Replacement Headlights for SE - Where to buy?& is SE "different"?
#1
Replacement Headlights for SE - Where to buy?& is SE "different"?
I need a replacement headlight for my '99 Max, the stock one is badly discolored.
Are the non-dealer replacement lamps on Ebay or Amazon any good? Any particular brands/sellers people like?
Also, I noticed that one seller had this in their listing "NOTE: Will not fit 1999 GXE & SE models without multi-reflector lamp"
What's a multi-reflector lamp, and do I need to be concerned about this point? I wasn't aware of any difference between the lights in the various models.
Are the non-dealer replacement lamps on Ebay or Amazon any good? Any particular brands/sellers people like?
Also, I noticed that one seller had this in their listing "NOTE: Will not fit 1999 GXE & SE models without multi-reflector lamp"
What's a multi-reflector lamp, and do I need to be concerned about this point? I wasn't aware of any difference between the lights in the various models.
#2
I ordered some OEM type replacements for my 98SE from autolightsbulbs.com. for $80 w/shipping. Am supposed to get them early next week. I'll let you know what I think of them.
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...headlamps.html
My understanding is that they fit all 97 98 99 Maxima's. I hope that's right. They look like they are the correct type for my SE.
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...headlamps.html
My understanding is that they fit all 97 98 99 Maxima's. I hope that's right. They look like they are the correct type for my SE.
Last edited by Nopike; 12-10-2009 at 10:30 AM.
#4
Senior Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ / Hoboken, NJ
Posts: 1,325
all 4th gen headlights fit all 4th gens.
95-96 are parabolic reflectors and fluted glass lens.
97-99 are complex-surface reflectors and clear polycarbonate lenses.
They are interchangeable. I have '96 headlights on my '97 right now.
But don't buy new headlights just because the lenses are bad. 3M makes a ~$30 headlight restoration kit that is supposed to work really well. Don't bother with a $5 bottle of Brasso or PlastX and wet-sanding with 2000 grit sandpaper - it doesn't really work that well. The 3M kit has a special compound and buffing pad and stuff to use, and I've only heard good reviews of it.
95-96 are parabolic reflectors and fluted glass lens.
97-99 are complex-surface reflectors and clear polycarbonate lenses.
They are interchangeable. I have '96 headlights on my '97 right now.
But don't buy new headlights just because the lenses are bad. 3M makes a ~$30 headlight restoration kit that is supposed to work really well. Don't bother with a $5 bottle of Brasso or PlastX and wet-sanding with 2000 grit sandpaper - it doesn't really work that well. The 3M kit has a special compound and buffing pad and stuff to use, and I've only heard good reviews of it.
#5
But don't buy new headlights just because the lenses are bad. 3M makes a ~$30 headlight restoration kit that is supposed to work really well. Don't bother with a $5 bottle of Brasso or PlastX and wet-sanding with 2000 grit sandpaper - it doesn't really work that well. The 3M kit has a special compound and buffing pad and stuff to use, and I've only heard good reviews of it.
I used the 3M kit on my 5.5's and they came out so much better than before. And if I recall correctly, it was only $15, so even better! Stay away from brasso and plastx. The 3M works great!
#7
Do those kits really work? I know they polish the surface, but isn't the discoloration throughout the plastic?
#10
It really depends on how dirty the lenses are and If it's dirty from the inside,because if it's dirty on the inside you will have to open the headlights up and clean them and it depends on the what the problem in the headlight are and if it's not repairable get new headlights. If your going to clean the headlights try the 3M, because there great and I used it on my minivan. If the lights don't shine at the first try than try sanding the headlights evenly and firmly for the best results and the product comes with instructions.
#13
I just did the GF's headlights with the 3M restore kit and that came out very well, they look almost like new. If you want your headlights to look perfect the kit probably won't get you the results you want but it will get your headlights 95% better.
#16
#17
http://www.formula1wax.com/products/...hOutLiquid.php
I used this on one of my older cars, used a sponge with this on it to buff it out and it worked fine for those...of course, i'm sure it depends on how bad yours are....but this stuff is like $3....
I used this on one of my older cars, used a sponge with this on it to buff it out and it worked fine for those...of course, i'm sure it depends on how bad yours are....but this stuff is like $3....
#21
Besides being less prone to clouding, is there any advantage to the glass lenses? I found half a pair at the Pick'N'Pull and glass always feels much nicer than plastic, though I don't spend most of my days rubbing on my headlights so I don't know how much "feel" matters. Is the light pattern any better with the glass units/parabolic reflectors?
I think I just want an excuse to replace a plastic bit with a glass bit. I hate plastic.
As for clouding, my lenses were transparent but yellowed when I bought the car. I also went the Autozone-kit route. A bit of, uh, vigorous back-and-forth rubbing, and the lenses are less yellowed, but not as clear as the corner lights. Oh well - it's a beige car, nobody will notice.
I think I just want an excuse to replace a plastic bit with a glass bit. I hate plastic.
As for clouding, my lenses were transparent but yellowed when I bought the car. I also went the Autozone-kit route. A bit of, uh, vigorous back-and-forth rubbing, and the lenses are less yellowed, but not as clear as the corner lights. Oh well - it's a beige car, nobody will notice.
