5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

02 headlight replacement

Old Jan 28, 2012 | 12:58 PM
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02 headlight replacement

My 02 headlights are trashed and I looking for replacements. I dont care if there oem or not as I dont want to dump lots of money in them. Id prefer something where I could run aftermarket hids. I searched and most are looking for these lights not replacing them
Old Jan 28, 2012 | 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by 02maxdd
My 02 headlights are trashed and I looking for replacements. I dont care if there oem or not as I dont want to dump lots of money in them. Id prefer something where I could run aftermarket hids. I searched and most are looking for these lights not replacing them
I'm selling mine...

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...eadlights.html

Let me know if you're interested.
Old Jan 28, 2012 | 01:14 PM
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^^Buy those
Old Jan 28, 2012 | 01:18 PM
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What's wrong with them? Send them to me if you think they're wrecked. I bet they just need cleaning.
Old Jan 28, 2012 | 01:19 PM
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Would love to but not looking to spend that much.
Old Jan 28, 2012 | 03:47 PM
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Just buy this restore kit for $30. http://www.jcwhitney.com/lightrite-r...?filterid=u0j1

I used the kit in the spring and my headlights still look great.
Old Jan 28, 2012 | 03:58 PM
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Originally Posted by 02maxdd
Would love to but not looking to spend that much.
Well you're in the wrong business then.

That's insanely cheap for those lights, you'll be VERY hard pressed to find anything in half as good of shape for anywhere NEAR that price.

Like a wise man said above, restore them, pay someone to do it if you can't yourself, enjoy your new looking lights, and keep your pocket change. The restore should be well under $50.

Those lights are over $1200 EACH to buy new.

Last edited by TunerMaxima3000; Jan 28, 2012 at 04:09 PM.
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 12:33 AM
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$450 for the pair is insanely good. Consider I picked up a 2002 left headlight for just under $375.
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 09:05 AM
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I paid $50 to have my lenses restored. Found him on Craigslist. Came out to my office and did it.
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 09:49 AM
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Originally Posted by RR5
$450 for the pair is insanely good. Consider I picked up a 2002 left headlight for just under $375.
This. You will NEVER find a pair for a price that good, let alone in that condition. If that's out of your price range then your only option is restoration.
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 12:18 PM
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Buy the diamondite restoration kit. It does wonders
http://www.autogeek.net/diamondite-h...ht-how-to.html

How bad is trashed?

Last edited by tseng1023; Jan 29, 2012 at 12:21 PM.
Old Jan 29, 2012 | 09:16 PM
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Here is the problem. They were wetsanded with 400,600,1000,1500 then cleared and the clear has cracked. The guy used walmart clear and it just cracked almost like glass. If there is a trusted member on here ill gladly try them for resto
Old Jan 30, 2012 | 07:21 AM
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Originally Posted by 02maxdd
Here is the problem. They were wetsanded with 400,600,1000,1500 then cleared and the clear has cracked. The guy used walmart clear and it just cracked almost like glass. If there is a trusted member on here ill gladly try them for resto
So sand off the clearcoat and use one if the kits linked in here. You can't make them any worse than they currently are.
Old Jan 30, 2012 | 09:05 AM
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^This.



Personally though, I've found sanding is not only tedious and time consuming, but normally isn't necessary.

I've used an electric buffer and polish since I started doing it and I've never had a problem, still crystal clear. Then just hand apply some clearcoat, kind of hard to mess the clearcoat up, so I don't really understand that.
Old Jan 31, 2012 | 09:46 PM
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Not great pics but you get the idea. I bought the 3m kit at walmart that actually goes on a drill adn finished ith my pc and adams products. The car is headed to paint shop on monday to finish up
Old Feb 1, 2012 | 04:15 AM
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Not bad dude, mcuh, much better than paying $450+ right?
Old Feb 1, 2012 | 06:35 AM
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Originally Posted by 02maxdd
Not great pics but you get the idea. I bought the 3m kit at walmart that actually goes on a drill adn finished ith my pc and adams products. The car is headed to paint shop on monday to finish up

The 3M kit is great for cleaning, but has no protectant to seal them. Glad to hear you're taking them to a shop to get clearcoated.
Old Feb 1, 2012 | 08:58 AM
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I sealed and waxed myself. Ill make sure to stay on top of them this time. The car is going to the body shop to have the car repainted.
Old Feb 1, 2012 | 09:02 AM
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Yeah looks like she needs it!
Old Feb 4, 2012 | 05:20 PM
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It was repainted by maaco before I bought it and it shows lol
Old Feb 4, 2012 | 06:29 PM
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Sounds like the clearcoat is all that needs fixing. Did you consider a proper wetsand and re-clear/buff? Might not actually need a full paint job, they prolly just used a crappy clearcoat and didn't apply enough layers, or let it dry long enough. Might save some coin trying to do it with a cutting compound and a proper buffer on the hood before you send it for paint, can't really hurt anything right!
Old Feb 4, 2012 | 07:14 PM
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I havnt tried to mess with it so far. It feels like sand paper on the hood lol. Its being repainted for 1300 with dents and a few minor fixes and 4 coats of clear with the 4th being cut with buffer.
Old Feb 4, 2012 | 07:16 PM
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Meh get her done then I guess, seems reasonable. If anything, I'd be leary about that price if they're actually repainting. Seems too cheap.
Old Feb 4, 2012 | 07:35 PM
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Its a shop we use alot for dealer work.
Old Feb 4, 2012 | 07:40 PM
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*Jealous
Old Feb 5, 2012 | 05:59 PM
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Any parts I usually cant find at local yards or forums I get from car-parts.com Just be careful with some of the yards and call and actually speak to someone before ordering. Make sure they will take the part back if they send you the wrong stuff
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