Help spend my money (or not)

[fletch]

Alright Team 818, I've got a job for you.
I need your help in choosing whether or not to spring for the "new" 818 nose. I've done a bit of research here in the forums and I've seen the pros & cons of new vs. old nose. (Thanks, Bob, for this very helpful post (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?19634-Check-out-the-818S-Model-with-Revised-Nose-Photo-Gallery!&p=222495&viewfull=1#post222495).)

Here's the trouble. Mrs. Fletch really, really likes the shape of the headlights of the old nose. I much prefer the general shape of the new nose. Mrs. Fletch is also pretty frugal ("why spend money on a new nose when you've got a perfectly good one already?!?").

So, help me out here. Post up your prettiest photos of your new nose. Please...

To be fair, I should probably ask those older-nosed folks to drop some of their nice pics as well. But I know you guys will do that anyway!! (and I'd rather not be fair!) Thanks in advance.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

I like the looks of the original nose.

102530 102531

[Mitch Wright]

102541102542102543102544
I really like the original front end. (because I have it and a complete spare front end) Honestly I think both look great and don't believe you will go wrong either way.

Big help right??? :-)

[AZPete]

Factory Five redesigned the front to replace the old design for more than just appearance. The old front is not available for a reason. After I could not align the Camry lights in the old design, I bought the new front. See these threads about the problem with the old design:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18722-818S-headlight-alignment

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?16429-Headlight-Thread

If you'd like to drive after dark, get the new front.

[fletch]

Thank you all for the pictures, the discussion and the links. Lots to consider here. I will say that the appearance of the old nose design is growing on me, but that the disadvantages are so significant I don't see how I could avoid getting the new nose. I definitely plan to drive the car in the dark.

[fletch]

Decision made. I placed the order for the new nose today. Seems like the best choice given the challenges all of you have been through with the older style. Thanks for the input.