Let's Talk Headlights

[Ironhorse]

Having an OBS '99 Tahoe, like most, my original GM plastic lens headlights have faded and yellowed thru the years. I don't do a lot of driving at night being retired but here in the flat lands of Kansas when one is driving at night traveling deer and other wild life is a constant possibility. I know there are "kits" that one can use to remove the fade and some what clear the head lights to a point but that seems it is not a "one and done" type fix. Hence the question here:

Is it possible to purchase and install direct fit and function GLASS head light housings for an OBS '99 Tahoe? I'm sure actual glass head lights will be at a higher price point but a "one and done" type install is my goal. Any tips, info or help in this situation is greatly appreciated.

[weq92f]

.

I was not able to find replacements that weren't the same as OEM which is not glass unfortunately. The prescribed method you already mentioned is likely the easiest way to get past the current issue....temporarily. Maybe fix them and then apply a ceramic coating to protect then just maintain that as needed.

Hth,

-Kevin

[Ironhorse]

Kevin, thanks for the reply. Not what I wanted to read but then that's not a new situation now days at all. Any thoughts on replacing the current plastic housings with new replacements? Are there after market housings that are better than original GM which rarely is the case? Just don't think I want to waste my time and effort to try an clean these in their current condition. Luckily, once I get them replaced the Tahoe sits in the garage out of the sun for most of it's time now.

[Gunner41]

I'm wondering if those headlights are the same material as all the other cars on the road. If so, have you tried any of the headlight kits? Now from what I understand is that the plastic is just oxygenized. They have the three sandpaper grits and gritty past. One step that i hears of is once you get it cleared up that you shoot clear coat to seal it. I did that and it worked for a couple years. The issue is now that not all clear coats are the same. I used the cheap stuff and from what i heard is that the cheap stuff does NOT protect against UV rays. It also doesn't have a hardener. They recommend 2K. The kind that is separated in the cannister. Sorry it's a little longwinded.

[b454rat]

LMC has some decent lights. I thought someone did make glass ones for these trucks, but dunno who it was, and think it was rather expensive. Get some nice LED bulbs, makes a huge difference. I have Auxbeam and they are great...

[dieseldawg142]

Spyder makes glass headlights.

https://www.amazon.ca/Spyder-Auto-Ch.../dp/B004WMF8SG

if you look around i've seen them cheaper than what amazon sells them for

[sntrym95]

Originally Posted by dieseldawg142

Spyder makes glass headlights.

https://www.amazon.ca/Spyder-Auto-Ch.../dp/B004WMF8SG

if you look around i've seen them cheaper than what amazon sells them for

I have the Spyders and they are great.

[Ironhorse]

Thanks for the replies, will look into the Spyder headlights. Any problems with the install or are they a remove the old, replace with the new Spyders, a plug and play install?

[Shifty One]

I wanted glass as well, but failed at finding them. I ended up using Brock Supply for new replacements, and PIAA bulb replacements.

https://www.brocksupply.com/en-us/

[dieseldawg142]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

Thanks for the replies, will look into the Spyder headlights. Any problems with the install or are they a remove the old, replace with the new Spyders, a plug and play install?

plug and play

[sntrym95]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

Thanks for the replies, will look into the Spyder headlights. Any problems with the install or are they a remove the old, replace with the new Spyders, a plug and play install?

Plug and play. Just like the factory lights

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by sntrym95

I have the Spyders and they are great.

What wattage bulbs do they come with?

I replaced the housings & bulbs in my '99 CC SWB mid 2017 & they're now worse for the wear (<40k miles). I also just replaced the housings for my '07 Envoy Denali & man they put off so much more lighting vs. my truck. It would be nice to update the lighting when replacing the housings.

[Pampas56]

The only time MY 89 k2500 headlights get foggy is when they get full of water!





For some reason the picture wants to load upside down!

[Shifty One]

Originally Posted by Pampas56

The only time MY 89 k2500 headlights get foggy is when they get full of water!

Attachment 2406706



For some reason the picture wants to load upside down!

Draining 'em?

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by Pampas56

The only time MY 89 k2500 headlights get foggy is when they get full of water!

The problem with the sealed beam headlights is there is no possible way I know of to install sealed beam headlights of an 89 into the frontal grill area of a 99. Too much difference in the body lines and sheet metal. Who ever thought the composite plastic headlights was a good idea needs to have a trip behind the wood shed for a good whoopin'

The minute amount of weight savings and lower cost of production for vehicles using composite over the glass headlights that served so well for so many years is such a small amount as to be almost nil.

[franken]

Don't shoot me but I saw video where someone used a torch to clean up seats. Why not headlights?

[sntrym95]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

What wattage bulbs do they come with?

I replaced the housings & bulbs in my '99 CC SWB mid 2017 & they're now worse for the wear (<40k miles). I also just replaced the housings for my '07 Envoy Denali & man they put off so much more lighting vs. my truck. It would be nice to update the lighting when replacing the housings.

They don't come with bulbs. I use Phillips bright white series for both the low and high beams. 9006 and 9005 I think.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by sntrym95

They don't come with bulbs. I use Phillips bright white series for both the low and high beams. 9006 and 9005 I think.

TY for the follow-up.

[Pampas56]

If they take 9004 and 9006 halogens, could you retrofit LEDs?