Y33 Clear Headlight Lenses

Hi Guys,

I have a 2000 Q45 (Y33). I was talking with my boy last night who has one as well and we were discussing the clear lens idea. He says to clear the lens, I should buy a set of 97-98 headlights separate them, and attach that glass to mine. I just want to check if anyone has done this or has tried this and is it a viable alternative? 

I have a crack in one of mine and I would much rather swap lenses then order all new JDM housings, have the ridges removed, and do my retro project. Pictures are below of what I am talking about...

[URL]http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-97-01-INFINITY-VIP-Q45-CIMA-Y33-Front-Black-Headlights-Lights-OEM-/321039559328?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4abf72eaa0&vxp=mtr[/URL]


[url]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Infiniti-Q45-Fy33-Halogen-Head-Light-HeadLight-Lamp-97-98-RH-SMOKED-/370711669983?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AQ45&hash=item5650232cdf&vxp=mtr[/url]


Thanks guys!

clearer, but still not clear,

Are they a direct swap though? I guess it might be easier to polish and buff the 97-98 lens over sanding and clearing the 99-01

i expect they are but don't know that anyone has done it. see what happens. or just run the 97-98 cause they look way better anyway.

That will require less work. Just go ahead and clear the side markers. Nice idea.

Correct me if im wrong ,my 99 usdm lights the inner housing screws to the lense so im assuming the jdm ones do the same. the 97-98 usdm outer lense wont work properly unless you fab something to hold it together. ether way its a pita to clear/crystal process which ever lights you have.Im half way done with one lense and havent had time hopefully after the holidays though.

I guess i should clarify... When i mean "clear" out the lenses i am referring to removing the ridges. 

I talked with Larry (dirtyatl) about this. He has a spare 97-98 lens layin around sometime when i get closer to this project ill go to his place and test it out. If it works this would make life much easier. 

Btw, i prefer the 99-01 lights over the 97-98 because of the retro im planning

Tapa'Talkin on my Galaxy Note

[QUOTE=BossMaxima;471524]I guess i should clarify... When i mean "clear" out the lenses i am referring to removing the ridges. 

I talked with Larry (dirtyatl) about this. He has a spare 97-98 lens layin around sometime when i get closer to this project ill go to his place and test it out. If it works this would make life much easier. 

Btw, i prefer the 99-01 lights over the 97-98 because of the retro im planning

Tapa'Talkin on my Galaxy Note[/QUOTE]

Yeah I know what you ment, like i said the 99-01 inner housings wont just screw to the 97-98 outer lense you're gonna have to fab something to hold them together .

I know exactly what you mean[ATTACH]3791[/ATTACH]

[QUOTE=33flavors;471526]I know exactly what you mean[ATTACH]3791[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]

Every time i see those im drooling.. Then i start thinkin of what i wanna do.. 

Tapa'Talkin on my Galaxy Note

Okay so the lens swap has been mocked and it will not work. the 97-98 parking light ridges come up to halfway between the low beam headlight for the 99-01. I figured this out after getting my quad FX projectors, shrouds, and halos. Does anyone know the best way to tackle this now? I have been told to either "downgrade" to the 97-98 headlights or to find someone who can sand the ridges out.

I would retro as-is but I was told that was a bad idea as the light coming out of the projector would be dispersed due to the ridges, messing up my cutoff and light pattern. If anyone has a source to someone who can remove the ridges that would be greatly greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance

I think the only options really are to either find a way to cast all new lenses, or polish the inside of yours. It's doable but I don't think anyone has actually tried it yet. In theory you need to start by using 60 grit or so to remove the ridges, then wet sand all the way up to like 2000 grit, then use increasingly fine polishing compounds. If you google search for clearing lenses, I believe there's a guy on a jzx100 forum who had a write up.

Thats what I am starting to realize... Im really uncomfortable giving it a try and destroying the lens but in the name of progress... I might just have to do it.. Ill look into it, hopefully, I can get it done...