Looking to do the BHLM

Rather than have my lights out of action for a few days I am thinking of buying new headlights and doing the BHLM to them.
Anyone know if the optics on after market lights as good/same as OEM?
Thanks y'all.

 

Nothing, from no one . . . Come on

 

I've looked into this before and base on what I've read the output on aftermarket headlights aren't as good as oem. The aftermarket would be good for retrofitting.

Just buy some cheap oem to use while you do the bhlm on your current ones.

 

Thank you, much appreciated. Current lights have a lot of fade on the lens that’s why I was going to get new aftermarket. Prob have to get new OEM

 

OEM lenses can easily be buffed up to look good as new with the right rubbing compound.

 

Going back to what Ryan2103a mentioned about aftermarket output, my concern is the quality of the optics of an aftermarket headlight not so much the output of the bulb. I will also be upgrading to the 100/80W bulbs.

 

Aftermarket headlights (OEM style) were installed in my 08 when it got repaired from a collision. They sucked. Hot spots that were very distracting and pointed in the wrong direction. After complaining the insuarnce company agreed to replace them with OEM headlights.

Now on to your comment about doing the BHLM. I've done mine twice (because of accident damage), and both times I've been able to do it in one day. As long as you have a nice day to allow the paint to dry before reassembling them, you should be able to do this mod by yourself in about 6 hours.

 

Hey Rocketball, not what I was hoping to hear but I get it. OEM is the way to go especially with the higher wattage bulbs.
Nicer days are coming to the great Northeast so maybe I'll get this done in a day.
Really appreciate your input, thank you.
Ohh, as I cant find the BHLM mod on here, what black paint did you use?

 

You can do it in a full day.

- take the lights out the night before, open them up.
- prep/paint early in the day
- by afternoon everything will be dry
- put everything back together and enjoy your lights.

 

I did not use black paint. Mine are color matched to the body color (Speedway Blue). I bought a few of rattle cans on ebay shortly after buying my truck in 2008 because I knew I'd be doing some mods that needed to be painted. The rattle cans go for about $25 +shipping on ebay these days.

 

Here's a link to the BHLM post I used. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/blacking-out-headlights-how-to.2327/

 

@No Shoes Nation
Where are you located in the noreast?
I’m in Vermont have a chrome set maybe 2 months of use.
Oem.
My 08 was totaled I now have a 12.

 

agreed that this can be done in a day.

i did mine in about 5 hours but i have experience with doing a bunch of headlights.

i used VHT spray paint made for headers. wanted something that will stand up to the heat from the bulb.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/vht-sp998

 

Hey Jeffch, I'm in the capital district of NY, Where in Vermont are you.
And to all thanks so much for all the input /suggestions and guidance. I hope to be doing this in the next month or so.
Stay safe y'all.

 

Hey,
I’m in St. Albans bout 20 mins from the Canadian border.
I’m sure shipping isn’t cheap?
Not sure if it’s worth the trip.
I was gonna do the mod on them but not now.

 

Just sent you a PM.