Should I buy new headlights?

CodyC21

CodyC21

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Should I buy new headlights for my frontier? Or do the headlight cleaners actually work? I don't really want to wet sand them, like some cleaners require. I can buy a pair of headlights for $50. Which isn't that much for me
 
You may spend 50 dollars for new headlamps.. but what knowledge will you have gained? If you restore your headlamps yourself you will not only know how to do it but be able to offer that service to someone else and make money.

Just do it.
 
There are a lot of repop headlights out there cheap.... Typically you get what you pay for when you buy new ones. Look up what oem ones cost. Restoring your old ones will probably be a bargain compared to factory replacements.
 
If you clean and seal the headlight it will last longer. If you don't put a sealer over it they will yellow within a year. I have put repos in cars and they yellow within a year. The OEMs are crazy money. When the wife's car got hit I told them no repos they put a repo in I took it back and gave it back to them. I say clean them and learn a new skill!
 
Wrong board to take an easy way out... actually the wet sand and polish is easier than you think.
 
I'd also add you'll need to align the new headlights so they point correctly. Where as your OEM ones are already set to the correct angle.
 
Angus said:
I'd also add you'll need to align the new headlights so they point correctly. Where as your OEM ones are already set to the correct angle.
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That would only take a couple minutes and really shouldn't be a deciding factor to the OP.

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dsg03gt said:
That would only take a couple minutes and really shouldn't be a deciding factor to the OP.

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I agree but it's often overlooked step by people I've had this very conversation with.
 
if $50 is no problem for OP, add just a little more, get a used Griots 3 inch on the Bay, pad interface for $3, and some sanding discs for cheap, make yours look brand new for less than $100, and still have the machine to use for all sorts of other things.
 
miad said:
if $50 is no problem for OP, add just a little more, get a used Griots 3 inch on the Bay, pad interface for $3, and some sanding discs for cheap, make yours look brand new for less than $100, and still have the machine to use for all sorts of other things.
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Sanding discs ain't cheap, btw

Better off buying a kit that has one of each of the required grits
 
CodyC21 said:
Should I buy new headlights for my frontier? Or do the headlight cleaners actually work? I don't really want to wet sand them, like some cleaners require. I can buy a pair of headlights for $50. Which isn't that much for me
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If you really don't feel like mucking-around with the original headlamps/lenses---doing things like:

Going through the processes of wet-sanding, compounding, polishing, and applying an automotive grade clear-coating (that contains UV-protectors/absorbers) to them...

Then I say: Don't.


Bob
 
View attachment 30384

View attachment 30385I had the same dilemma 1-1/2 years ago with my Tahoe. I replaced all of them, the headlights, taillights, an all other lights-lenses in the front.

What I found was the quality was about the same as new GM. You think GM is pressing these babies out in some high tech ameri-factory? Nope.

16 years took their toll, no bringing such back like factory new in many cases. I look factory new right now. Only hassle is the swap and re-alignment.
 
I have had success just wet sanding with 2000 gritt from autozone.. Some cases 1500 first... followed by generic plastic polish using my porter.. seal with car sealant like blackfire...
 
allenk4 said:
Sanding discs ain't cheap, btw

Better off buying a kit that has one of each of the required grits
Click to expand...

yeah I know, I have every grit Meguiars makes. not talking about the Meguiars brand. you can get other brands for cheaper, or even buy a headlight kit just for the discs. my local auto body supply even sells them in singles for $2 each.
 
I believe it might be the inside of my headlights
 
I just wet sanded some frontier headlights today. They're a PIA. At least these ones were. It's not a flat surface to work with. The side of it has some small edges that are easy to sand but hard to buff out. It took me about 3 hours for that set. I am a little anal about it so I took my time to try to make them perfect. They came out really good. Not perfect but at least 95%.

My advice would be to start at 800 grit then 1500 grit then 3000 grit. I used a Rupes 3 inch polisher but with the small edges I just ended up using a hand pad holder or just used the paper with my finger tips. After that used a wool pad with M100 then used a yellow meguiars pad with 205 to polish. Then finished it up with Meg's headlight protectant.
Came out looking really good. The guy said that he was just gonna throw them away and get new ones if it didn't work but he was really happy about it.
 
Being that I'm an auto technician by trade for the last 16 years, and that I also detail cars on the side, I say buy new ones.

I've wet sanded, polished, buffed, and cleared old headlights. Only for them to yellow again in about 1 year to 18 months time. I did it 3 times on my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 over the last 4 years. I finally just replaced my headlights with new ones back in 2013. The cost was about $120 for both headlights, and they came fully loaded, meaning with turn signal and headlight bulbs.

New lights for your Frontier are about $80 for both. Check parts geek.com. That's where I got mine, and I'm still running with clear headlights.
 
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