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I installed TYC aftermarket OEM equivalent headlamp assemblies on my son's 2004 Accord; 3 years ago next month.
They seem to be of high quality, they fit great, and no problems so far.
I installed TYC aftermarket OEM equivalent headlamp assemblies on my son's 2004 Accord; 3 years ago next month.
They seem to be of high quality, they fit great, and no problems so far.
I've seen those. I wonder if anyone knows whether the stock projector can be swapped in. There's (virtually) no chance a $559 set of lights will have a OEM grade projector.
IMO look for something that can accept the TL-R Bi-xenon projector lamps and mod any aftermarket set you get. Put Clear Bra on the outside and throw a few silica packs in a hidden spot on the inside. You can remove the reflector etc as you please. You might be able to score a set of used OEM ones in good condition on ebay. Make sure you get the dark bezeled ones for facelifted TL.
IMO look for something that can accept the TL-R Bi-xenon projector lamps and mod any aftermarket set you get. Put Clear Bra on the outside and throw a few silica packs in a hidden spot on the inside. You can remove the reflector etc as you please. You might be able to score a set of used OEM ones in good condition on ebay. Make sure you get the dark bezeled ones for facelifted TL.
What is the advantage of the bixenon version? Sharper beam or something? I would be keeping the separate reflector brights and using the projector only for low beams. I don't want bixenon brights.
And yeah, been looking on eBay for 12+ lights and they're either wrecked or they're as much/more than buying new.
For reference, new ones are ~$1200 shipped for both sides. So...not like...expensive.
I could always make up some of it if I sell my set to someone who doesn't mind a little pitting OR someone who wants to take them apart and fix the inside of the lens.
What is the advantage of the bixenon version? Sharper beam or something? I would be keeping the separate reflector brights and using the projector only for low beams. I don't want bixenon brights.
And yeah, been looking on eBay for 12+ lights and they're either wrecked or they're as much/more than buying new.
For reference, new ones are ~$1200 shipped for both sides. So...not like...expensive.
I could always make up some of it if I sell my set to someone who doesn't mind a little pitting OR someone who wants to take them apart and fix the inside of the lens.
Much sharper crisper cutoff, better light on the ground, Bi-Xenon to help with dark situations and of course the ability to have a modded projector with little cutting/fitting.
IMO if I had to open up a set of lights I'd get the Bi-Xenon projectors put in. $600/each isn't that bad for OEM!
I'm looking to replace some sun damaged headlamps.
I was able to wet sand and polish the outer plastic, but these have check marks and pits on the INSIDE surface.
I would rather not bake mine to open them up (but I might).
In the mean time...
Are there any aftermarket replacements that are decent? Or are there any aftermarket ones that will accept the stock projectors?
My apprehension with just buying an aftermarket CAPA certified set is that usually, aftermarket ones leak and the projectors are junk.
If there's nothing available, I'll just buy new OEM housings I suppose.
Thanks in advance.
I spent 3 hours restoring my headlights from the inside. Unscrewing the screws, wrap them with aluminum foil and put the headlight in the oven at 220 degrees for 20 minutes. Take it out with gloves, stick it out, take a microfiber cloth, the second number of polishing paste and erase the internal bloom, in hard-to-reach places you erase it with an qtip.
Mine are pitted on the inside so I wasn't sure it would help.
I bought lights from hondapartsnow or something.
Theyre a Honda parts site so I was surprised they had Acura parts - usually the parts distribution is separated.
Anyway...they cancelled the order the same day lol. Stated the parts were "discontinued". I think they realised how low their pricing was ($450/ea) and that they sold an Acura part.
Anyway, I found an eBay seller selling a new OEM light with 1 broken tab for cheap. I can weld it...so I went for it.
The other light came from a partout at a pretty tantalizingly low price too.
I figure I can sell my lights to someone who wants to open them up. I'm short on time these days.
Mine are pitted on the inside so I wasn't sure it would help.
I bought lights from hondapartsnow or something.
Theyre a Honda parts site so I was surprised they had Acura parts - usually the parts distribution is separated.
