2002 Maxima SE

iTrader: (3)

I found a place in Atlanta, Ga (Clear Like Crystal) that will reseal my headlights without heating/opening them. I had posted here a while back that the cost of OEM replacement was $600 to $800 and aftermarket headlight replacement was of varying quality. This shop will reseal and test the assembly for the same price as replacing with an aftermarket light.

I'll post my experience once the light is returned. The owner's business is primarily headlight restoration. So far I have had a good experience dealing with the company (USPS has been a different story).

luvlexus101

iTrader: (6)

Seems pretty steep imo

ChrisMan287

iTrader: (34)

Way steep. Pass on that.

Genes1s

iTrader: (5)

Do you have water spots? if you do there is no way to clean them up without opening it, especially if the water spot stays there getting heated up and cooled down with heat cycle from the engine bay.

If you have no water spot, then you can do this yourself. The easiest way to do this, is bake th headlight with low heat 150-170 degree F for few cycles to let all of the moisture out. I've also done it just placing it on top of the heat vent in your house for few days. Once it dries out sealing it up will only take few bucks and 30 minutes each.

TunerMaxima3000

iTrader: (4)

^This

2002 Maxima SE

iTrader: (3)

Steep compared to what? Replacing these lights is between $250 (aftermarket) to $800 (new OEM). Aftermarket has varying quality (fitment issues, early leaking, light reflection, etc). It's possible to find a junkyard OEM in this price range, but you run the risk of it having a leak already and most certainly the lamp is in need of a lens refurbish (usually runs $80 to do it right).

If a person has a well maintained headlamp with no UV damage resealing is the best option. Even better if you have access to automotive grade sealant and can do the work yourself.

Opening up the lamps in an oven runs the risk of deforming the plastic (IMHO). Not trying to flame, I just have not seen 100% success with this process.

Genes1s

iTrader: (5)

In all honesty, we're just trying to help. It takes a little bit of incremental process to find the right temperature to open the headlight apart using oven. Different headligths uses different grade of plastic, but they all stamp it on the housing the type of plastic they use. From here you can find out the melting temperature of the plastic since you can look up the mechanical property of that specific plastic. I usually start with 220F for 5 minutes, and work my way up from there. I open headlights in weekly basis and have never had issue with deforming or melting any plastic parts of the headlights. Those automotive grade sealant is also available from delearship. I use Nissan OEM butyl tape to replace the old butyl tape that has hardened due to aging, especially in the aftermarket one.