5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I'm just curious. When I first got my '07 Camry a few years ago I had XPEL headlight protection film put on. I had been told they were a reputable manufacturer and I had a local authorized dealer install. Last month I noticed that one headlight has a little "haze" to it while the other (driver's side) is still perfectly clear. The installer tried to say that if I used any form of "glass" cleaner (which I have in the past) that it is simply a coating on there and that it will go back to clear. I think that's BS. I've used the Mequiars PlastX stuff and water and it doesn't make anything worse, but it doesn't improve anything either. I even removed the bulb to let the headlight air out in case it was moisture (the weather here's been humid). It doesn't really look like condensation though...it is more of a milky haziness. Not opaque, but definitely not clear like the other headlight. Admittedly it is hard to see exactly where the discoloration is (outside, underneath the film, or inside the headlight). I think it might be some sort of discoloration of the adhesive underneath? Has anyone experienced this? Can these be replaced without damaging the headlight during removal? Supposedly they can be removed but mine are "thick" and the adhesive seems to be pretty strong. Thoughts?
you need to determine if the film is hazed or the headlight is hazed. If it's the film, you can just remove and reapply a different film. If it's the headlight, you need to remove the film, remove the haze, then reapply the film.
I did install the 'clear bra' on mine and it did haze a little. When I remove it, the glue came off and sticking all over. I had to use the.. I forgot the name, glue cleaner basically. The headlight looks perfect once I was done cleaning the glue.
^ it didn't help with mine. It's the clear protection itself that fog up a bit. But I didn't mine cause mostly I drive day time. I remove it cause I was selling the car, I was amaze how beautiful and PERFECT it look after removing the protection.
The protection did take a lot of hit. One of them did penetrate the protection and the paint leaving a dent in the bumper.
^ it didn't help with mine. It's the clear protection itself that fog up a bit. But I didn't mine cause mostly I drive day time. I remove it cause I was selling the car, I was amaze how beautiful and PERFECT it look after removing the protection.
The protection did take a lot of hit. One of them did penetrate the protection and the paint leaving a dent in the bumper.
You mean a chip right? And not a dent... I still prefer to have a "clear bra" vs not
well the clear bra i would put on. if i get a new bumper and se lip then i'll get the clear bra because even my xle has a few rock chips and they look ugly from up close on a white car. i just wouldn't put anything on the headlights.
well the clear bra i would put on. if i get a new bumper and se lip then i'll get the clear bra because even my xle has a few rock chips and they look ugly from up close on a white car. i just wouldn't put anything on the headlights.
I know what you mean... that's why when I did my conversion, I put a clear strip across the middle and the corners of my bumper... ran out of film so I haven't done my lip yet
i wouldn't really put any of those on. i just drop a bit of wax on my lights whenever i wax my car and they are always perfectly clear.
I do a lot of freeway driving and that's why I put it on. I actually wish I put the clear bra on like the others are mentioning. My bumper and hood have taken a few "deep" chips that have been fixed with touch-up paint, although their still clearly visible. The headlights though don't have a mark on them. I had used the XPEL stuff, which is really thick (I think it's like 2mm thick) which feels just like clear rubber when you touch it. It isn't supposed to discolor though, and has a 7-year warranty. I'm going to call them and tell them what the installer is saying, especially since it is only occurring on one headlamp and not both. If headlights were still made of glass I'd do what you said. With my last car, a 2002 Nissan SE-R Spec V, aftermarket headlights were cheap. I didn't do anything and even after 2 years, the stock headlights got pretty chewed up from small rocks and road grime. I cleaned them regularly too. You didn't have to take the bumper off to swap them though, so I was able to simply replace with clear corner/black housings for less than the headlight protection, and in about 10 - 15 minutes.
Last edited by mikeynavy1976; 08-13-2009 at 09:44 AM.
yea they are fragile but my dad's 01 never had anything on the headlights through out its life time and they were always like new without anything on them. though roads are different here in N.J. like i said the clear bra i would put on my car anyday. i will do it if i get the SE kit. as most of my chips will be covered by the lip.
Well, it isn't the film. They stripped the film off and it is the actual headlight that's somehow discolored. The guy says it almost looks like something on the inside, as if the entire inside of the clear headlight housing got a fim on it. Has anyone experienced this? I may ask Toyota about it, but they probably won't be of help and probably will find some lame excuse not to replace it under warranty. If that happens, does anyone have an recommendations on a reputable aftermarket headlight from e-Bay that isn't too cheap when it comes to quality? I just did a search but I didn't find a thread that shows how to quickly replace headlights (unfortunately removing front bumper too). Does anyone know where I can find the instructions? I think someone posted it before.
Well, it isn't the film. They stripped the film off and it is the actual headlight that's somehow discolored. The guy says it almost looks like something on the inside, as if the entire inside of the clear headlight housing got a fim on it. Has anyone experienced this? I may ask Toyota about it, but they probably won't be of help and probably will find some lame excuse not to replace it under warranty. If that happens, does anyone have an recommendations on a reputable aftermarket headlight from e-Bay that isn't too cheap when it comes to quality? I just did a search but I didn't find a thread that shows how to quickly replace headlights (unfortunately removing front bumper too). Does anyone know where I can find the instructions? I think someone posted it before.
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