2006 v70 headlight upgrade

[v70obx]

Hi all,

I've done some searches and have been reading a lot, but I"m struggling to figure things out. We just inherited a 2006 V70 2.5T with only 50k miles. The exterior isn't in great shape but the car runs like new.

My only problem is that the low beams are terrible. I have already replaced the standard 55w H11 bulb w/ modified 65w H9 bulbs. This worked well in my 4Runner but the V70 reflector pattern doesn't like the H9 bulb and it's throwing light in a weird pattern.

What are my other options? I am under the impression that replacing halogens w/ expensive LEDs is kind of a crap shoot that may result in the same weird pattern issues that I got w/ the cheap H9 halogens. Has anyone had any success w/ a specific LED or is this just not an option?

I can't seem to find any aftermarket housings that have projectors in them. There are some on eBay but they are mostly used and sold as singles, which doesn't really help me. I have seen some people retrofit projector housings into their existing assemblies, and I would attempt this if there was a detailed write up of how to complete the wiring and where to purchase the parts.

One big part of the problem is that the passenger side lamp assembly was replaced w/ an aftermarket assembly after a fender bender, and it's gone super cloudy. Is it work sanding and polishing this thing back to clear or will it just fog over again?


Thanks for all the help!

[Krons]

I just changed my 08 low beams to LED last night and will report back. Light is way brighter and initially looks like cutoff should be ok to not blind other drivers. I went with these:
SEALIGHT H11/H8/H9 LED... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZCR1V6

I have had great results with this blade type LED in my Nissan Frontiers halogen designed reflector, hoping these will work out.

I replaced both my headlights, one was tarnished quite a bit and the other had two cups of water in it. I found an OEM refurbished replacements less than $200...wow the car looks better with new headlights. May put some clear film on thrm to prevent the plastic from tarnishing and fogging again.

[Krons]

One big part of the problem is that the passenger side lamp assembly was replaced w/ an aftermarket assembly after a fender bender, and it's gone super cloudy. Is it work sanding and polishing this thing back to clear or will it just fog over again?

Oh, I forgot to mention... When I was looking at fixing my waterlogged and cloudy headlight I did come across this video to restore plastic lenses. Key is protecting them after restoration.


I lucked out to find replacements that weren't too expensive. I may still restore my old ones as spares or to sell on eBay.

[Krons]

I just changed my 08 low beams to LED last night and will report back. Light is way brighter and initially looks like cutoff should be ok to not blind other drivers. I went with these:
SEALIGHT H11/H8/H9 LED... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZCR1V6

Well maiden voyage tonight will make these a no go. Low bulb failure warning right off the bat. Light was good but not great so think I'll return these.

I actually bought new halogens and got these for my foglights...I hate my owners manual...it listed wrong info for both my fog and low beams. It had H11 listed for fogs (which are H1) so thought I'd give these a try since I had them.

[vtl]

One big part of the problem is that the passenger side lamp assembly was replaced w/ an aftermarket assembly after a fender bender, and it's gone super cloudy. Is it work sanding and polishing this thing back to clear or will it just fog over again?

This is your problem: aftermarket headlights. Both TYC and DEPO have problem with beam focus, you figured that out already. Your best choice would be replacing the headlight with Volvo or Valeo (who made them for Volvo).

If you are up for polishing, polish Volvo/Valeo headlight, not your aftermarket. Polishing with Sylvania, Wipe New or any other kit with UV coating gives very nice results. Though it wears out pretty quickly when the car is driven on highways a lot. As a countermeasure, you can laminate the headlights with 3M polyurethane film, which makes the headlights slightly less transparent to light, but saves you from polishing the lights for the next few years.

[MoVolvos]

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Started polishing lens about 7 years ago. Tried quite a few things on Youtube, toothpaste, WD40, nail polish, bug spray etc... and have bought name brand kits (3M, Meguiar).

Most recently Son and I found 2 methods that work and is lasting thus far or else it's really once a year or so cleaning. You can find all sorts of videos on removing the haze and polishing. You can decide on how high a grit of sandpaper you need to use. I think we went up to 5 or 7000 grit. Need to sand progressively in order to remove the previous rougher sanding marks.

Griot was used for the final polishing with a generic DA sanding machine. Wipe with alcohol to remove all polishing residue before application of coating. We also use the Griot on all the cars that require a final cut before coating of some kind.

Griot's Garage 10862 Complete Compound 16oz
https://www.amazon.com/Griots-Garage-10 ... 97&sr=1-23

1st Method - Meguiar's G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating, 1 Pack
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G17804- ... VVX6&psc=1

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2nd method is with Avalon King. The C30 lights started taking on water. In order to clean the inside we decided to open it up. Well, putting in some Halo helped with that decision also. So far no more water or fogging inside. We also coated the entire car with Avalon King and Son says rain on the windshield is still water off a ducks feather. We do also use Tech Choice for a final wipe each time we wash the cars. Wipe the car but not dry and just spray and wipe off. This was recommended by (Thanks) Pete of MVS and it's been such a time savor and works great and as Pete says on everything. Think shower doors!

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=96620&p=568071&hili ... ce#p568071

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Used the temp gun to make sure we didn't overheating the plastic. I think we set it at around 240 degrees but check some videos with people who baked the whole assembly in the oven on temp.
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Heat then moved / spread the old goop around evenly and reassembled, finally silicone the top of the seam.
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Use only water to dust the reflectors as some of the chrome will come off with light detergent. Don't attempt to buff or remove haze
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