Clear vs. OEM headlamp lens

t5ftw · Post by **t5ftw** » 14 May 2011, 22:44

Is any of the mods mentioned above except C70 jewel legal, like e-code lens, or IPD projector lamp? My passenger side reflector is losing aluminum coating. I don't feel safe to drive at night. So, I need to do something about it but I want to make sure if it will pass inspection in VA.
One of the local Autozone guy also suggested temporary fixes, using either chrome Duplicolor spray or aluminum tape. I am wondering if anyone has experience with that.

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 15 May 2011, 15:38

If your reflector is bad, you need a new one, no question. Since new OEM is very expensive, try to source a used, but OEM part in good condition. OEM is really what you want for lighting components; aftermarkets are always poor reproductions.

I also disagree that reflectors and lenses are interchangeable, unless both euro and US styles happen to use the same bulb, as the reflector is made to work with a particular bulb design, and results in funny output when parts are interchanged.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 15 May 2011, 17:09

WOW !!! Lots of advice here. Here's my 3 cents worth: Since the mid-80's, when I went to work for Volvo Corp. I have bought any needed lamps, lenses or tail light assys (my daughter, best friends, etc all Volvo drivers) I have bought real OE lighting from "LampsAndLenses.com". They really do sell OEM. And compare the $260.00 each for an OE headlight assy for an 850 (97) from the dealer versus $40 ea. from Lamps and lenses. I just bought 2 Friday. BTW: The plastic will chip and "sandblast" much easier than the glass, although they seem to resist the pebble damages better.

We have the "jewel" (the super bright bluish headlights) in our "06 V70R and they are incredibly bright, but I hate what others do to my eyes at night so I'm not too happy about shining those things into the eyes of other drivers. They really are somewhat blinding, esp in the rain.

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 15 May 2011, 17:32

There is no way those are oem Hella or Valeo parts new for $40. OEM fit? Sure. Genuine parts? No way. If it's too good to be true...

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 15 May 2011, 18:06

I've bought from them before. The numbers are right, the fit is right and the light was right. Maybe they get deals on overstocks. I worked for VCA and got OE for my company car (they required it and they paid, so who's to argue?) and the stickers are the same. Anyway...do what you like. Money's only money, right?

t5ftw · Post by **t5ftw** » 15 May 2011, 21:35

Thanks for the link. You saved me a lot.

Post by **erikv11** » 16 May 2011, 07:36

Post up when you receive the lights, just to clarify for people.

It seems VERY unlikely these are Volvo lights. Notice that when you have the web page open for their site, the name of the tab is "Aftermarket replacement headlights." All of their links have the word "aftermarket" in the page titles. The About Us page says "We believe that the products that we sell are of the highest quality on the aftermarket."

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 16 May 2011, 11:37

I have one in my 850 now. There is no way to see a difference (I have the old shell/housing). It fits exactly. The lens is the same. Perhaps they are not allowed to advertise genuine OE parts? The Dealer councils would have a lot of say with Volvo on this issue. They can buy direct from the manufacturer. (It has happened before, and not only with Volvo). Don't fret too much. They accept returns.

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 16 May 2011, 11:41

They are clearly reproductions - didn't you even mention that the lens was plastic rather than glass? In any case, yes, they can make these repro's fit nicely, but the difficult part of lighting is in the optics, and that's where the aftermarket parts can't compete.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 16 May 2011, 19:42

No, my lenses are glass. I would not buy plastic ones anyore.

Clear vs. OEM headlamp lens

Re: Clear vs. OEM headlamp lens