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Yellowing headlight plastic

Does Nissan just sell the outer plastic? My Z's headlight are getting ugly. Can I replace the lenses or do I have to buy the whole thing? I hear if

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Old 08-24-2018, 03:43 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Default Yellowing headlight plastic

Does Nissan just sell the outer plastic? My Z's headlight are getting ugly. Can I replace the lenses or do I have to buy the whole thing? I hear if you try cleaning them they'll be yellow again in about a year.
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Old 08-24-2018, 03:52 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Unfortunately, the headlights are only sold by Nissan as a complete assembly (and expensive). Best bet is to keep an eye out for some used ones on the forums - I've seen a pair of very clean ones go for about the costs of one new one from Nissan.

Alternatively, you might consider having a professional add an additional layer of clear coat to them. Or possibly even just cleaning them more frequently and keeping a layer of wax on them as a preventative measure. I've personally never had any issues with yellowing headlights on any cars, even when they are parked daily in the Texas sun.
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Old 08-24-2018, 03:59 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Sams club does restoration for like 20 bucks...
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Old 08-24-2018, 04:05 PM   #4 (permalink)
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If you're looking to DIY. I hear this 3M kit works great.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Head.../dp/B001AIZ5HY

Should be used in conjunction with something like this to re-seal the lenses
https://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-Head...dlight+sealant
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Old 08-24-2018, 04:42 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RumbleFish View Post
If you're looking to DYI. I here this 3M kit works great.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Head.../dp/B001AIZ5HY

Should be used in conjunction with something like this to re-seal the lenses
https://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-Head...dlight+sealant
This works
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Old 08-24-2018, 06:27 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Try not to park under the Sun,my 9.5 Years Lights still like new...
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Old 08-24-2018, 07:07 PM   #7 (permalink)
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I'd try clean/polish/protect as other have mentioned above. That should give you three or more years to find a good used set of housings or save up for a set of Nissan's.

The people reporting only one year before re-yellowing probably didn't do the last step.
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Old 08-24-2018, 07:29 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z View Post
I'd try clean/polish/protect as other have mentioned above.

The people reporting only one year before re-yellowing probably didn't do the last step.
Getting them crystal clear again is easy. 3000 grit wet sand, and buff with your favorite compound. I typically do low speed until they are clear, and then high speed to polish them up nice. But you MUST put some sort of sealant on them, or they fade again rather quickly. I did my daughters on her cobalt. they were EXTREMELY faded. after I taped off around, and sprayed them with clear. 3 years later, still like new.
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Old 08-26-2018, 08:47 AM   #9 (permalink)
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I wet sanded mine down, and threw them in the paint booth and they came out mint! My head lights were faded! I even bought that turtle wax headlight restore and it only lasted a year!. Went full restore on them and came out perfect!

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
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Old 08-26-2018, 07:47 PM   #10 (permalink)
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The Nissan HID headlights on our Z’s are quite costly. If you can restore and clean them do it. Try the Meguiars headlight restoration kit I used this headlight cleaning kit on the headlights and fog lights on my old 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX with excellent results just takes some elbow grease,time,and patients. Good luck and just take your time and they will come out looking like brand new again!
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Old 08-28-2018, 10:36 AM   #11 (permalink)
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Seal with ceramic coat if you don't want to pull off for clear coating. I just did mine and drove 120 miles round trip on the highway. There were numerous bugs on the front bumper and windshield, zero on the headlights. Waiting on the car do get dirty to ceramic coat the rest of it.
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Old 08-28-2018, 10:44 AM   #12 (permalink)
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Save your hard earned cash! Use the simple two step method; clean with toothpaste, buff out the toothpaste and then seal with a high quality auto wax. The lights come out looking like new. This method is simple and will keep your lights looking like new for quite some time.
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Old 08-28-2018, 06:33 PM   #13 (permalink)
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WD-40 does wonders on headlights to remove the yellow fade. Although it’s not a long term solution. Will have to reapply but could fill the gap until you have time to sand and buff or save up for new ones.
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Old 08-28-2018, 06:40 PM   #14 (permalink)
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These are the steps i did and it came out amazing!




This is from 5000 grit wet sanding, yes this step look amazing BUT, their is no uv protection, yea u can do 3m creams and sprays but they dont last long, believe me ive tried.

This is from the paint booth, im almost positive tho spray can clear will work too!
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
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Old 08-29-2018, 10:51 AM   #15 (permalink)
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spraymax makes a headlight resto kit that comes with a clear primer for plastic and a 2k clear to go on top of it.. all aerosol.
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