I'm just wondering what would be a better idea factoring in cost and quality. I have a 2000 GLE with oxidized oem headlights. I have absolutely no tools whatsoever, so I would have to purchase or find someone with a buffer to borrow. Now, I found a set of eBay headlights (no not projectors) just oem replacements with black housings for 69 dollars shipped new. Would it be more beneficial to buy a restoration kit and revitalize my existing lights or just swapping them out being that the new set is so inexpensive.

I'm leaning towards just buying the new headlights, but can simply swapping headlight housings cause an issue in quality? I'm looking to have a clean look and improved output at night, but I've just never purchased new housings on ebay before. Thanks in advance for answering a pretty basic question.

 

Do you have a drill at least? Then you can restore your headlights with a $20 kit that utilizes a buffing pad that attaches to your drill. If not, there are $10 kits where no tools are required but you have to do everything by hand.

Nothing beats new though. Even restored headlights only get a B+ grade from me, never a "A".

Hopefully someone will chime in regarding the fit and finish of those $69 headlights.

Have you considered upgrading to the 2002/2003 headlights? Not going to be cheap though.

 

thanks for the response! unfortunately I have no tools, i mean nothing as of now, reason being I am in my first home for under a year and moved out of state (in NC now) so I only moved here with essentials and had to buy furniture and all of that fun stuff lol. I am on a budget right now, but I definitely did consider 5.5 gen headlights, but I want to do what I can afford right now.

My previous 2 cars ('12 Maxima, and 09 Altima) were brand new leases and I became acustomed to the cleanliness of a brand new car, and because of my life changes (also have a 6 month old daughter) I decided to cut back on those luxuries. So my goal with this maxima is to make it the cleanest 14 year old car that I can, while staying budget conscious.

the biggest eye sore on the car aside from the rock chips on the hood are the headlights... I am sure my father in law can lend me his drill if necessary, but I guess what I am trying to determine is if the restoration is worth it, or just spend the extra few bucks on the replacement set. Fit and finish is my main concern with the ebay lights. I would hate to swap out oem lights for poor fitting aftermarkets.

 

Props to you to for sacrificing the luxuries for more important things in life (family)
As your other problem with the headlights...a 10-$15 kit thats used with a towel/rag/microfiber/scuff pad and the like is your best bet. A bit more hand work but should achieve similar results to a power drill option but taking more time to do so.

(i may get flamed for saying this....) but i will anyway as you are on a budget. we've all been there so i know what you'r goin thru.
youtube search...."headlight toothpaste" That'll guide you...Given you have the essentials..you have whats needed to do a true "budget" clean job of your headlights. wax the headlights after...ull be good for months. the basics are simple (its abrasive enough to clean the surface with a rag) Good Luck!

 

If you buy new off ebay for $69, you get poor performance, potential water leak, and the lens are only good for 2 years before starting to fade again. I'd rather restore the OEM than getting new aftermarket ones. I just did this today. Took about 1.5 hour total and $15 for sand papers and polishing compound + Harbor Freight rotary buffer (http://www.harborfreight.com/7-in-va...der-69474.html). All you need to do is apply the wax every 3 months and you'll maintain the headlights for years to come.

https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...ml#post8989832

 

I got some nice ones for my 4th Gen off Ebay a few years ago they worked just fine.

Try some toothpaste and a wet rag. I have seen that work very well to restore headlights. Better than some of the kits that are sold out there. There are videos on you tube that show you how.

 

I have used the turtle wax polisher and sealant that they sell in the autoparts and you only need a rag to do this.

 

For headlight restoration you can NOT beat the Sylvania system. No drill needed, just elbow grease.

It's just a bunch of grades of sandpaper in a box (you can rip each one in half and cover both headlights on two cars easily) except for one thing... It contains a UV protectant and scratch coating that you put on last. This last step is made of pure magic. I kid you not, you can buy those paste repair kits or use toothpaste, etc. and sure they look great for a month, but then you're doing it again because they turn yellow and hazy before you know it.

With this stuff you do it once, then do it again in 5 years. $21 bucks shipped.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There was also a great writeup about it in Popular Mechanics.

Magic, I tell you. PURE Magic!

 

I used the 3m kit from courtesy nissan $16 sorry bout the lighting on the pictures.

 

I used Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restorer on my headlamp covers. Did a great job. Here's an article on how to use the product. It took me about 45 minutes using all the steps to do both covers.

 

Headlight restoration kits = marketing 101

Rubbing compound is $3.99
Soft cotton cloth, old tee shirt etc $0.00
Open beer and rub until clear - Priceless

 

Cheapest way, use toothpaste and muscle. Buff it in circular motion. Crest brand with sandy texture is the best to use. Its double purpose can be use to buff the lens or to clean the teeth.

 

I recently saw a middle aged woman driving a 4th gen that looked like it just came off the showroom floor. Wheels were polished, headlights super clear and paint flawless.

If people would care for their cars the way the manufacturer recommended then they would not care to get new cars as often.

 

You can hand buff the headlight with rubbing compound to get it super clear but it will start
to turn yellow in acouple weeks.

Those restoration kits are a rip-off. Best thing is to sand it and spray it with clear coat.
Will be nice and clear for years and years.

 

So I'm going to try the 3m kit and see how it goes after seeing those pics. Being that it's not so expensive I will try that first and try to keep it oem. Next on my list is PDR on my trunk and leather cracking repair.


Edit: I'll try rubbing compound first

 

I'd like to point out that after restoring headlights, if you step back and look at them, you'll say to yourself.."Those look almost new". But when you compare them to brand new head lights, there's really no comparison. Now matter how much time and effort I put into them, the best I can get them is a B+ grade. Maybe I'm just picky.

Just my experience using 3M, Meguiars, and Mothers.

I'd pass on 3M and get a kit that gives you the final clear coat protection.

 

As colt said.. some toothpaste will do the trick....

 

Kind of a silly question but what kind of applicator would be ideal for buffing the toothpaste

 

Just rub it with a clean cloth.
Watch this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX86DHZ_8Ow

 

Sorry to be negative
but don't waste your parents toothpaste they bought you on headlights.

Got to autozone and get rubbing compound, you get more of it and it actually does something.
A tube of toothpast is like 3bux... Same price as actual rubbing compound.

Please.

 

As I have said toothpaste is double purpose, can be use to polish the headlight lens and use to polish the teeth.