2008 Headlights

Hi, had a question that I could not seem to find an answer for after poking around...

My Tacoma has over 200k miles on it and probably put on 30k a year. Being 12 years old I really do not want to put a lot of money into it. The headlights are original and as I am sure you figured the housings are pretty faded. I have "restored" them numerous times but it only lasts for a short period of time. So finally decided to just replace them. I know I would prefer LED but know enough that those do not really belong in a reflector styled headlight. So I was looking at a Projector style like the VIPMotoZ LED Halos. I thought I could put in a H1 with a LUX rating around that of the stock halogen (maybe slightly more) and then put in a super bright H1 for the high beam. I know they are inexpensive and I will probably have to seal them but figure compared to what I have anything is an upgrade. Maybe there is another alternative in the same price range?

TIA

 

Funny how I found this after:
Why LEDs should not be run in Halogen reflectors | Tacoma World

Sigh... Guess there is no good/easy way to go LED

 

My 2007 had LEDs on it when I purchased it last year. I thought if I upgraded to a better rated and more expensive LED bulb it would improve light output. It did not. My lights suck. The only time they look good is during the daytime

 

Anything other than OEM will be a significant downgrade in performance from stock, especially anything that looks different than stock. Cheap aftermarket projectors are among the worst performing and should definitely be avoided. 2nd Gen actually has some pretty great headlights, far better than 3rd Gen. Your issue with restoring is because in the restoration process you remove the UV protective coating. Without that coating the headlights will very rapidly degrade to far worse condition that prior to the restoration. You need to apply a UV stabilizer coating after the restoration, and unless you are using a clear paint that UV coating is a maintenance wear item that will need to be regularly reapplied. There are several products on the market for this purpose, but it is essential if restoring headlight that you use one or your results will be very temporary.

Like this:

$13 Meguiar's Keep Clear Headlight Coating - Durable, Long-Lasting Protection Prevents Oxidation and Prevents Yellowing for a Year - Easy Application - 4 Oz Aerosol

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G17...t=&hvlocphy=9052182&hvtargid=pla-494576505021

After properly restoring and UV protecting your OEM headlights, look at this:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/

 

What @crashnburn80 said. 2nd gens have great headlights stock. Changed my faded, cracked, headlights on my '08 with OEM type. While not the latest, greatest, or fanciest, they just plain work (very well).

 

I bought the truck with aftermarket projector headlights on it and immediately sold the OEMs that the owner gave to me (before driving the truck in the dark). Regerts. I’ve been looking for a good set of OEMs for a while.

 

Ive used this kit before. Comes with the UV protective coating and seems to work very well.

$22 SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps to Restore Sun Damaged Headlights with Exclusive UV Block Clear Coat, Light Output and Beam Pattern Restored, Long Lasting Protection

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_N7KKCE7G1K3B85ZGQK69?_encoding=UTF8

The other option is you search around here and find some newer OEM headlights that guys are selling. Usually not terribly expensive.

 

Quote from Meguiar's Amazon ad:

"Whether you’ve just done a headlight restoration or if you have a brand-new car Meguiar’s has the perfect solution for keeping your headlights looking crystal clear with Meguiar’s Keep Clear Headlight Coating."

Ok, I just installed new Toyota headlights on my '06. I have been researching for a product that will protect the "new" factory headlights from the UV degradation. Frankly, every product that I have seen scares me as they all seem to fade or need restoration/recoating, even the Spraymax 2K and most certainly the Meguiar's. Can anyone document applying a coating on new headlights give evidence that the product actually works and does not F-up and reduce the lifetime of the new lights?

I would rather take my chances, do nothing and get 6-8 years of "new" clear then apply something I have to mess with strip and redcoat and actually reduce the factory new lifetime.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-to-do-with-old-oem-headlamps.710499/#post-25258133

 

Don't run leds in those housings. They are not designed for it. I found out the hard way

 

The products are not reducing the life of the headlight. When you restore the headlight you are removing the UV coating, therefore over time it will fade. The truck is to keep them coated when new. After all it’s a plastic lens and plastic doesn’t hold up well to the sun.

 

I use rubbing compound followed by a coat of wax 2-3 times/year and they look brand new.

I too considered aftermarket LEDs for my 2008 Tacoma but determined, through alot of research, most perform very poorly at night.

...but they look cool during they day.

 

Yea I got that years ago. Perhaps my question was not clear. I'm asking about putting a product(s) that by every review is temporary, on to a Factory Brand New Headlight, not a sanded/polished/"restored" unit.

My searching around has returned Zero first hand 1st person accounts of anyone applying a coating to a New headlight and 5-8 years later comparing it to an untreated 5-8 year old New at the time headlight and recording/observing if the treated/untreated is better or worse from New. Another way to ask is, is there any proof that putting any form of a UV treatment on to a New headlight, extended its life - reduces the long term affects of UV damage? Not looking for speculation.

 

I doubt anyone has done that comparison. If you are expecting to put a coating on and it still be there in 5 years then I have some ocean front property in Ky I would like to sell you.

I look at it the same as your paint. You could do nothing and let it fade and fail. Or you could protect and take care of it.

I just ordered new OEM headlights, so will let you know in 5-8 years.

 

OEM headlights have a strong UV stabilized coating to protect the plastic. Over time the coating wears down from UV, weather, car washes etc. An additional coating protects the OEM coating and further protects the headlight. I never bothered to put any on my new OEM smoked TRD assemblies, as the OEM coating should hold up fine for many years in most environments, it will be shorter in states like Arizona. Personally I would rather apply a coating that is a maintenance item, just like waxing your truck. Overtime the wax wears off and you reapply it to continue to protect the paint. While a semi-temporary solution, it also doesn’t cause an permanent change or damage to the headlight like attempting to paint them or apply the permanent sticker style protectors.

 

These are probably the best restore kits I've used. I've turned a bunch of folks on to them as well.

Unfortunately my DRLs eventually melted my headlights, so I replaced my OEM 08 lights with another set of OEM lights about three years ago.

These are the part numbers I installed: