Yellow Clearance Strip
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 135
From: San Antonio/The Woodlands, Texas
Yellow Clearance Strip
Hey guys,
I recently did a LED mod into my 03-05 clearance strip. I've seen many pictures around where the LED actually illuminates the entire strip and looks white/blueish like this:

However, when I did this mod, mine came out looking very yellow like this:

Why?!? It looks so cheap!! Any suggestions as to the cause of the problem? Possible fixes??
I used Halo Automotive White Super LED 194 Bulbs. Here's a pic:

Help!
-Sean
I recently did a LED mod into my 03-05 clearance strip. I've seen many pictures around where the LED actually illuminates the entire strip and looks white/blueish like this:

However, when I did this mod, mine came out looking very yellow like this:

Why?!? It looks so cheap!! Any suggestions as to the cause of the problem? Possible fixes??
I used Halo Automotive White Super LED 194 Bulbs. Here's a pic:

Help!
-Sean
Last edited by Footballmania32; Feb 1, 2010 at 05:11 PM. Reason: Typo
How old is the car? Looks like it has been sun stained. The plastic itself has a yellow hue.
One side of my car had this, and the other didn't. You can remove the plastic piece but it requires baking open your headlights.
One side of my car had this, and the other didn't. You can remove the plastic piece but it requires baking open your headlights.
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 135
From: San Antonio/The Woodlands, Texas
It is a 2003 Coupe. It has 38k and had obviously been taken care of by the previous owner. I tried the 3M restoration kit but it didn't help. If I opened it up, what would I have to do?
I can't guarantee you have the same problem as me, but can you see the jagged plastic in the clearance strip? This refracts the lights. Now between the jagged strip and the headlight lens plastic, there is a clear plastic piece which gets tinted by the sun.
It's possible that the actual jagged piece is tinted, and I'm not sure how to fix it. You may need to polish it (or use the 3M kit on that).
Also, it's probably because of the age. I don't think it's something that you can prevent, it just depends on climates. My 04 had it so I'm sure your 03 suffered a similar thing.
It's possible that the actual jagged piece is tinted, and I'm not sure how to fix it. You may need to polish it (or use the 3M kit on that).
Also, it's probably because of the age. I don't think it's something that you can prevent, it just depends on climates. My 04 had it so I'm sure your 03 suffered a similar thing.
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 135
From: San Antonio/The Woodlands, Texas
Yeah it looks very yellow, but towards the bottom of the strip only. The top 1/4 of it is clear. But I looked from several angles, and it seems that whatever is yellow is actually on the wall of the clearance strip. The "jagged" piece seemed clear, but whatever is inside is reflecting a yellow glow.
I'm not 100% sure, but I know something is definitely faded in there.
There are 3 components, a metallic reflector, the jagged piece, and a plastic cover for the jagged piece (different that the plastic over the whole headlight).
I doubt the metallic reflector is messed up, it's one of the plastic pieces. I'll see if I can find some pics later tonight of the headlights.
There are 3 components, a metallic reflector, the jagged piece, and a plastic cover for the jagged piece (different that the plastic over the whole headlight).
I doubt the metallic reflector is messed up, it's one of the plastic pieces. I'll see if I can find some pics later tonight of the headlights.
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 135
From: San Antonio/The Woodlands, Texas
I'm not 100% sure, but I know something is definitely faded in there.
There are 3 components, a metallic reflector, the jagged piece, and a plastic cover for the jagged piece (different that the plastic over the whole headlight).
I doubt the metallic reflector is messed up, it's one of the plastic pieces. I'll see if I can find some pics later tonight of the headlights.
There are 3 components, a metallic reflector, the jagged piece, and a plastic cover for the jagged piece (different that the plastic over the whole headlight).
I doubt the metallic reflector is messed up, it's one of the plastic pieces. I'll see if I can find some pics later tonight of the headlights.

Take em off, bake em, and try to clean them?
I'm debating doing this because of some residue on the inside of one of my headlamps. Only thing holding me back is... well... sticking my headlights in the oven
I'm debating doing this because of some residue on the inside of one of my headlamps. Only thing holding me back is... well... sticking my headlights in the oven
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 135
From: San Antonio/The Woodlands, Texas
What are the pros and cons of baking your headlights? I wanted to do this today, but i'm wondering if I run the risk of damaging components or trim.


