Blacking Out Headlights, How to

Did you manage to get the headlights pried apart? I feel like a complete dumbass for spending all this time on the project and coming up short.

And sorry, I tried saving the hassle of the wrong screw removal for anybody else who attempts this.

 

I didn't have a problem with the screws... but the headlights were a bear to pull apart. I read the guys who had theirs done and back in, in 3 - 4 hours... mine took longer, but I finally got them done.

Too bad you aren't closer, or I'd give you a hand.

 

I did indeed get them pried apart. That was super hard the first time around. I had to pry them once and then put them back in the oven again and then they came apart. Unfortunately I am a dumbass too because instead of buying adhesive promoter I bought adhesive spray, not realizing they are different my paint isn't sticking very good. Oh well I guess thats what I get for not paying attention. I'm hoping it looks good but I am starting to have my doubts.

 

I didn't use any adhesion promoter... I just used krylon fusion spray paint after sanding the chrome off and then wiping down with alcohol. Then several light coats of paint. Let dry and re-install.

 

ya I bought the krylon spray paint, not the fusion, thats why I wanted the adhesive promoter. I wanted to paint them satin black and where I bought the paint didn't have any in the fusion. I know stupid decision but I guess thats what I get. It seems like its going to be okay though. I just keep putting light coats on. I sprayed windex on the chrome and it took it right off. I was kind of surprised.

 

^ good luck

 

i sure need it from the way my day has been going. just one stupid thing after another. lol thanks

 

Thanks!

Sweet! Keep it up, I'm sure you'll get it done.

I have figured out what MY problem was (due to exhaustion!) I totally didn't think to take out the screws in the headlight. The write-up I printed out said something about unscrewing screws once I got the thing pried open. My dumbass was thinking that's what he was referring to. I am going to try to get a buddy of mine to help me out with the mod. He's got a whole lot more experience with this kind of thing. I always find a way to screw it up!

 

Good news! I gotter done. It's pretty dark out now but maybe I'll get some pictures up sometime soon to show you guys how it turned out. It looks good too, with all my screw ups today it worked out good.

I forgot about those screws too but then after 30 seconds of prying I was like oh crap forgot about those screws.

 

Glad you got it finished! Can't wait for pics. Yeah, I guess I had just been awake too many hours and had entered that delirious mode where common sense is gone.

 

I can help... I can get the lights out on 5 mins, pried apart and painted in an hour. Dried, resealed and back on your truck in 3 hours.

 

Yeah once you get it the first time it makes it very easy from there on out. And that 4th pain in the ass bolt i just left it out. The headlight stays put just fine without it.

 

Thanks, but too bad we don't live closer to each other...


rmb_crew - I'm still having issues getting one headlight back on - without doing the mod! And yeah, I went ahead and said F-it to the 4th screw.

 

the light kinda rolls into place. You cant just slide it directly in because that bottom mount will get stuck under the bumper lip. there is a little notch in the bumper lip that it is supposed to go into and as soon as it gets in there everything slides into place. Its kinda hard to explain without just doing it.

 

Yeah, I know what you mean because the passenger side went in without any problems. Trust me, with the day I had, I was shocked b/c of it. But the driver side just will not cooperate! I must not have "the touch."

 

OK, change of plans for me. I am going to get my stuff put back together with the stock equipment ASAP. Then I am ordering these below and having a buddy of mine help me with the install. The wasted day left a bad taste in my mouth with this mod. I am thrilled it worked out great for the rest of you guys though!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...LVI&its=I&otn=1&category=33710#ht_5732wt_1167

 

I totally understand what you mean, I work in construction and right now I am doing 15 hour days. 3hrs of it is a drive to and from the work place. Since I had to work this morning I was running short on time last night and I had to put my lights and grille back on at 10pm in the dark! It was definitely difficult, I wouldnèt recommend it. Anyways I don't get a day off until friday so I won't get to see them in the day light until then but I did take some pictures of them in the dark. They didn't turn out too bad IMO.

Here they are:

Before;


After;











I kept the orange reflector out. Just my personal preference I guess.

 

Well, they look good at night! I only have about half of your drive, but it sure is killer when you try to get anything done other than sleep.

 

Woo hoo! Got in from work motivated to give it another go and somehow managed to easily slide the headlight into place. Thanks for the help guys! I must say, I am impressed with those new lightbulbs I have in. Of course for $50+, my wallet was praying that they'd impress me.

 

Hey,
I did this awhile ago but unfortunately one is leaking and it seems its formed water spots on the inside. Any ideas on what is the best way to clean it and seal it back up right? i have already put tape around the edge but it doesnt seem to be working. Any ideas?