Thanks! With a little elbow grease, you can buy a $20 kit like the one I used and it'll take about 2 hours total for both headlights. It's basically a simple process of clean, a ton of sanding, then clear coat at the end. Go over patiently and take your time with it as it'll yield better results.
Just make sure you're not doing it on a rainy or windy day. :)
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C7LT7P9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_A26E8HEQ3HSH6PXSZ9EQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Link to video I watched for the install: https://youtu.be/2hc46EyG3pY
Much brighter than the stock turn signals. Definitely a small improvement but makes a big difference!
Getting a 20% ceramic tint on my whole car tomorrow (minus windshield). Can post pics if anyones interested
amazon link Installed myself..took about 30 min total Followed instructions from youtube youtube link
This is my 2003 BMW 530i, I recently attempted to restore the headlights using this kit. I did accidentally mess up when applying the clear coat on the left lens and now there are some ridges where it went on unevenly but overall it is a drastic improvement from the hazed yellow that they have been. For $20 I would say the kit is definitely worth trying, it took me about an hour and a half to finish both lights and is pretty straightforward. If I were to do it again I would probably just buy the sandpaper myself and only buy their UV block kit and save a few bucks
Just stick with halogens. Sylvania Silverstar Ultra bulbs are bright as hell. Should be able to get them on Amazon or at any auto parts store.
But more importantly, are your head light lenses all cloudy and yellow? Because that dims the light output a lot. You can polish them yourself with a kit like this (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429NKWK), or any body shop should be able to do it for you.
it might just be the angle of the photo but the headlights look like they could use restored, I have had good luck with this before
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https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY
Picked up these universal motorcycle mirrors from Amazon for $10. With a longer bolt or modification of the mirror bracket they bolt right on. Just thought I'd share in case anyone is looking for some affordable mirrors.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08745K56G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They also sell just the clear coat wipes as well if you don't need the entire kit and just wet sand what you have. I did it about 7-8 months ago and they still look as good as the day I did them. Done it to 3 vehicles already.
I had seen other users do similar approaches before. This took about 30 minutes. Products used (non-referral):
It's about a $15-20 cost. Probably not worth it if you're just doing it for one jewel. Since it's such a small piece, I'm sure you could use the kit on your headlights after or do a lot of jewels.
Thanks! Bought them a couple of days ago for $40, now they’re back to $50. Here’s the link: HIGH FLYING Car Accessories Led Side Mirrors, Sequential Dynamic Turn Signal Lights Indicator Strip 2pcs/Pair for Toyota Tacoma 2016-2019 2020, RAV4 XA50 2019-2021, Highlander XU70 2020 (Smoked Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C7LT7P9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YPV5SSKPXBZG2CT5M5Q8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If your headlights are cloudy/foggy, you can clean them up with a headlight restoration kit.
I used these Fahren LED bulbs for my low beams and fog lights (on my 2017), and then got another pair for my high beams (different size bulb of course). They went in super easy, they're really bright pure white, I don't get flashed by people thinking my high beams are on or anything, and it's LAUGHABLE when I do turn my high beams on, it's like making it day time at night.
Something with a sealant to prevent it from coming back.
As for carpet, Chemical Guys and Adams are known to be good. If they’re really bad, a hand held steam cleaner will go a long way. For interior detailing, you have to make multiple cleans to get really good results. I would just look on eBay for a set of Lexus OEM all weather floor mats and call it a day lol.
The footwell LEDs? I actually pulled these from my old mazda3 before selling it they are cheap yet effective;
Govee Interior Car Lights, LED DC 12V https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q6CPQK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6WH3YDW44BC2VA3AGDDD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Overall this set gets a B grade from me; good brightness, basic features, excellent adhesive or comes with mounting screws which I never used. You can’t disconnect any wires to make running them easier and the unit cycles through the colors on startup every time no matter what you do (less than a second).
I plan to upgrade these to a better set, possibly with EL wire / fiber, once I get bored and need the project. For now these work plenty fine.
This is the one i used , youll need a powered drill for it . any kits you get that dont involve sanding are NOT going to work so dont waste your money . you need to sand down the top "yellow" layer , then buff and polish the underlayer and it will literally look like brand new headlights.
