my factory headlights, confused..
09-28-2011, 09:33 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Replacing my factory headlights, confused..
Okay SO coming from an a4 which i replaced headlights on car 3 times (accidents and wear) I'm obviously going to have questions about a car i know not much about. So my lights are kinda hazy looking and i know the whole "sand down and polish" trick, just makes me nervous because i did it wrong on my a4 and had to replace both headlights to match. When i did that I wasn't about to buy OEM headlights i ended up buying OEM LIKE headlights whited perfectly matched the existing lights in the car so i didn't care, it was pretty easy to install. Im thinking of doing that on my TL but had a few questions.
- Will the bi-xenon feature work. I don't want regular high beams i would prefer the normal oem bi xenon.
- Would i be able to use my original bulb? or would i have to install HIDs with the ballast and everything.
Basically what I'm wanting to do is buy new headlights put them in and have them work the exact same way my OEM ones do except just be clear. Im not looking for blacked out lights or anything again just normal oem LIKE headlights heres a link to some i was looking at please help!
or alternatively anyone know of a place win north nj between west orange and Mahwah NJ that will be able to resurface my headlights without breaking them or scratching my paint! help is much appreciated.
click here for ebay link =)
- Will the bi-xenon feature work. I don't want regular high beams i would prefer the normal oem bi xenon.
- Would i be able to use my original bulb? or would i have to install HIDs with the ballast and everything.
Basically what I'm wanting to do is buy new headlights put them in and have them work the exact same way my OEM ones do except just be clear. Im not looking for blacked out lights or anything again just normal oem LIKE headlights heres a link to some i was looking at please help!
or alternatively anyone know of a place win north nj between west orange and Mahwah NJ that will be able to resurface my headlights without breaking them or scratching my paint! help is much appreciated.
click here for ebay link =)
09-28-2011, 09:37 PM
#2
Race Director
iTrader: (8)
One word: JnC.
He'll be able to clear those lens up for you so they look BRAND NEW.
Before:
After:
He'll be able to clear those lens up for you so they look BRAND NEW.
Before:
After:
Last edited by guitarplayer16; 09-28-2011 at 09:39 PM.
09-28-2011, 09:37 PM
#3
09-29-2011, 11:42 AM
#6
Instructor
Thread Starter
jnc???? those headlights look awesome, better then brand new. I get un easy when people do the headlight restore,i saw my a4 front bumper get chewed up when i first got it from someone attempting a headlight restore they did nothing it looked the same lol. I got in an accident had it repainted / replaced anyway but still for a while my bumper was all chewed up he claimed it was that way and I was in no mood to go after some weirdo from craigslist who i had do it. my mistake =(
09-29-2011, 12:28 PM
#7
takin care of Business in
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JNC is a vendor on Azine....
if you have PM capabilities, type JNC in the to column and pick JnC from the auto fill list and send him your request....
if you have PM capabilities, type JNC in the to column and pick JnC from the auto fill list and send him your request....
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09-29-2011, 04:39 PM
#9
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iTrader: (7)
if u were in socal, i know the best guy for headlight restoration. i have brought many headlights to him before and he does it GOOD, it will look brand new after, and guess what? he beats everyone's prices.
10-01-2011, 07:35 PM
#11
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JNC's thread can be found here:
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/custom-headlights-jnc-part-iii-796033/
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/custom-headlights-jnc-part-iii-796033/
10-01-2011, 07:45 PM
#12
the secret is a small backing plate and pads that will go around various surfaces and contours...
the trick I haven't mastered yet is longevity.
All of you with your lights cleared up professionally...does the haze NEVER come back?
the trick I haven't mastered yet is longevity.
All of you with your lights cleared up professionally...does the haze NEVER come back?
10-01-2011, 10:20 PM
#14
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FWIW:
G-085: DIY: Restoring Hazed/Cloudy Headlights
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/g-085-diy-restoring-hazed-cloudy-headlights-710313/
G-085: DIY: Restoring Hazed/Cloudy Headlights
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/g-085-diy-restoring-hazed-cloudy-headlights-710313/
10-02-2011, 01:41 AM
#15
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Okay SO coming from an a4 which i replaced headlights on car 3 times (accidents and wear) I'm obviously going to have questions about a car i know not much about. So my lights are kinda hazy looking and i know the whole "sand down and polish" trick, just makes me nervous because i did it wrong on my a4 and had to replace both headlights to match. When i did that I wasn't about to buy OEM headlights i ended up buying OEM LIKE headlights whited perfectly matched the existing lights in the car so i didn't care, it was pretty easy to install. Im thinking of doing that on my TL but had a few questions.
- Will the bi-xenon feature work. I don't want regular high beams i would prefer the normal oem bi xenon.
