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Headlight Lens Swap

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Valentin84, May 9, 2019.

  1. Valentin84

    Valentin84 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2019
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    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hey guys, the headlight lenses on my 2004 are as bad as they get. I've refinished them twice but they're just too far gone and I need to do something about them. I unfortunately have the HID option so the complete housings are crazy expensive. I was wondering if you guys have come across anyone selling just the lenses? Or if anyone has purchased the halogen type assemblies and swapped just the lenses?
     
    #1 Valentin84, May 9, 2019
    ukiltmybrutha likes this.
  2. Stimp

    Stimp Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2018
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    Location:
    North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    1. Remove them.
    2. Wet sand them with 1000 grit sandpaper in the sink, follow up with 1500 grit. Have to remove all the yellowed clear coat/plastic.
    3. Dry and wipe down with paint thinner or other solvent to prep for clear coat.
    4. Spray with a high quality clear coat. Let dry overnight.
    Optional steps:
    5. Lightly sand clear coat to remove runs and dust contamination.
    6. Buff/polish with an orbital polishing disk and compound.
    7. Coat with car wax.

    There are more detailed instructions on the web and YouTube if you're willing to look.
     
    #2 Stimp, May 10, 2019
    TMR-JWAP and SFO like this.
  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2016
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    Location:
    Columbia, SC
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I will back Stimp 100% on this. I saw his headlights last weekend. Holy moley they look great. I would have believed him if he had told me a Toyota dealer had installed them that morning.
     
    #3 TMR-JWAP, May 10, 2019
    Stimp likes this.
  4. Stimp

    Stimp Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2018
    53
    41
    0
    Location:
    North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    And what you saw has been driving around for a year since the above described process was done.

    If I remember correctly this was after clear coat had dried overnight.
    received_10101331704779923.jpeg
    This was after reinstalling the lights.
    DSC_1617.JPG

    Wish I had taken a before picture!
     
    #4 Stimp, May 11, 2019
    Skibob and Raytheeagle like this.
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