Anyway...they cancelled the order the same day lol. Stated the parts were "discontinued". I think they realised how low their pricing was ($450/ea) and that they sold an Acura part.
Anyway, I found an eBay seller selling a new OEM light with 1 broken tab for cheap. I can weld it...so I went for it.
The other light came from a partout at a pretty tantalizingly low price too.
I figure I can sell my lights to someone who wants to open them up. I'm short on time these days.
Polycarbonate from the NFL (the brand that makes headlights for Honda) has 2 main types of defects, these are plaque from the inside, and through cracks. There is also a big problem of burnout of the internal low beam reflector. Therefore, when buying used headlights, there is a possibility that they will illumine worse.
Last edited by altair47; 04-30-2021 at 07:46 PM.
Reason: Editing
Wow that looks amazing! I was always told to never touch the inside of the headlight. Could you tell me each product you used to achieve this. I suggest getting a pair of 4TL-r with CBBs You'll have a double HB as well
Wow that looks amazing! I was always told to never touch the inside of the headlight. Could you tell me each product you used to achieve this. I suggest getting a pair of 4TL-r with CBBs You'll have a double HB as well
Used an electric oven to heat up
Microfiber towels like these
I use 32oz. because I professionally polish a lot of cars.
For hard-to-reach places, I used ear Q-tips.
If you peel and seal everything correctly without losing the sealant, you will not need a new sealant.
If the original sealant is lost, then you can add a little bit https://www.ebay.com/itm/16433386256...EAAOSwPv9gF8xk
This is how it looks during polishing, I circled the border before and after
Last edited by altair47; 05-04-2021 at 07:10 AM.
Reason: 1
Thanks man I really appreciate that! How much pressure are using when rubbing the polish in? How many passes did it take you?
You are not polishing, you are removing the layer of plaque with a polishing paste. Everything is done by rubbing, the harder you rub in, the faster you will remove this plaque, the microfiber moistened with a paste does not scratch the polycarbonate. I forgot to write the most important thing, completely wrap the headlamp in aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
Last edited by altair47; 05-04-2021 at 05:39 PM.
Reason: 1
Thanks man I really appreciate that! How much pressure are using when rubbing the polish in? How many passes did it take you?
Remove the bulb covers, all bulbs, the ignition unit with wire and unscrew the small screws holding the front glass and housings around, completely wrap the headlamp in aluminum foil before putting it in the oven. I baked 20 minutes with 220 F for each headlight. Take it out of the oven, bend all the hinges, gently use a flat screwdriver to pry the corner of the headlight (from the side of the high beam) and use your hands (with gloves) to separate the two halves.
Remove the bulb covers, all bulbs, the ignition unit with wire and unscrew the small screws holding the front glass and housings around, completely wrap the headlamp in aluminum foil before putting it in the oven. I baked 20 minutes with 220 F for each headlight. Take it out of the oven, bend all the hinges, gently use a flat screwdriver to pry the corner of the headlight (from the side of the high beam) and use your hands (with gloves) to separate the two halves.
I'm not new to taking apart the headlight unit done it a couple of times now, kinda used to it. Again, I appreciate the write up well done. I have been searching far and wide for a polish that won't damage the inside of the lens. I'll have to look no further. They aren't really that bad, but I want them perfect like yours. Car is dirty pollen is ridiculous
Hey guys, I also need a pair of quality headlights as I have since restored my OEM set twice and now the driver side has 5 vertical cracks but with no impact marks. I saw that same set in that link from a YT vid today. It's from DEPO and from researching they are okay, sometimes hit or miss on other makes and models through the years. Granted it was a free set for a sponsored review. Looks promising for half the price as OEM. Is the guy a member here? Has anyone got a pair of those who can chime in? I asked him in the comments for a night video with wall shots.
That's the video that first made me aware of them. So I'm afraid that I don't know anything more than what is there nor do I know anyone who's got them. But it is exciting that a company is making the clear side markers again. They were discontinued and almost impossible to get.
04-22-2021, 09:58 AM