- Would i be able to use my original bulb? or would i have to install HIDs with the ballast and everything.
Basically what I'm wanting to do is buy new headlights put them in and have them work the exact same way my OEM ones do except just be clear. Im not looking for blacked out lights or anything again just normal oem LIKE headlights heres a link to some i was looking at please help!
or alternatively anyone know of a place win north nj between west orange and Mahwah NJ that will be able to resurface my headlights without breaking them or scratching my paint! help is much appreciated.
click here for ebay link =)
- Will the bi-xenon feature work. I don't want regular high beams i would prefer the normal oem bi xenon.
- Would i be able to use my original bulb? or would i have to install HIDs with the ballast and everything.
Basically what I'm wanting to do is buy new headlights put them in and have them work the exact same way my OEM ones do except just be clear. Im not looking for blacked out lights or anything again just normal oem LIKE headlights heres a link to some i was looking at please help!
or alternatively anyone know of a place win north nj between west orange and Mahwah NJ that will be able to resurface my headlights without breaking them or scratching my paint! help is much appreciated.
click here for ebay link =)
yes bi-xenon still working the same and yes you need to re use your bulbs,ballast and igniters.
10-02-2011, 07:13 AM
#16
Former Sponsor
iTrader: (12)
Thanks for the kind words, guys. Any one can resurface the lenses, thats not the issue. Issue is UV damage that comes back in a few months right after the lights are refinished. I refinish lights using different methods, which ever is needed to get the best results, at the end a fresh coat or two of UV protective sealant is applied just like it is on new headlights from factory.
Here are a few examples.
BEFORE
AFTER
Some TL lights.
Here are a few examples.
BEFORE
AFTER
Some TL lights.
10-02-2011, 09:53 AM
#17
Instructor
Thread Starter
At this point everyone seems very assured that headlight restore is the way to go. Only issue with me is the fact that that lights are very "curvy". there right into the body of the car clearly sand paper is going to start scratching the edges whether you mask or not. JNC you do an AMAZING job i assume id have to send u my lights or something i haven't taken a loot at your thread yet.
If I'm going to do this my self i guess the front bumper is coming off. another which i think may be easier then the headlight restore lol
If I'm going to do this my self i guess the front bumper is coming off. another which i think may be easier then the headlight restore lol
10-02-2011, 10:25 AM
#18
Race Director
iTrader: (8)
At this point everyone seems very assured that headlight restore is the way to go. Only issue with me is the fact that that lights are very "curvy". there right into the body of the car clearly sand paper is going to start scratching the edges whether you mask or not. JNC you do an AMAZING job i assume id have to send u my lights or something i haven't taken a loot at your thread yet.
If I'm going to do this my self i guess the front bumper is coming off. another which i think may be easier then the headlight restore lol
If I'm going to do this my self i guess the front bumper is coming off. another which i think may be easier then the headlight restore lol
Best way is to take off your headlights and send them to JnC =)
10-02-2011, 12:28 PM
#19
Instructor
Thread Starter
well at this point my cars still at montclair acura... in a later post i mentioned my car coming to a hault in the middle of the road. well the axle broke at the CV boot so says the service guy on my voicemail. American Auto guardian will be out monday am to assess the damage and probably not accept the claim and deny it. (so i read online they suck/worst 3rd party warranty)
when i get it back theres a few places i might take it to idk about doing it my self I have an old a4 headlight here i can practice on hmm .
when i get it back theres a few places i might take it to idk about doing it my self I have an old a4 headlight here i can practice on hmm .
10-02-2011, 02:10 PM
#20
JNC, those lights have made me a believer. Amazing job...
PS...I would paypal you some money just to quietly learn all your different techniques and what you use to seal them in. Knowledge is power and I'm a die hard DIY'er.
PS...I would paypal you some money just to quietly learn all your different techniques and what you use to seal them in. Knowledge is power and I'm a die hard DIY'er.
10-02-2011, 02:12 PM
#21
takin care of Business in
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^^^ you stole my words J....
I saw those headlights and I was like
....is that even possible ?
I saw those headlights and I was like
....is that even possible ?
The following users liked this post:
rockstar143 (10-02-2011)
10-04-2011, 06:05 PM
#23
Instructor
Thread Starter
So today i got the courage to try and do the whole headlight restore thing. Went to walmart got the 3M kit for 18.99 and went back to my friends house. Large driveway with a lot of room to work.
Started off using there "step 1" which was sanding till it was smooth and fogged looking.
"step 2" was to make the scratches even finer till it had a milky color.
"step 3 was the sort of scary because it made the headlight more clear but still looked shitty.
"step 4"!!!! - polishing with the pad and this was by far the highlight of my week.
headlight looks 100% new. here are before and after pics.
