New Headlights and Tail lights

[tjm]

A month ago I purchased the DEPOs from GENOs. I was toying with the retro shop (https://retroshop.us/) lights for my 2005 but decided against it due to cost and the age of the vehicle.

Compared to the 16 year old lamps that the DEPOs replaced I would have to say they are phenomenal. I did use some Sylvania silverstar ultra halogens as well.

 

[BigPapa]

From what I've gathered, the cloudiness is oxidation caused by UV light. The Cerakote kit has wipes that chemically remove most of the oxidation and the coating blocks the UV. I guess some waxes may block some of the UV and slow it down some. I've tried everything over the years, toothpaste, Soft Scrub, Off, rubbing compound, and metal polish. The best results I got before the Cerakote was metal polish first on some 0000 steel wool and then metal polish on a sheepskin. I had an old 3M eraser wheel that I'd tie the steel wool and sheepskin to and chuck it up in my drill. Then some wax. It would last 6-9 months.

 

[verk]

I just bought TYC tail light for my truck from Rock Auto. The quality of light looks good, but fitment isn't great. No issues with truck and I tried a couple times to secure screws while holding against truck. Although the lighting was different on each side of truck I hope the included photos show much better OE fitment ( driver side ) was than TYC ( passenger side ).

 

[BigPapa]

Looks like you're missing a gasket.

 

[verk]

Looks like you're missing a gasket.

certainly looks like it but I don't believe there are gaskets on these lights

 

[SSage]

I have a $46 eagle eyes brand headlamp on my passenger side, after a couple years its still clear. But its not as bright as the DEPO or Mopar versions. I got a DEPO headlight on the drivers side now and after four years it still looks new, I think its doing better than the Mopar one. Go figure. The eagle eyes by DEPO off Amazon is not bad for the money, but its not aging as good as the regular more expensive DEPO version. My TYC lights leaked years ago, I haven't tried them since. I don't enjoy changing out the headlights, so I'll stick with the DEPO brand when possible. I had to get the Eagle Eyes brand due to availability Genos was out of stock when I was in need. Tail lights are original on my 2003 and my 1995 trucks, only needed bulbs changed once so far on the 2003. My 1995 tail lights have never been touched. I've only replaced the head light bulbs once on that truck. The 2003 has had multiple headlamps and bulbs over the years. I just put in some HD bulbs from Walmart this time, no more silverstars for me. They don't last long enough.

Left is Amazon Eagle Eyes brand, right side is a Genoe's DEPO, its a few years old too. Driving lights are the DEPO brand with fogzilla bulb upgraded plugs. I had some crap driving lights off Ebay that filled with water after a year. Ruined my HID bulbs. The DEPO brand is holding up after two years, no issues with leaks so far. This time I put all regular bulbs in, removed the 35 watt HIDs in the bumper.

 

[BigPapa]

Glad you’re happy with your lights, but, not to be a Debbie Downer, if the Depo is four years old, the stocker went fifteen years? I’d wait a few more to say the Depo is holding up better than the original.