What's up with Japanese cars and headlights?

[CyberFormula]

I've had both Japanese cars and European cars.

One thing I noticed is that Japanese car headlight housing turns all foggy and blurry as the years go by, while my german cars stay clean and clear.

You guys ever seen the G35 coupe or the Celica with messed up front light housing?

[Dimaoala]

haha yes! i own a 2005 Celica GT-S, i buff out the headlights every now and then. And with in a week or two, it's foggy and blurry again!

[WingsofWar]

Originally Posted by CyberFormula

I've had both Japanese cars and European cars.

One thing I noticed is that Japanese car headlight housing turns all foggy and blurry as the years go by, while my german cars stay clean and clear.

You guys ever seen the G35 coupe or the Celica with messed up front light housing?

glass type, lots of Japanese makers don't use real glass for their lens covers unless they use sealed beam applications. Its cheaper, and usually more flexible so in the event of an accident they don't shatter, but absorb impact. Downside is yellowing after being exposed to the elements over time, which can be just buffed out normally.

European cars will use a stiff sturdy headlamp lens and will last until its damaged, and the replacement cost for most glass lamps are astronomical compared to other makers.

[RRnold]

Originally Posted by WingsofWar

glass type, lots of Japanese makers don't use real glass for their lens covers unless they use sealed beam applications. Its cheaper, and usually more flexible so in the event of an accident they don't shatter, but absorb impact. Downside is yellowing after being exposed to the elements over time, which can be just buffed out normally.

European cars will use a stiff sturdy headlamp lens and will last until its damaged, and the replacement cost for most glass lamps are astronomical compared to other makers.

+1

The European Supras use glass

http://www.suprastore.com/toyglashead9.html

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by CyberFormula

I've had both Japanese cars and European cars.

One thing I noticed is that Japanese car headlight housing turns all foggy and blurry as the years go by, while my german cars stay clean and clear.

You guys ever seen the G35 coupe or the Celica with messed up front light housing?

I guess, you had cheap JDM cars. My Impreza never get foggy. Both Headlight and Fog lights are made out of glass, THICK glass. I have owned Impreza for 4 yrs or so now, but never broken or got foggy on me.

[WingsofWar]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

I guess, you had cheap JDM cars. My Impreza never get foggy. Both Headlight and Fog lights are made out of glass, THICK glass. I have owned Impreza for 4 yrs or so now, but never broken or got foggy on me.

iv seen a few impreza Ls and early 90s GC bodies with very foggy and yellowed plastic lens headlights. All the 2.5RS imprezas iv seen had glass headlights, and im sure there are other trims and years that had it differently. It really depends on the year make and model.

I believe that most of the cars built today either use glass or reinforced lexan, both of which should not fall victim to element wear easily.

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by WingsofWar

iv seen a few impreza Ls and early 90s GC bodies with very foggy and yellowed plastic lens headlights. All the 2.5RS imprezas iv seen had glass headlights, and im sure there are other trims and years that had it differently. It really depends on the year make and model.

I believe that most of the cars built today either use glass or reinforced lexan, both of which should not fall victim to element wear easily.

Honda never use glass, they're too cheap... I kid, I kid

[Dimman]

Originally Posted by RRnold

+1

The European Supras use glass

http://www.suprastore.com/toyglashead9.html

Could buy a running Mk3 for the price of a pair of MK4 headlights. Damn!

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by Dimman

Could buy a running Mk3 for the price of a pair of MK4 headlights. Damn!

I wonder how much for the limited '98 black housing headlights cost...

[RRnold]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

I wonder how much for the limited '98 black housing headlights cost...

Not that much more

http://www.suprastore.com/tosuhe19st.html

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by RRnold

Not that much more

http://www.suprastore.com/tosuhe19st.html

For one side or for both? Either way, bout $190 more than other supra head light

[RRnold]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

For one side or for both? Either way, bout $190 more than other supra head light

That would suck if they were priced each. That price is for the pair.

[70NYD]

isnt a easy solution to cover the lenses with clear film (tinting film but clear?)

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by 70NYD

isnt a easy solution to cover the lenses with clear film (tinting film but clear?)

Those clear films get foggy quicker than regular headlights.