New headlight units for a 2006 ST - or are there options?

[OzzieNorm]

The story with my 2006 Patrol ST wagon is that it has spent its life as a work horse on a coal mine. 'Hard life' as various mechanical specialists now inform me...

I took it into the ACT Motor Registry for a roadworthy inspection earlier this week. NINE defects... Many are minor and easily remedied (like one brake light is not working [the fog lamp light] even though there are 4 other brake lights that work fine... Perfection!)

This post is about the headlights: "BOTH HEADLIGHTS - POOR BEAM PATTERN".

This may be because the 'outer surface' of each headlamp unit has been 'sand blasted' by constant coal dust exposure - or the reflector has deteriorated from coal dust and condensation...

New headlight assemblies maybe $555 plus (each).

What are the options for new headlights? I have tried some wreckers - but the head lights are either smashed or gone...

I have heard of some product that strips the outer layer of the headlamp 'glass' - removing the 'fog' and rendering the glass 'clear/clean'. That could be a good start... Anyone know about such a product?

Secondly, how might I go about cleaning/buffing the reflectors?

[As a third (left field) option, might an upgrade to +50% globes or a HID conversion make the light pattern more 'acceptable' to the inspectors?]

What do y'all reckon?
Thanks.

[Maxhead]

ACT Motor registry ....hahah. I try and avoid that joint at all cost ...lolol

Have you had a look online, like these on ebay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nissan-Patrol-2004-GU-4-GU4-Clear-Head-Light-Right-Hand-Driver-Side-Replacement-/270882336924?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f11d8709c#ht_2018wt_1110

[BearGUST]

Much better than the genuine price!

I think Mothers do a headlight restoration polish/kit.
I wouldn't be putting HID's in, they'll just make the car less roadworthy. HID headlights are only legal if they are factory fitted.


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[OzzieNorm]

ACT Motor registry ....hahah. I try and avoid that joint at all cost ...lolol

Have you had a look online, like these on ebay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nissan-Patrol-2004-GU-4-GU4-Clear-Head-Light-Right-Hand-Driver-Side-Replacement-/270882336924?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f11d8709c#ht_2018wt_1110

First time this Patrol has been registered in the ACT; so, a trip to the registry is unavoidable. That said, I was happy that they were thorough - like 4 inspectors and the workshop foreman were debating the vehicle at one time. Just NINE matters for rectification. Most simple.

[OzzieNorm]

Much better than the genuine price!

I think Mothers do a headlight restoration polish/kit.
I wouldn't be putting HID's in, they'll just make the car less roadworthy. HID headlights are only legal if they are factory fitted.


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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?kci2za

I used a kit by Invision. Bought from AutoPro for $40. [Repco offered me what seemed to be the same kit for $56. Pays to shop around.] This AutoPro price was the same as I could find on the Internet.

Apparently, constant exposure to sunlight/UV causes the plastic surface to deteriorate - to go 'smokey'.

After doing the sandpapering to remove the outer surface of the headlight cover, the surface looked really scuffed - as one would expect after some vigorous sandpapering.

The kit came with a final coat - an acrylic. Boy did it make an instant difference! The acrylic coating starts off liquid, so, it soaks into all the micro scratches thereby filling the scratches. The final surface looks so clean and smooth. Beauty.

Recommended.

And there are plenty of videos on YouTube demonstrating the process. Some of the kits even come with a buffing attachment for an electric drill - which takes the elbow grease out of the operation. Suggest you watch a few of the clips BEFORE procuring - as access and different techniques might better suit you and your application - thereby influencing your choice of product.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=headlight+restoration&oq=headlight+restoration&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=3&gs_upl=2010l5825l0l8341l21l19l0l7l7l1l523l2104l1.0 .3.1.1.1l7l0