#23
Senior Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ / Hoboken, NJ
Posts: 1,325
Besides being less prone to clouding, is there any advantage to the glass lenses? I found half a pair at the Pick'N'Pull and glass always feels much nicer than plastic, though I don't spend most of my days rubbing on my headlights so I don't know how much "feel" matters. Is the light pattern any better with the glass units/parabolic reflectors?
I think I just want an excuse to replace a plastic bit with a glass bit. I hate plastic.
As for clouding, my lenses were transparent but yellowed when I bought the car. I also went the Autozone-kit route. A bit of, uh, vigorous back-and-forth rubbing, and the lenses are less yellowed, but not as clear as the corner lights. Oh well - it's a beige car, nobody will notice.
I think I just want an excuse to replace a plastic bit with a glass bit. I hate plastic.
As for clouding, my lenses were transparent but yellowed when I bought the car. I also went the Autozone-kit route. A bit of, uh, vigorous back-and-forth rubbing, and the lenses are less yellowed, but not as clear as the corner lights. Oh well - it's a beige car, nobody will notice.
#26
My 98 Max lenses are yellow like smoker's teeth.
I tried Permatex a few years ago, about 30 min of rubbing extremely fine wet sandpaper didn't do squat, though it was all by hand.
Like Scratch remover, I've tried lots and despite all the claims, they do squat and I'm out of cash.
Not sure I'd try the 3M product, but if adaptable to power tool, that could work.
I tried Permatex a few years ago, about 30 min of rubbing extremely fine wet sandpaper didn't do squat, though it was all by hand.
Like Scratch remover, I've tried lots and despite all the claims, they do squat and I'm out of cash.
Not sure I'd try the 3M product, but if adaptable to power tool, that could work.
Last edited by holymoly; 07-14-2012 at 11:13 AM.
#28
#30
Haven't seen details on how you can clearcoast.
edit:
moe searching and GGENIUS says you can get it professionally clearcoated for $50. Was in junkyard yesterday and saw a couple of max's with headlights in pretty clear state. maybe only just a small job with my Permatex kit
Last edited by holymoly; 07-15-2012 at 05:07 AM.
#31
Consumer report test indicate slyvania kit works the best followed by 3m. Turtle wax kit is ok, but the haze reappeared pretty quick. Most of these kits require sanding, does anyone what grade of sandpaper is being used? I have some 2000 grits lying around.
#32
New headlights are like 80 bucks with new corners....idk why people waste sooooo much money on scrarch removers and 3m kits etc etc.. Buy new lights and have them clearcoated...lights will outlast life of your car..BTW THANKS FOR THE TWO YEAR OLD THREAD BUMP
#33
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...eadlights.html
i made the title "restoring headlights," hoping itd be easy for people to search for.
i made the title "restoring headlights," hoping itd be easy for people to search for.
#34
I've done some searching here and 99% are postings, going off on tangents too, and pictures using commercials products we have mentioned.
Haven't seen details on how you can clearcoast.
edit:
moe searching and GGENIUS says you can get it professionally clearcoated for $50. Was in junkyard yesterday and saw a couple of max's with headlights in pretty clear state. maybe only just a small job with my Permatex kit
Haven't seen details on how you can clearcoast.
edit:
moe searching and GGENIUS says you can get it professionally clearcoated for $50. Was in junkyard yesterday and saw a couple of max's with headlights in pretty clear state. maybe only just a small job with my Permatex kit
if you can find clear oems at the JY thats great, but chances are they will get foggy eventually. 3 coats of clear and those things are UV protected and crystal clear for life.
and then the cheap ebay headlights are nice too, but the beam pattern is said to be not as good as oem, not to mention those things will yellow up in NO TIME.
#35
you are correct sir. any kit that buffs the surface of the headlight will only temporarily solve your problem. even with a 6000rpm buffer like i have. CC is the way to go.
#36
that's DuPont 74700s clear coat?
What was the time spent sanding?
Something no one mentioned, though after seeing those lens, aesthetics mean more now, how much less illumination caused by yellow lens?
wish Pepsodent did the trick.
What was the time spent sanding?
Something no one mentioned, though after seeing those lens, aesthetics mean more now, how much less illumination caused by yellow lens?
wish Pepsodent did the trick.
#37
yeah, i guesstimated that at a BS theyrd probably charge about $50 to sand em to perfection and then clearcoat and bake them. but theyd be done that day and they would NEVER fog again.
if you can find clear oems at the JY thats great, but chances are they will get foggy eventually. 3 coats of clear and those things are UV protected and crystal clear for life.
and then the cheap ebay headlights are nice too, but the beam pattern is said to be not as good as oem, not to mention those things will yellow up in NO TIME.
if you can find clear oems at the JY thats great, but chances are they will get foggy eventually. 3 coats of clear and those things are UV protected and crystal clear for life.
and then the cheap ebay headlights are nice too, but the beam pattern is said to be not as good as oem, not to mention those things will yellow up in NO TIME.
I'm sure the illumination quality will be enhanced.
#38
not to mention, now you still have OEM housings, reflectors, everything. but they shine like brand new and i dont see them ever yellowing again.
#39
Someone said that 97 and previous Max headlights were glass.
Well a 96 Max at the junk yard did indeed have glass lens. Was there at jy for charcoal cannister, but another jy did quote around $100 for the whole headlight.
Well a 96 Max at the junk yard did indeed have glass lens. Was there at jy for charcoal cannister, but another jy did quote around $100 for the whole headlight.