[Zero Six LE]

I really like the idea of these XB headlights, the problem I see is that no matter who the manufacturer is and how well you take care of them, ALL plastic lenses will fade at one point...

Xpel headlight film will help prevent yellowing of the lens. I have been using it for years.

 

[Skibane]

That's right - ALL plastic lenses. That is a byproduct of current clear plastic technology.
That's not an XB problem.

Not sure why, but some plastic lenses stay clear MUCH longer than others.

One of my relatives had a '95 Maxima with lenses that still looked great 20+ years after they were manufactured - despite having never received any special care. I've noticed the same thing about other Maximas of that vintage, too.

 

[Zero Six LE]

Not sure why, but some plastic lenses stay clear MUCH longer than others.

One of my relatives had a '95 Maxima with lenses that still looked great 20+ years after they were manufactured - despite having never received any special care. I've noticed the same thing about other Maximas of that vintage, too.

The taillights on the 2002-2006 Altima seem to stay clear. Maybe they are using the wrong plastic on the headlights because the headligths on those same cars haze terribly.

 

[bngn4X]

headlights are polycarbonate and tail lights are acrylic. Poly is more impact resistant but doesn't hold up well with UV and Acrylic is the opposite.

 

[phatB]

For what they cost it would be nice if the Moris came with some kind of film like the xpel. I would have to put some kind of UV protection on it.

 

[The other Sean]

@D13FrontierLE you know, sometimes a person can just spend some money to be cool..... Everything is going to wear out, you only live once. If you don't want to have a good time, fine.

 

[TwoWheelsDown]

Xpel headlight film will help prevent yellowing of the lens. I have been using it for years.

I used Lamin-X on my commuter car shortly after I bought it (brand new). After 4 years, the Lamin-X was faded and yellowing. Peeled it off and had brand new factory-fresh headlights underneath.

I just ordered Xpel Ultimate Plus to replace the Lamin-X. I've also tried 3M basic (red letter backing) which sucked. It's not very pliable.

Not sure why, but some plastic lenses stay clear MUCH longer than others.

One of my relatives had a '95 Maxima with lenses that still looked great 20+ years after they were manufactured - despite having never received any special care. I've noticed the same thing about other Maximas of that vintage, too.

The design of the headlights and how they meet the hood I think is a factor. A relative of mine has a post-refresh 1st-gen Ford Edge (2012ish) and the headlights look brand new, despite being parked outside since new and only receiving Costco car washes once a month or so. I took a closer look and realized that there is a chrome plastic trim piece above each headlight which casts a thin shadow on the top edge of the lens. I think that protects the top edge from sun exposure and peeling.

Conversely, on my Honda, the headlights are like bug-eyes. They have a top surface that is lined up with the flat part of the hood.

One of my relatives has a Mazda Miata ND. Those headlights are recessed in a good 1/4" behind the leading edge of the hood. I'm thinking they'll be looking good for years.

 

[Skibane]

The design of the headlights and how they meet the hood I think is a factor. A relative of mine has a post-refresh 1st-gen Ford Edge (2012ish) and the headlights look brand new, despite being parked outside since new and only receiving Costco car washes once a month or so. I took a closer look and realized that there is a chrome plastic trim piece above each headlight which casts a thin shadow on the top edge of the lens. I think that protects the top edge from sun exposure and peeling.

Conversely, on my Honda, the headlights are like bug-eyes. They have a top surface that is lined up with the flat part of the hood.

One of my relatives has a Mazda Miata ND. Those headlights are recessed in a good 1/4" behind the leading edge of the hood. I'm thinking they'll be looking good for years.

Time to bring back headlight visors.

 

[Zero Six LE]

Time to bring back headlight visors.

View attachment 325885

I would settle for glass headlights again. I had them on my 1989 and 1992 Nissan Maxima. They never faded or yellowed.

 

[phatB]

I would settle for glass headlights again. I had them on my 1989 and 1992 Nissan Maxima. They never faded or yellowed.

I agree a glass option would be cool, but glass will never be back unfortunately.
polycarbonate = costs less to make, safer in a crash, harder to break

 

[rdp91356]

I would settle for glass headlights again. I had them on my 1989 and 1992 Nissan Maxima. They never faded or yellowed.

I had protective film on my 2001 Pathfinder headlights for 12 years and the lenses stayed perfect parked outside in the Southern California sun. I have it on my Frontier‘s headlights currently.

 

[raymond~]

I had protective film on my 2001 Pathfinder headlights for 12 years and the lenses stayed perfect parked outside in the Southern California sun. I have it on my Frontier‘s headlights currently.

yup, I've done this for car, truck, motorcycle. Had the industry been limited to glass lens headlights, the vast majority of the swoopy new designs would not have transpired. The polycarb material gave the designers great latitude to morph the headlight more in sync with the lines of the modern cars....with much less overhead cost

 

[phatB]

I had protective film on my 2001 Pathfinder headlights for 12 years and the lenses stayed perfect parked outside in the Southern California sun. I have it on my Frontier‘s headlights currently.

Which film do you use?

 

[raymond~]

i've used LaminX and also 3M products depending on the thickness of the applique and coutours
of the neadlight. In effect, the film is sacrificial 'lens' like tear offs on a dirt bike helmet shield.
MUCH cheaper to replace than the whole shield (or headlight lens)

 

[rdp91356]

Which film do you use?

Currently Lamin-x. It’s nice and thick — much thicker than paint protection film.

 

[raine]

Thats what I mean, why pay such a high price on an item that is guaranteed to fade and turn yellowish within a year or two... and its not only that, plastic on these headlights can develop streaks, add to that the factor of moisture getting into the buckets... and they turn into an unwise investment... I know everything has a life expectancy, I just don't see any value for the money on headlights as expensive as these...

Well... you don't have to buy them.

 

[raine]

Doesn't someone make precut protective film for the 2nd gen Frontiers somewhere?

 

[Skibane]

Doesn't someone make precut protective film for the 2nd gen Frontiers somewhere?

Lamin-x

 

[Zero Six LE]

Doesn't someone make precut protective film for the 2nd gen Frontiers somewhere?

XPEL | Shop | Headlight Protection Film

XPEL offers a wide array of protective film options for headlights, aftermarket light bars, fog lights, and universal applications.

www.xpel.com

 

[OkeyestEng]

What’s the deal here, thought these would be available November/December?