I used these on my 2010 M3 and you could swear they were brand new headlights. it lasts about 2 years or so before you have to re-do them.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-39195-Headlight-Restoration-Heavy-Duty/dp/B08745K56G
/r/autodetailing has a great wiki on this subject. Basic steps; 1/ Pick up or blow any leaves and junk that you can easily get to 2/ cover any exposed electrical wires and alternator/belt, a plastic bag works great for this 3/ spray a gentle degreaser or just soap and water to lightly coat the engine bay (starting with the underside of the hood) 4/ use a microfiber cloth or brushes to agitate 5/ finally, rinse and let dry.
Edit: maybe consider cleaning up your headlights while you're at it. I'm a fan of this 3m product. Follow up with a headlight coating afterwards as well.
I don't think you should be paying him so maybe give him a chance to repair the damage first.
If he refuses to correct it, you're stuck with these tiles now so they need fixing.
What I'd be doing is using this 3M headlight restorer kit that attaches to a cordless drill. It should have everything you need in it to be abrasive enough to take the scratches out with T-cut-like paste, then gradually polish back up to a shine using various stages of wet sanding pads and buffing pad. The reason I'm suggesting is that in my head it needs to be quite delicate and I know this kit brings a headlight back up to a crystal clear transparency with no markings as I've used it a few times.
Which bar end mirrors? For my triumph, I'm pretty sure I left those in there and screwed my bolt into them. I didn't use the expansion fit part of the mount. I started with the cheap $14 bar end mirrors from Amazon and then upgraded to CRG Lane Splitters but I kept the mounts from the cheap ones.
I like mine, but in the back you can’t really mount them correctly, I had to mount them on the rails of the driver and passenger seats and not directly in the center of the seat like they should be. Other than that, I really enjoy them! I bought these ones exactly: Govee Interior Car Lights, Car... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q6CPQK4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
OME shocks and struts with eibach front springs and toytec rear springs. JBA upper control arms. wheels from a 5th gen 4runner trail edition. 265/70R17 BFG k02.
Interior Car Lights, Govee Car LED Strip Light Upgrade Two-Line Design Waterproof 4pcs 48 LED APP Controller Lighting Kits, Multi DIY Color Music Under Dash Car Lighting with Car Charger, DC 12V https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q6CPQK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2K5dFbTQVH213
Pretty easy to install and hide the cables. Was really pleased with how it looked
KAWELL Rear View Side Mirror Round Bar End Convex Hawk Eye Motorcycle Mirror for 7/8" Handle Bars Fits Most Harley Davidsons Suzuki Honda Kawasaki Cruisers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GTKAHQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_R92NEH9AQDEBKRV1RW7S?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 mirrros
Fahren H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs, 60W 10000 Lumens Super Bright LED Headlights Conversion Kit 6500K Cool White IP68 Waterproof, Pack of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NPMV1H5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4JP47441VK7NDS0NJTC2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 That’s the Amazon link. I wouldn’t say get those cause my plug(h11b converted to h11)was altered by previous owner. But that’s the brand I got. Have had it about a week and so far so good and doesn’t seem to blind or piss off incoming traffic
This one . There are similar ones out there but this one seemed to have good real reviews. Plug and play for the low and high beam. The white/orange "angel eye" will need to be wired which I haven't done yet.
Highly recommend Govee interior LED stripes. App driven, 4 panels for under dashboard and seats and wires can be neatly tucked under moulding and seats.
If you’re adventurous you could splice the DC connection and wire it directly to your fuse panel if you felt comfortable doing so.
You can select any RGB colour and it also have dimmer and can play to the beat of your music should that be something you want.
Here is the link to what I bought off Amazon and below that is my car finished.
Govee Car LED Lights, Interior Car Lights Upgrade Two-Line Design, APP & Box Control, Music Sync, RGB LED Lights for Car, DC 12V https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07Q6CPQK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_K44GSAENRSS9PTCATD1V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you want to do it yourself, get the 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit. I've used it a couple of times and it's always resulted in brand new looking headlights.
It was a couple steps of sanding with 3 different grits, rinsing, then a spray, then a UV finisher (that's what you saw at the end, for the finishing product). It should be in the shade and allowed to set for a couple hours.
This is the product:
https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Headlight-Restoration-Headlights-Protection/dp/B00429NKWK
It worked great!
Not sure how long it will last... I didn't read the reviews because I was using my dad's box of it.
Good luck with your 98!
I used the Sylvania headlight cleaning kit on Amazon. No tools required and worked like a charm! Lights stayed clear too. Didn't have to do it again like I did with the 3m kit. https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Headlight-Restoration-Headlights-Protection/dp/B00429NKWK/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=headlight+restoration&qid=1623125067&sr=8-6