Lexus RX300 2001 headlamp replacement

[Karenl]

Hi, my headlamps are dulling and will go over time. I've been told it's not the bulbs and both headlamps need replacing. I've looked at second hand spares on line and it's cheaper to buy a whole salvage car but can't find any of the right age.

Can anyone point me in the right direction - I live in Portsmouth but could travel in UK if price is right?

[Stupot]

The headlamps just need polishing, not replacing. Dulling lenses is a common problem on many makes of vehicles at a certain age. You can buy a polishing kit on amazon/ebay and do it your self, or there will be local companys offering this service. Search for 'headlight restoration'. Just get some quotes... only takes a couple of hours so should be under £100

This one mentions headlight restoration in Sothampton https://www.finishingtouchcarcosmetics.co.uk/mobile-scratch-repairs

https://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/category/Automotive--Aircraft---Boat/Headlight-Restoration-Hampshire-UK-857199994424668/

Bishops Waltham http://lex-tech.co.uk/toyota-lexus-headlight-restoration.php

Hampshire (probably mobile) https://www.clearheadlight.co.uk/

[Karenl]

Thanks for these suggestions Stupot. 

It's certainly worth a try and a lot cheaper than replacing both headlamps!

Thanks for checking local services too

[Barry14UK]

The discolouration happens on the lights of all cars with the plastic type lens rather than glass,  particularly in parts of the USA where cars are subjected to strong sun this happens sooner.

I had to polish up the headlights on a 2001 BMW.  A special transparent film is applied at the time of manufacture so try to avoid going through this.  If you do, you can still get a reasonable job but it won't last so long before needing to be done again.  Some people were subsequently spraying aftermarket films themselves or paying for it to be done.  In the USA the problem  is so great that there are a lot of people doing this and some go from one dealer to another performing the service. 

[PCM]

On 1/22/2020 at 1:00 AM, Karenl said:

Hi, my headlamps are dulling and will go over time. I've been told it's not the bulbs and both headlamps need replacing. I've looked at second hand spares on line and it's cheaper to buy a whole salvage car but can't find any of the right age.

Can anyone point me in the right direction - I live in Portsmouth but could travel in UK if price is right?

Try this?

About £6...

Won't be perfect but won't cost hundreds for work not needed?

Turtle Wax 53146 Headlight Restorer Headlamp Cleaner Liquid 300ml

[Barry14UK]

Meguires do a kit (which I believe Halfords do - discount for Gold members?) Here is link to video and there is also a lot about this if you Google Meguires Headlamp restoration kit.  

 

[Barry14UK]

See also https://bestreviews.co.uk/headlight-restoration-kits/

[Karenl]

Thanks for all these suggestions.

I'll try them out

 

[Illogan]

3 hours ago, Karenl said:

Thanks for all these suggestions.

I'll try them out

 

I used the Meguiars pack on my previous car (Merc S500) and the job was easy and effective

[Lost it]

I just bought a few sheets of wet and dry at 800, 1200 and 1600 grit and a tin of clear laquer. Pennies really. About an hours work. These kits are ok but you are buying a box with the same stuff in it bar the laquer.

 

If you are really patient you can use toothpaste. But you might get fed up of the smell after an hour or so...