Didn't think i had it in me but thanks to everyones input and prior threads i was ready to take on the journey. whole process took about 1 hour for both headlights.
Started off using there "step 1" which was sanding till it was smooth and fogged looking.
"step 2" was to make the scratches even finer till it had a milky color.
"step 3 was the sort of scary because it made the headlight more clear but still looked shitty.
"step 4"!!!! - polishing with the pad and this was by far the highlight of my week.
headlight looks 100% new. here are before and after pics.
Didn't think i had it in me but thanks to everyones input and prior threads i was ready to take on the journey. whole process took about 1 hour for both headlights.
10-04-2011, 06:10 PM
#24
Very nicely done, buddy...
I have tried the polishing part and it works great...but supposedly the LASTING long thing is what'll get ya...there's a product called Crystal View (at walmart too supposedly). youtube it...supposedly it actually seals the lights back up and keeps them from ever turning hazy again.
Check in every once in a while to let us know the longevity please. Thank you!
I have tried the polishing part and it works great...but supposedly the LASTING long thing is what'll get ya...there's a product called Crystal View (at walmart too supposedly). youtube it...supposedly it actually seals the lights back up and keeps them from ever turning hazy again.
Check in every once in a while to let us know the longevity please. Thank you!
10-04-2011, 06:17 PM
#25
Instructor
Thread Starter
Crystal view.. ill have to look into it. my worst fear is doing it again considering i was a nervous reck to begin with. I also hear people talk about the clear bra like thing you can cover the lights with... not sure whats the best thing to do.
10-04-2011, 08:05 PM
#26
Very nicely done, buddy...
I have tried the polishing part and it works great...but supposedly the LASTING long thing is what'll get ya...there's a product called Crystal View (at walmart too supposedly). youtube it...supposedly it actually seals the lights back up and keeps them from ever turning hazy again.
Check in every once in a while to let us know the longevity please. Thank you!
I have tried the polishing part and it works great...but supposedly the LASTING long thing is what'll get ya...there's a product called Crystal View (at walmart too supposedly). youtube it...supposedly it actually seals the lights back up and keeps them from ever turning hazy again.
Check in every once in a while to let us know the longevity please. Thank you!
10-04-2011, 09:30 PM
#27
The #1 thing for making headlights new looking is to seal them. You can wetsand all you like but it'll keep coming back looking crappy. Haven't heard of or tried this Crystal View but I'd like to see someone try it out! I just did mine and my girls car with the Turtle Wax kit from Autozone/O'Reilys. It was $6.99 and has enough polish and headlight lube for 2 cars. It has a sealant too! It's got 4 Lvls of wet sandpaper (not sure of grade though)..bit it worked great. If you don't seal them..it'll just come back. It's like a wax for you car. It's a barrier
10-04-2011, 10:12 PM
#28
Instructor
Thread Starter
The #1 thing for making headlights new looking is to seal them. You can wetsand all you like but it'll keep coming back looking crappy. Haven't heard of or tried this Crystal View but I'd like to see someone try it out! I just did mine and my girls car with the Turtle Wax kit from Autozone/O'Reilys. It was $6.99 and has enough polish and headlight lube for 2 cars. It has a sealant too! It's got 4 Lvls of wet sandpaper (not sure of grade though)..bit it worked great. If you don't seal them..it'll just come back. It's like a wax for you car. It's a barrier
i deff need a sealer, gonna head to pep boys tomorrow any suggestions on what to buy? i clearly don't need a kit again just a sealer so i don't need to go through this pain again haha
10-05-2011, 06:40 AM
#29
well, supposedly crystal view is about $20 at walmart and has enough to do exactly 2 lights.
what made me think to research it was that it's a chemical sealant that supposedly will seal the lights up permanently. it's the same wetsanding process, then theres a prep step then there's a 2 layer protection process. let me look for the link.
oneglory, just realized that that's what you used. nicely done!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzwNviUeBjI
what made me think to research it was that it's a chemical sealant that supposedly will seal the lights up permanently. it's the same wetsanding process, then theres a prep step then there's a 2 layer protection process. let me look for the link.
oneglory, just realized that that's what you used. nicely done!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzwNviUeBjI
10-05-2011, 07:13 AM
#31
oh, I forgot - as with any wetsanding. The more time you spend doing it before the sealer the better it looks.
The sealer is a bit tricky however, but if you follow the instructions it's not bad at all. The TL lights should be easier than the '06 accord lights that I did anyways. (curvy and huge).
The sealer is a bit tricky however, but if you follow the instructions it's not bad at all. The TL lights should be easier than the '06 accord lights that I did anyways. (curvy and huge).
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