not just another headlight thread :)

[fordborn]

alright y'all. last weekend i did my own custom painted headlights like a lot of people are doing. i ran into an issue and had to search for a while to find what i was looking for. so ive decided to make a thread of my own, complete with step by step instructions as well as pictures. and ideas. so here we go. started by settin the oven to 245 degrees, let it preheat. put the light as low as you can, then turn it off. let it sit for about ten minutes. when you take it out, it should be hot, but not too hot where you cant carry it. start with a small screwdriver, and start on one of the long sides. it makes it easier when you get the whole side loose. it will take a couple trips to the oven. just keep it preheated and turn it off when the lights in there. once apart, keep the black part of the housing warm and clean all the epoxy out of it. it ensures a clean, easy fit when their going back together. ensure the clear lens is free of epoxy as well. then the chrome piece is ready to come out. its held to the clear lens by three T-10 star head screws. once it is free the reflector comes off with three more screws. once apart, take some fine grit sandpaper (i used 3M 1000 grit to save time, but im a body guy with great control, the less experienced should use 1500 grit) and sand the reflector and the chrome piece lightly, just so its not quite shiny anymore. make sure to get in every nook and cranny so it comes out with a uniform finish. then, use a dry microfiber cloth and wipe everything down and make sure to not touch anything with bare skin once its wiped. take your paint or lens tint and apply a very light base coat. let it get tacky and apply a solid color coat. again, let it get tacky and apply a finish coat. i went with a very dark apperance so i added in a fourth coat, it all depends on preference. now you wait. make sure it is 1000% dry before handling. inspect it to make sure theres no light spots or untainted spots. re install the reflector onto the now painted piece, and install that onto the clear lense. never ever place the lens outside down, it will leave little scuffs and such. also, ensure all finger prints and marks are off the inside of the lens, as when its together its permanent. then apply a base layer of epoxy ( i used permatex clear silicone) in the groove of the black backing where the lens sits. place the assembled lens onto the backing and put a decent amount of pressure on it. hold that pressure and apply epoxy to outer edge of lens around the groove. ensure they stay firmly in place and let epoxy dry for about two hours before moving them. then install, and make sure all your ligghts still work. also, it doesnt hurt to install some LED bulbs when the headlights out, it saves time in the long run. and thats it; your done. now for some cool ideas i had but couldnt afford. take LED strips used usually for small exterior lighting, under dash etc... and wrap around bezel as to create a rectangular halo style light, also you can tape off custom designs and suck into the pieces your painting so they stay brightly lit when the other parts are dark. just some ideas. hope this motivates and helps out! by the way, this took me about eleven hours start to finish. do not rush this, its pretty permanent. heres some pictures

[tony97gt]

Nice job. I am going to do something similar to this soon but I'm also retrofitting projector headlights, LED angel eyes, and LED strips into the housing. I'm going to paint the reflector black since the projectors dont need the reflectors. I bought a can of clear coat though to put over the black once it's dry. Do you suggest the clear coat or is it a waste of time?

[CountryAggie]

Ya this might be happening soon.

[h1gg1n5]

Originally Posted by fordborn

now for some cool ideas i had but couldnt afford. take LED strips used usually for small exterior lighting, under dash etc... and wrap around bezel as to create a rectangular halo style light, also you can tape off custom designs and suck into the pieces your painting so they stay brightly lit when the other parts are dark. just some ideas. hope this motivates and helps out! by the way, this took me about eleven hours start to finish. do not rush this, its pretty permanent. heres some pictures

I was thinking of the LED ideas as well but from what I read there are not good enough quality as far as brightness and not burning out available to warrant putting on the inside of a closed headlight. The Philips Daylight 4 or 8 would be good for running lights but they are wayyyy too expensive for my taste.

Nice write up and they look killer!!

[txr]

What LED bulbs did you install?

[fordborn]

I didn't install any yet. My bank account said otherwise. But you can find them online anywhere. And as far as the clear coat goes- its not subjected to any amount of weather so it's not really needed. But that's really cool I did that with my old jeep turned out awesome I'd love to see when it's done!

[INJEKTER1]

why are you turning the oven off and on? makes no sense... turn it to 225 and leave it on. when you need to re-heat during the prying process then put it back into the oven( already on) the plastic will not melt at that temp... i am an injection molder and the acrylic and poly prop used typically start plasticizing at about 350 or so......also re heat after lens is removed and the factory sealant will pull right out......

[fordborn]

i was told to turn it off, plus it makes it easier to handle because its not quite as hot. but thats good insight. ill remember that next time (hopefully not soon)

[fordborn]

Originally Posted by h1gg1n5

I was thinking of the LED ideas as well but from what I read there are not good enough quality as far as brightness and not burning out available to warrant putting on the inside of a closed headlight. The Philips Daylight 4 or 8 would be good for running lights but they are wayyyy too expensive for my taste.

Nice write up and they look killer!!

thanks I hope it helps out. and yeah im really happy with how they turned out. totally changed the look of the truck.

[rickeoni]

I use a trim clip removal tool to separate headlights. Worked on the first try.