1. Repolish the lenses with the 3M kit. See how things actually look with the clear lenses then make decisions based on that.

2. Doubtful. Having owned two other convertibles prior to my '04 Solara, the Solara is "stiff as a board" by comparison. Flex is something you have to accept in a convertible.

3. It doesn't matter what lighting color you have, it's still going to be difficult to see in the conditions you mention.

4. The tires need to be replaced at that age, just based upon that age alone. I have loved both Kumho and Hankook tires on many of my cars, and have Generals on the Solara at the moment since that's what was on it, new, when I bought it.

 

I'll try the kit before making any further decision - couldn't hurt. Does anyone replace the what I am assuming is a halogen bulb with higher output? LED replacement?

Re the flex - the Solara - both we have had were really horrible. The 2010 Saab 9-3 vert was solid and didn't flex. And the 911 cabriolet I have has zero flex. All relative assessments. Liking the decision to have a large backseat and normal trunk extended length making the engineering harder, but good grief, this thing has harmonics like crazy.

 

There are tons of discussions in this very forum about LED headlamp replacement. Use the search feature and you'll find more information than you can ever want. I actually was just asking about this, for a "latest update," within the last three weeks, I think.

With regard to the flex, and everything else, you have to ask the question: Does the owner-driver care? I always believe in de-fogging UV damaged headlamp assembly lenses as it's a safety issue, but the original headlamps are, in my opinion, adequate, and particularly for an "occasional use fun car." But if your sister is not happy, then looking at an upgrade makes sense. If the flex doesn't bother her, then it shouldn't bother you.

 

1. The previous owner left car outside a bit (sister has kept it in garage since 2015) - front headlight lenses are fogged and affecting lighting at night. I polished them quite a lot years ago. Options are further polishing or replacement, but this would seem a good time to improve the lighting, as well? What would you do?

I'd just replace them if the rest of the outside is in really good shape. I need to replace one of my due to a light melting against the housing and it'll be ~350 for a set. Gonna have to remove the front bumper to install though...

On replacing with an LED, do your research. How the light emits from the halogen vs. LED is different, and depending on the LED you may actually make performance worse even if the LED bulb is brighter.

2. The body flex has always been irritating. Is there a kit to connect front shock towers, or rear suspension that would make a difference?

My 06 has a brace bar connecting the front struts I would assume yours has one too? I've just learned to accept the cowl shake as the price of the convertible experience but I have thought about replacing my brace. I just don't know if a better one would solve anything if I'm really just getting weight savings (which I'm not concerned about).

3. Interior gauge and console lighting - especially the greenish HVAC control displays - very difficult to see in any sort of daylight/glare. Any simple bulb replacement options? The car has navigation with integrated radio controls and that, too, could be 50% brighter - yeah, thus is harder. BTW, all controls set to brightest settings.

I replaced all mine with white LEDs and I actually have to turn down the brightness a bit so as not to be too distracting. I too had a similar experience having a hard time seeing the green in certain lighting conditions but it's not a problem anymore. You'll have to grab a clock unit (about 30 bucks) from an 07 or 08 if you want the clock to match new HVAC colors depending on your color choice. I posted my results a few weeks back and linked the page I used to guide me through it. I only did the HVAC and shifter since I have an aftermarket stereo (well worth it for Android Auto) so I can't comment on the stereo lighting.

 

3. Interior gauge and console lighting - especially the greenish HVAC control displays - very difficult to see in any sort of daylight/glare. Any simple bulb replacement options? The car has navigation with integrated radio controls and that, too, could be 50% brighter - yeah, thus is harder. BTW, all controls set to brightest settings.

I replaced all mine with white LEDs and I actually have to turn down the brightness a bit so as not to be too distracting. I too had a similar experience having a hard time seeing the green in certain lighting conditions but it's not a problem anymore. You'll have to grab a clock unit (about 30 bucks) from an 07 or 08 if you want the clock to match new HVAC colors depending on your color choice. I posted my results a few weeks back and linked the page I used to guide me through it. I only did the HVAC and shifter since I have an aftermarket stereo (well worth it for Android Auto) so I can't comment on the stereo lighting.

I would also like to replace the lights in the steering wheel controls. Ours are very dim, hard to tell they are even on. Have looked for a write up or how-to on the procedure to do that. What leds or bulbs did you use for the change?

 

Luca - just took a couple - in garage and not clean - will try to update later with better shots - it really is a great convertible solution. I refer to it as the German Staff Car - ya know, the WWII versions of convertibles with a sergeant driving and generals in the back seat. Huge trunk, room for two adults in the back seat with top down or up.

BTW - this one does not have strut bracing component - that would likely tighten it up a bit ...

 

BTW - this one does not have strut bracing component - that would likely tighten it up a bit ...

I just looked at several pictures of engine compartments and they all showed a brace that mounts from shock tower to shock tower. Ours has it too.

As far as the foggy headlight lenses go, ours are still excellent, but our Odyssey van was bad. We had some body work done and while they had it they polished the lenses and then clear coated them. They are still good after 5 plus years.

 

That's a great looking Solara. I was hoping to get the lighter inside like yours when I got mine a few months back. I think it suits the boulevard cruiser nature of the car and just looks more luxurious. I just assumed all of them came with that upfront brace so maybe mine was installed aftermarket by the previous owner.

 

Solara sort of looks like JDM Toyota Verossa
But Verossa is 4 Door and Rear wheel drive

 

That's awesome. I've never heard of the Verossa but I can see the similarities.

