Looking for opinons! :)
#1
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Looking for opinons! :)
Since this is my first post I'll introduce myself a bit; my name is Alex and I'm 25 and I have been very fortunate to have owned 3 Lexus cars so far; both of my previous models being ES300s. I now have a 2003 GS300 Sport Design model with 130K miles on it. I drive it hard but I baby interior and exterior.
I've read through many threads and I have a pretty good idea of the general culture and attitude here so I think I know what most of your responses will be but I'd like to see what you guys have to offer. My car had some body work done on the front end driver side and the headlight has been replace. The passenger side headlight looks original. The lens is cloudy with a greenish tint to it (I thought sport design headlight lenses where suppose to be clear? no green tint, or is that just because it is cloudy?) and just recently I noticed condensation build up, this moisture has caused ripples in the housing where the signature charcoal color is. I definitely want to try to restore this housing by resurfacing the lens and taking it apart to reapply silicone where the housing meets the lens (I just hope I can smooth out the charcoal wrapped interior). My goal is to actually do a retrofit so my choices are as follows:
1. Restore passenger headlight and fix condensation damage to the Sport design finish. Upgrade headlight parts to projector retro fit. If I can not restore the headlight I will have to purchase a new or used one if I can find it (they are extremely rare and cost as much as $600)
2. Buy OEM HID housing pair for the price of one Sport Design headlight, paint interior matt black and install projector retrofit.
Let me know what you guys think, option one or two? Keep in mind the aesthetics, I have a blacked out grill and I will be upgrading to 19" all black wheels later on. Enjoy my pictures! (I painted my calipers a metal cast orange to match the interior but I had to replace my whole break system, will be upgrading to Brembo Aristo breaks later on)
I've read through many threads and I have a pretty good idea of the general culture and attitude here so I think I know what most of your responses will be but I'd like to see what you guys have to offer. My car had some body work done on the front end driver side and the headlight has been replace. The passenger side headlight looks original. The lens is cloudy with a greenish tint to it (I thought sport design headlight lenses where suppose to be clear? no green tint, or is that just because it is cloudy?) and just recently I noticed condensation build up, this moisture has caused ripples in the housing where the signature charcoal color is. I definitely want to try to restore this housing by resurfacing the lens and taking it apart to reapply silicone where the housing meets the lens (I just hope I can smooth out the charcoal wrapped interior). My goal is to actually do a retrofit so my choices are as follows:
1. Restore passenger headlight and fix condensation damage to the Sport design finish. Upgrade headlight parts to projector retro fit. If I can not restore the headlight I will have to purchase a new or used one if I can find it (they are extremely rare and cost as much as $600)
2. Buy OEM HID housing pair for the price of one Sport Design headlight, paint interior matt black and install projector retrofit.
Let me know what you guys think, option one or two? Keep in mind the aesthetics, I have a blacked out grill and I will be upgrading to 19" all black wheels later on. Enjoy my pictures! (I painted my calipers a metal cast orange to match the interior but I had to replace my whole break system, will be upgrading to Brembo Aristo breaks later on)
Last edited by Alexlex300; 03-24-13 at 06:53 PM.
#3
Lexus Test Driver
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Well, judging by the pictures you have the standard SD headlights. The matte gunmetal bezels inside the headlights. Only the 2003 SD GS300 came with them. 2002 SD GS300 had clear green tint housings.
I have the same issue as well on my Dr. side SD headlight. The inside looks as if it has dust/moisture so it dirty. My only way of thinking to clean it would be to separate the lens, clean the inside and reseal.
I would keep the SD headlight bezels as is. The 2003 is the only edition that has the headlights you own.
Ouch, I just saw the the finish is bubbling, Well I would try to find a flat gunmetal paint that would match and respray the bezel gunmetal. An auto collision repair should should be able to match the paint for you.
I have the same issue as well on my Dr. side SD headlight. The inside looks as if it has dust/moisture so it dirty. My only way of thinking to clean it would be to separate the lens, clean the inside and reseal.
I would keep the SD headlight bezels as is. The 2003 is the only edition that has the headlights you own.
Ouch, I just saw the the finish is bubbling, Well I would try to find a flat gunmetal paint that would match and respray the bezel gunmetal. An auto collision repair should should be able to match the paint for you.
Last edited by SprtDesign; 03-24-13 at 04:53 PM.
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Thanks! The suspension is the original sport design, I can't wait to lower it on some Megan Coil overs, the ride height bothers me. The original headlight has a dark housing and the newer replaced one has a lighter one still trying to make a decision on how to get everything to match!
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#8
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Well, judging by the pictures you have the standard SD headlights. The matte gunmetal bezels inside the headlights. Only the 2003 SD GS300 came with them. 2002 SD GS300 had clear green tint housings.
I have the same issue as well on my Dr. side SD headlight. The inside looks as if it has dust/moisture so it dirty. My only way of thinking to clean it would be to separate the lens, clean the inside and reseal.
I would keep the SD headlight bezels as is. The 2003 is the only edition that has the headlights you own.
Ouch, I just saw the the finish is bubbling, Well I would try to find a flat gunmetal paint that would match and respray the bezel gunmetal. An auto collision repair should should be able to match the paint for you.
I have the same issue as well on my Dr. side SD headlight. The inside looks as if it has dust/moisture so it dirty. My only way of thinking to clean it would be to separate the lens, clean the inside and reseal.
I would keep the SD headlight bezels as is. The 2003 is the only edition that has the headlights you own.
Ouch, I just saw the the finish is bubbling, Well I would try to find a flat gunmetal paint that would match and respray the bezel gunmetal. An auto collision repair should should be able to match the paint for you.
#9
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Or make an EXTREMELY LOW ball offer on this guy (and restore it):
Used 2003 Lexus GS300 Sports Design HID Headlight | eBay
Used 2003 Lexus GS300 Sports Design HID Headlight | eBay
#11
Lexus Test Driver
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Be sure to tell him his estimate of $1400 is BOGUS! $1400 would be with ALL the electronics (which he's not including) Tell him the TRUE cost of what he's selling (which is pretty much what he's selling it for) I had to hold back to get sassy with him haha I hate when people do that to make an extra buck. And while you're at it, tell him its a 10yr old POS in crappy condition oh and busted tabs.
Last edited by Mr Jokster; 03-25-13 at 04:03 PM.
#12
Lexus Champion
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I got 2 Hid stock lights with auto levelers out of my gs400 sitting right next to me, BUT, they come with No ballasts, 1 metal clip is missing for holding a bulb, 1 tab on the end is broke, and they get condensation in em, but their clear with minor scuffs that can be buffed out, $150 shipped, u could take parts from your lights and these and make a nice set.... Pm me if u want I got pics... PS THEY ARE NOT SD lights.....
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