Do jewel headlight reflectors fade?

Post by **FireFox31** » 30 Dec 2020, 14:37

Are the 2003-2004 C70 jewel headlight reflectors immune to the fading problem common to the 98-2000 S70 and V70 fluted ones?

My 2000 V70 has faded headlight reflectors, throwing barely any light on the road. I found some used 2004 jewel lights but can't see them in person before buying. Want to be sure the used jewel reflectors will be good as new (even if their glass lenses are pitted). Thanks.

Cookeh · Post by **Cookeh** » 30 Dec 2020, 15:52

Yes, they are susceptible to the same fading issues as normal ones. Pitted lenses will also scatter your light beam, further affecting their performance. Of course, you can swap lenses over easily enough. You could try asking the seller for a picture of the reflector condition, or ask for a picture of a light being shone at the reflectors.

quietlymknnoise67 · Post by **quietlymknnoise67** » 30 Dec 2020, 17:02

i replaced mine with Depo jewels

Post by **FireFox31** » 31 Dec 2020, 11:57

Thanks. So it seems risky to buy this jewel headlight set from a junkyard a few states away when all I have are pictures of the whole front of the car. Even if the reflectors are good, they may fail soon due to age.

Maybe I'll buy a set of new OEM jewel lights. Then if I need to sell the car, I can sell those lights separately to an enthusiast. Surely they'll retain their value since they're the best possible option.

Post by **abscate** » 31 Dec 2020, 18:45

How were the headlights on the 2000? We can donate them back to you if needed.

Unlike Wells Fargo, Mvs doesn't steal from its customers

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 01 Jan 2021, 00:45

abscate wrote: ↑31 Dec 2020, 18:45 How were the headlights on the 2000? We can donate them back to you if needed.

Unlike Wells Fargo, Mvs doesn't steal from its customers

Don't forget (sh)iti Bank... Citi bank steals from both individuals and gov'ts alike.

In other countries the last economic downturn had bankers jumping off buildings, in the USA, they were getting bonuses instead...

In any event, if it's just the outside lens, I believe we have a couple great aftermarket options for this now. I also believe the inside reflector can be re-coated.

Post by **FireFox31** » 01 Jan 2021, 11:51

abscate wrote: ↑31 Dec 2020, 18:45 How were the headlights on the 2000? We can donate them back to you if needed.

Thanks but the headlights on my old V70 had the same fading problem. They barely light the road. I had been meaning to replace them but then the car got totaled.

I don't love aftermarket parts but I don't love paying $800 for a set of OEM jewel headlights and turn signals. I'll make a decision one way or the other.

Post by **abscate** » 01 Jan 2021, 17:39

THere are some decent after markets at about $100 each, I thought, searching.

Car parts.com

$160/pair

yanga001 · Post by **yanga001** » 02 Jan 2021, 09:44

If you are up for it, and your state allows it then i would do a projector retrofit. It costs next to nothing, can be adjusted correctly so the cutoffs are below even the lowest vehicles. More importantly, they have their own internal reflectors and do not require your headlights to be in good condition. I can post some pictures later this week to compare. One thing i have noticed is that the colour temperature is pretty bad up here in the rain, although that is likely due to the fact that our roads use environmental non reflective paint.

Post by **FireFox31** » 02 Jan 2021, 14:10

Thanks, I did not know about the projector retrofit. Looks like a forum member posted a projector retrofit DIY with all the necessary information. It seems like a great idea, but I don't feel like putting in that kind of work.

Instead, I will buy a set of new OEM jewel headlights and turn signals. The cheapest price I found was $750 at Tasca. They're cheaper than FCP, IPD, eEuroParts, VolvoPartsWebStore, and volvocars.com. I'll pay the extra for genuine over aftermarket and won't risk getting a junkyard part which may be faded or fail soon.