 

Hi,
I have a 2006 coupe

Plastic Lens,
CrisFix on youtube did a nice job on this. He used different grades of sand paper and then covered with a UV Block Clear Plastic Paint.... The lens front and back need the UV block for this fix to last. They are getting 5 yrs or better. I have FL Grandma Car, so this needs to be done. Materials on hand, work this spring. He did them on the car and was just a few hours to do all of them.

Strut Towers.... Soft Ride
I have the stabilizer. Could get one from U pull junk yard. I have heard the soft tops needed to be more like a coup, they did some things to make them more stiff. What tire pressure do you run. Bump to 33 or 34 psi may give you a more secure feeling ride. Nest time tires off the ground, pull & tug on each wheel on the top & bottom and then the front and back. Looking for anything loose, bearings, control arms, struts. Ck your sware bar links.... maybe the body mount gaskets are loose or gone. Common at this age to have issues with the body rubber mount.

The coup I have drives very nice.... I have not driven the convertible version.
Getting to the age you can put collector plates on it.... no more tabs and insurance is about 1/2...... FYI

LED Headlamps are they better
I did a few days of research on the LED, and some claim the new LED Headlamps have 3-4x the light output. They are illegal in the USA, but not enforced. That is kinda shocking. The better LED will match your OEM Halogen Light Output. I did purchase them, but will not install till spring. -25F to 15F here in MN, so have a list of stuff do do spring. The other update is the LED for reverse lamps, should be 2x-3x brighter. I purchased these also, there are NOT the limitations like the headlamps have.

2006 Solara 9005 H11 LED Headlight Kit 4 pc 40,000LM 200W 6500K 2yrW NOVSIGHT $88 Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09H3X3GG9/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Ordered Dec 3 2022 on Amazon with 12% discount coupon and free ship, the 40,000LM looks to be way to go

AUXITO 912 921 LED Bulb for Backup Light Reverse Lights High Power 2835 15-SMD Chipsets Error Free T15 906 922 W16W Bulbs, 6000K White (Upgraded, Pack of 2)AUXITO 912 921 LED Bulb for Backup Light Revers…
$13.99$13.99List: $17.99$17.99($7.00/Count)
Get it as soon as Sun, January 29 FREE Shipping on orders

I think the LED will be brighter and further lighting.... Could be stopped, but would guess it is a fix ticket, so back to halogen. Getting older and the night vision is not that good.... so was looking for better light. I pulled the trigger on back up LED Laps for 3 cars. Nothing is installed till spring 2023

Did find a few LED Headlamp Reviews
What are the Best Headlight Bulbs for Toyotas?

What are the Best Headlight Bulbs for Toyotas?



headlight bulb hid headlights led headlight bulbs performance halogen bulbs

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AutoGuide.com · Oct 7, 2022 · Edited Oct 27, 2022

2006 Solara SE Coupe…. per research

Low Beam size is H11, HIGH BEAM size is 9005, FOG LIGHT size is 9145

another......
bulbfacts.com


The Solara Coupe..... my only limitation.... it is a bear to back & and see
Is a bear to back up.... I use a 4x8 aluminum trailer often.... want to put a hitch on the solara, but backing up is BLIND. Will be looking into a back up camera...... My other cars, no issue. Solara Coupe has tint that is not stuck well on window. The air gabs make it little harder to see thru.

 

you did not say what engine you have V6 or 4

 

you did not say what engine you have V6 or 4

He didn't say it, but the photos show it. It's a V6 SLE.

 

No pic of his engine.... Put my readers on and could see the V6 SLE badge on the rear. Is that what you saw?
Thought there was a strut support for the fronts..... but not there now??


I was asking because V6 has time belt and 4 cyl has a time chain:
The maint on the V6 3MZ engine is 90K miles on the time belt and is interference engine due the VVT. I have 42K on mine and will be doing a time belt and all the stuff along with this spring. MY car was from FL Heat, so very hard on rubber and belts. Maint Change is 90K miles and 108 months?? cannot locate the Toyota Sheet printed or digital. But you and I are both at the end of the time belt. There are time belt kits and things to change with water pump, idel & tension pulley(s), front seals, PCV, the spark plug, New Seals for valve covers, intake, spark plugs are in this kit also.

I guess your project just got little bigger.... just like my project

 

Toyota 2006 Solara Service Manual Link FREE PDF

https://www.car-inform.com/camry/2006-toyota-camry-solara/


for more knowledge..... hundreds of pages.... I still need to read these also

 

The OPs is definitely a V6. I'm pretty sure all convertible models were of this generation.

Can vouch for the led tail and backup lights. The backups are so much brighter it's not even close. Rear visibility out of the convertible is terrible at best. I put a backup camera on mine and it's helped a ton which was a pretty easy install.

 

3. Interior gauge and console lighting - especially the greenish HVAC control displays - very difficult to see in any sort of daylight/glare.

If you need the backlights to see the gauges and HVAC controls in daylight you need to get your eyes checked, not brighter bulbs.

 

Well, fellows, I must admit - yeah - the 2005 has a strut tower brace ... must have forgotten!

And, sheesh ... it's a 2006, not a 2005. I had the 2005.

 

Update.

Changed oil and air filter - used Quick Jack - pretty easy - I cut 2x4 to match the pinch weld width and depth.

Next is transmission filter and fluid.

Lots of aftermarket options for both filter and fluid ... anyone have favs or recommendations?

BTW - it looks really clean underneath - pretty amazing. Also, no indication it needs ball joints or tie rod ends.