Custom headlights for Freelander 1 FaceLift?

Ey up smashing people,

Lemme get this out of the way - I'm not looking for parts/advice on upgrading an original FL front end to the facelift model. I already have one ('04 FL 'Sport').

So it's just come back from MoT with one of those new minor faults, moaning about the deterioration of the headlamp lenses. Yeah it's been looking that way for a while, with what looks like condensation/mildew on the inner surface of the units. I've done the old toothpaste trick, which does clear it up somewhat, but it's very short-lived. Even with the bestest brightest bulbs, the throw is fairly dismal and 'warm'.

I was about to sell up and move on but my mech says there's still a good 12 months life left. Current (temporary) work role means I'm only doing 200 miles per month for a couple of years. I don't really want to splash out on a fresher motor until I'm back to needing to use one more.

So I'm considering my options:

1. Replace headlight units with genuine new (ouch - expensive)
2. Replace headlight units with new aftermarket clones (probably still pricey)
   
3. Replace headlight units with second hand/salvage. Conscious that most things out there will be from similarly aged vehicles, and therefore not far off being in same condition. i'd really have to target a '56 scrapper to buy the most time.
   
4. Aftermarket custom headlights?

Regarding the last point, I've no idea what's out there, if anything at all. A quick google/ebay trawl is coming up blank in the UK. I do love the look and character of the Landy, so definitely wouldn't be wanting anything too crazy (Max Power magazine style). Merely something that's more modern, perhaps incorporating DRLs.

Anyone done anything along these lines? Got any links to suppliers?

Ta muchly.

I recently bought a second hand headlight unit for my FL 1 off eBay, cost 56 quid and had all bulbs fitted, just had to plug and play. There are lots of FL 1s on eBay being broken for parts, give one of them a ring.

TheGPMG said:

Replace headlight units with genuine new (ouch - expensive)

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Yes, very.

TheGPMG said:

Replace headlight units with new aftermarket clones (probably still pricey)

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OE are available, but no aftermarket or clones that I'm aware of.

TheGPMG said:

Replace headlight units with second hand/salvage. Conscious that most things out there will be from similarly aged vehicles, and therefore not far off being in same condition. i'd really have to target a '56 scrapper

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You could so that.

TheGPMG said:

Aftermarket custom headlights?

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Won't pass the new MOT, and will be a lot of work.

How about using a proper headlight restoration kit, like Maguires? I do mine before every MOT, to remove the bloom that appears in the sunshine.

TheGPMG said:

I was about to sell up and move on but my mech says there's still a good 12 months life left.

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I'm sure it'll last more than 12 months. If you do a bit of preventative maintenance to the underside, then you'll be able to sell it on in 12 months time. There's a strong market for good condition, well cared for Sport FL1s.

TheGPMG said:

Anyone done anything along these lines? Got any links to suppliers?

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Only OE headlights from normal LR parts suppliers.