My Camry is a Gen4 (1997-2000 model) which has fluted headlights. This means that the headlight uses the lens itself to disperse the light in the correct pattern. In Australia the light pattern has to be like below:
This is because oncoming traffic on the right will not get blinded by the flare of the lights going into their vision.
With clear headlights (like in newer cars), the beam pattern is formed by using the reflector 'bucket' or by using projectors (which are like clear massive marbles).
Unfortunately for me, the Gen4.5 (2000-2002 model) Camry has clear headlights and the do not fit directly onto a Gen4 because the mounting brackets being different. From initial research, the Australian Gen4 and Gen4.5 Camry headlight lens have the exact same shape and are interchangeable. If this is the case, the retrofit should be easy! Otherwise, getting rid of the flutes will be a very painful process included sandpaper, glass and a lot of time.
My first step is to find a set of Gen4 and Gen4.5 headlights. At local auto shops, the prices are ranging from $99 - $160 each! I have managed to track down a pair for ~$99 on ebay which are TYC or Depo branded which are aftermarket OEM copies which should suffice. I will need to goto the sellers warehouse (local seller) and have a look at each of them side by side.
The long weekend is coming up so hopefully I will get sometime. I will update as I progress.
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