Is ebay black housing headlights for 02 Accord Good?

Question

I want to buy this " http://cgi.ebay.ca/98-02-HONDA-ACCORD-BLACK-JDM-CRYSTAL-HEADLIGHT-99-00-01_W0QQitemZ160181731386QQihZ006QQcategoryZ33710QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" on ebay, and i was just wondering is it any good. Like will haze start to appear? Will it project enough light like the OEM ones? Stuff like that.

Thanks

i want to black out my 02 accord headlights, but i dont' want to do it myself so i planning to get these headlights off of ebay, http://cgi.ebay.ca/98-02-HONDA-ACCORD-DIAMOND-HEADLIGHT-HEAD-LIGHTS-BLACK_W0QQitemZ300172269397QQihZ020QQcategoryZ33710QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem, but i'm just wondering are they as good as the OEM ones?

Answer 1

Are you looking to replace the headlights because the lenses are hazy? If so, you can clean the lenses without having to buy new headlight assemblies. There are several ways to do get the haze off of the lenses.

the easiest way is to use a fine polishing compound that you can buy at an auto parts store and a buffing wheel. Use the buffer to polish the lens with the compound then seal the clear lens with a good wax. The fine polishing compound will remove the haze but not scratch the lenses. I've done this by hand as well though it takes much longer. When its done your lenses will be as good as new.

Another way to remove the haze is to use a flouride toothpaste and a toothbrush. I hear Arm & Hammer toothpaste with baking soda works well and I think I recall someone saying Crest toothpaste with flouride worked too. The idea with those is the same as with brushing your teeth. I've not tried this but I'm told it works.

Lastly, I'm also told rubbing the lenses with automatic transmission fluid will remove the haze as apparently the additives in the transmission fluid dissolve whateve causes the haze to form. This is another technique I've heard of but not tried so I can't vouch for it's effectiveness.

I know used car detailers who detail cars for dealerships charge anywhere between $30-$50 to do the headlights with the compound and the buffer. Dealers usually charge $99 to do it. Either way, its a whole lot less expensives than buying new headlamp assemblies.

hope that helps

Answer 2

One of the major problems you'll find with aftermarket eBay headlights is that they tend to let moisture in and will begin to fog up. I've also heard some complaints of the lenses "pitting" or "hazing" fairly quickly. You may also run into poor fitment issues. More often then not, when it comes to Honda's at least, you're better off with OEM. If you want a black housing nothing beats DIY. It's cheaper and if you spend enough time and effort on it, your headlights will come out looking great. Here is an Accord FAQ from www.honda-tech.com that will help get you started: http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread/1664547
Included in the FAQ are both directions on how to separate your stock housing as well as directions on blacking out your headlights.