Broken Headlight Cover Toyota Camry 2005

ihbh on 17/10/2022 - 10:41
Last edited 17/10/2022 - 10:58 by 1 other user

A family member pulling out from a parked position had a slight bump into the bumper bar of the 4WD in front (they thought there was enough clearance) and the pressure on the family member's bumper bar caused the headlight cover to crack and break. The light works fine.

What's the best way to fix it? Replace the cover or replace headlight and cover unit (second hand).

Aliexpress sells replacement headlight covers but how easy is it to get rid of the fragments of the old one and then how do you stick the new one on for a watertight seal?

Automotive Car Toyota

Comments

  • apsilon on 17/10/2022 - 10:50

    Would've thought it was a one piece unit. You say Aliexpress sells replacement covers, do they have the required ADR approvals? If not then technically not legal therefore car not roadworthy therefore insurance and rego could be void if found to have contributed to accident (or insurer assessor simply notices and wants an out).

    Hope you left a note.

    • ihbh on 17/10/2022 - 11:40

      Wasn't me. Driver got out to check other car - not a scratch, didn't check their own and only realised a few days later.

      • apsilon on 17/10/2022 - 12:17

        I mean if they can't see a large obstacle right in front of them…..

        • ihbh on 17/10/2022 - 14:03

          … or they have poor spatial judgement.

  • JimmyF on 17/10/2022 - 11:53

    What's the best way to fix it? Replace the cover or replace headlight and cover unit (second hand).

    Easiest way is to replace the entire unit. Being the age of your car etc, if you hunt around you'll find a 2nd hand unit cheap enough.

    A family member pulling out from a parked position had a slight bump into the bumper bar of the 4WD in front (

    Did they do the right thing and verify no damage, leave a note or just drive off?

    • ihbh on 17/10/2022 - 12:06

      Driver got out to check other car - not a scratch, didn't check their own and only realised a few days later.

  • naruto128 on 17/10/2022 - 13:56

    I got mine from a shop that deals with wrecker spare parts (just google it) n they even installed for a reasonable fee.

  • Euphemistic on 17/10/2022 - 13:58
    +1

    Is it just one of the aftermarket cover/protectors or actually the lens of the light? If a cover, just take it off and bin it. If the actual headlight put some clear tape over it, or clear silicone to seal it for now then go find a second hand one.

    • ihbh on 17/10/2022 - 14:15

      Just the cover broken/shattered with some small pieces. Lens is fine.

      • mapax on 17/10/2022 - 15:27
        +1

        If it’s just the cover how come you mentioned making a watertight seal in the OP?

        • ihbh on 17/10/2022 - 15:43

          Don't you need to stick the cover over the lens, otherwise how will it stay on? And ideally not let water get in?

          • Euphemistic on 17/10/2022 - 16:06

            @ihbh: So it’s the front clear plastic of the actual headlight and not an aftermarket clip on one?

            • ihbh on 17/10/2022 - 16:22

              @Euphemistic: Correct.

              • Euphemistic on 17/10/2022 - 17:07

                @ihbh: Then you can dodgy repair or replace. Don’t think there is any decent long term solution for a repair.

              • mapax on 17/10/2022 - 17:37

                @ihbh: It’s sounds like you are talking about the lens.

                The reflector is the shiny metallic part, the lens keeps the elements out of the reflector, and then the cover is optional (usually) and protects the lens from stone chips etc. Unless 2005 Camrys have an inner lens over the low and high beam reflectors?

                • ihbh on 17/10/2022 - 18:55

                  @mapax: I'm talking about the curved material made out of polycarbonate that needs a headlight treatment every now and then after years in the sun.

                  • mapax on 17/10/2022 - 19:27

                    @ihbh: That sounds like the lens. Unless you’re good at diy just buy another headlight as suggested by others.

  • Richardc on 17/10/2022 - 14:50
    +1

    something like this?
    https://www.sterlingparts.com.au/products?utf8=%E2%9C%93&sea…

  • jolee3 on 17/10/2022 - 16:13

    A number of years ago my mum's 2003 Corolla had the rear light crack in a small collision and we replaced the whole unit. The part was fairly cheap at an auto wrecker, at the time we went in person to the yard and had to remove the part from the other car ourselves, but I'm guessing post-covid it's probably delivered so possibly costs more.

  • doctordv8 on 18/10/2022 - 08:29

    The headlight assembly, consists of a body, and a Hi/Lo globe mount, and a Park light globe mount and adjusters
    The unit is a one piece plastic main body with a poly-carbonate front lens/cover. The shiny bit inside is the reflector.
    There is no such 'cover' as described above, although Headlight Protectors are known as covers.

    Damage crack/hole the lens, and the whole assembly requires replacement.

    Economical 2nd hand - private or recyclers, and if meeting Australian Standards aftermarket is cheaper then new Toyota.

    Note, even the slightest bump to any frontal part of most vehicles means the headlight is now misaligned, and either poorly lighting the road, or blinding oncoming drivers.

    • ihbh on 18/10/2022 - 09:38

      Thanks for clarifying. Have started looking into second hand parts.

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