Need new headlights bad for my 2001

KBC

Bought an X
Location
BC
The headlights in my 2001 Xterra have about 250k Kms and 15 years on them and look it. I'm thinking of picking up a new set of clear lens housings and putting some HID projectors in them even though just a new set of housings and some half decent bulbs would probably be a huge upgrade already.


Anyone have any experience doing this? Is it worth it?
cheers.gif
 

KBC

Bought an X
Location
BC
Thanks for the tip. I went out and got a polishing kit and they look way better and brighter. I'm going to drop in a pair of nicer bulbs and see how long it lasts. If it looks like it's holding up I might look into some LED bulbs down the line.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
The problem with headlight polishing is that it never lasts. You do it once, then you have to do it every few months.

A projector retrofit is definitely the right way to go. I did it on my old truck. And they weren't cheap. But damn were they great.

If you cruise through my old build thread, you'll see the build for the lights.

Whatever you do, do NOT just put HID bulbs in the halogen housings. It's bad, illegal, and dangerous.
 

KBC

Bought an X
Location
BC
I don't mind if I have to polish a little every few months but we'll see if it ends up being more than that.

I've looked at your build before and a few others that have put some projectors in for a full conversion but they were all on 1.5 gens that look a little easier to do than the square headlight versions. That and the long list of other projects I have is making it hard to justify spending the extra money right now unfortunately. And the age/mileage/family situation. It feels like my Xterra is being fazed out :( so mods are harder to get approved by the boss.....
 

ddddddd

Bought an X
Location
los angeles
I used the headlight restoration kit (you can see before/after pic in my build thread) on my 2001 with square headlights. You will want to take off the grille so you can access the full light. It lasted about 2 years, and now my headlights are back to yellow. I think there is some kind of clear coat spray you can use after you polish them up that will make it more permanent, but I haven't tried it.
 

Dodge

Test Drive
Location
Windsor Ontario
I got a polishing kit from a buddy at the VW dealer. it has a couple grades of compound to polish and then a clear coat to put on after the polish. it made the head lights look light new after, just be careful the clear coat dries fast if its hot.

Also I just installed LED 9007 bulbs in my 04 X and the improvement was amazing . . . well worth it. heres a link to the ones I got.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07Z5353CY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 

Richard

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Oregon
I got a polishing kit from a buddy at the VW dealer. it has a couple grades of compound to polish and then a clear coat to put on after the polish. it made the head lights look light new after, just be careful the clear coat dries fast if its hot.

Also I just installed LED 9007 bulbs in my 04 X and the improvement was amazing . . . well worth it. heres a link to the ones I got.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07Z5353CY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also upgraded to LED's in my 2003. I also just bought new housings before the upgrade so I had perfectly clear lenses. But yes the difference is a big improvement. I also did my fogs and all other front end lights. All led in the front, looks crisp and clean.
 

Derailed_75

Mud Clawson
Location
Danville Va
My brother has been converting lights in cars to HID or projectors for a few years. Once he replies to me text I will post his contact info

Facebook.com/headsortails555
 
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