May 3, 2016, 01:02 PM
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Replacement headlights?
Replacement headlights? Its time to replace my headlights they are a mess. I need some good replacements. I see a lot of guys go with Depo but it seems like there's issues with gap, rubber weather stripping, adjusting ect. Also I didn't want black. I wanted to keep the chrome look but I'm still open. I don't want to spent a lot either. Any suggestions?
Has anyone used these? http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-98-02-CHEVY-CAMARO-HEADLIGHTS-HEADLAMPS-PAIR-NEW-/151199946445?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2001%7CMake%3AChevrolet%7CModel%3ACamaro&hash=item23343816cd&vxp=mtr
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,643
Likes: 2,571
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
A couple of years ago, I decided to buy a new set for my '02 car. I didn't want the Depo ones either, so I paid the extremely high cost to get a new set of OEM lights from the dealer. Unfortunately, even GM now uses Depo as their supplier, so what you get from them is the same thing as a set from Depo, except that they are not black and the lens has "GM" (and GM part number) stamped on the face where the others say "Depo". On the back housing though, they are clearly marked as Depo, and these have the same fitment issues that you have described above. In fact, the fitment was disappointing enough (using either the new bracket OR the assembly line original bracket swapped over) that I put the original headlights back on and just restored the lenses. I put these "OEM" Depos back in the box and haven't looked at them since.
I'm not sure how many companies are actually making these headlight modules, perhaps most or all of them are made by Depo and just sold under different names? Until at least 2006 or 07, you could still get the actual assembly line OEM modules via GM - these were exactly the same as the original pieces and were still stamped as made in USA. I don't know when GM swapped over, but my feeling is that Depo is likely making most or all of the stock appearing headlamp modules for these cars now.
I'm not sure how many companies are actually making these headlight modules, perhaps most or all of them are made by Depo and just sold under different names? Until at least 2006 or 07, you could still get the actual assembly line OEM modules via GM - these were exactly the same as the original pieces and were still stamped as made in USA. I don't know when GM swapped over, but my feeling is that Depo is likely making most or all of the stock appearing headlamp modules for these cars now.
Thank for the info Ryan 
I was afraid that was the case but I ordered the ones I posted above. They appear to be from Headlightsdepot.com. If there's any relation to Depo I have no idea. I hope they will not be too bad
I was afraid that was the case but I ordered the ones I posted above. They appear to be from Headlightsdepot.com. If there's any relation to Depo I have no idea. I hope they will not be too bad
Mark, I wanted to order new ones in the first place but wasn't 100% sure. Did a quick job on the old ones and not satisfied. I couldn't get the right sand paper and I'm getting impatient. Tired of messing around with it lol Ill try my luck with the new ones.
i tried to go cheaper getting an OE replacement. that chinese made crap i had returned 3 times before i just got a set from GM.
ive heard many problems with aftermarkets not fitting right, getting moisture inside them and mine had shitty weather stripping.
ive heard many problems with aftermarkets not fitting right, getting moisture inside them and mine had shitty weather stripping.
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TECH Fanatic
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 10
From: Maryland
Nope, the weatherstripping they came with kept the water out, I had them on the car for about 7-8 months and they were good.
I bought a set about 6 years ago that came with the smoked front corners. The corner lights kept filling with water after the rain, so I had to swap the factory orange lights back in. Upon removal, I found out that I had fucked up the install by not getting the weatherstripping set in the right position (allowing water to fill the lights). So in that case, and possibly in other cases, it is user/installer error that caused the leaks. My headlights have been perfect, and look better that factory (in my opinion).
A bought a set of Depo's from Amazon with the black inner lenses. I wanted the inner lense black but didn't want to take mine apart and ruin my originals which are still like brand new.
The Depo's fit good and look good on mine without any issues.
The Depo's fit good and look good on mine without any issues.
pics I installed the headlights yesterday. I am happy with them. The brand is actually TYC from headlightsdepot. They are the same ones I posted above from ebay.
I have a couple pics for people who are searching...
They can be adjusted better if needed.
I have a couple pics for people who are searching...
They can be adjusted better if needed.
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Old thread I know but it makes sense when I ask How have these replacements held up for you?
Polished the original headlights on my 99 Z28 last year but they've clouded again so I think I just want to replace them and be done with it.
Anybody else have any experience with replacements that have lasted? Does anybody make a replacement set with glass Lenses???
Polished the original headlights on my 99 Z28 last year but they've clouded again so I think I just want to replace them and be done with it.
Anybody else have any experience with replacements that have lasted? Does anybody make a replacement set with glass Lenses???