Blacking Out Headlights, How to

Permatex clear rtv silicone

 

Just did this mod today on my 2010 prerunner. Came out looking cherry. Pretty easy to do only real hard part was finding that last 4th bolt to take the headlight out and then unscrewing it. Unscrewing it is a whole other hassle so save yourself some time a use a 13/32in or 10mm wrench. lol Took me forever to figure that out so hopefully this helps some of you. For the baking part I preheated the oven to 300 then turned it off, put the light in for 10min on a cookie sheet and then once i pulled it out it came right apart. Then did it to the other one. other than that follow this thread, talk your time and its a cakewalk.

 

I dont see it mentioned here, but did any1 use any clear coat afterwards?

 

It's relatively easy.

The 2 hardest part is getting that 4th bolt out, to remove the headlights.
And seperating the lens cover from the headlights.

For me, it's 300 degrees in the oven for 12 mins did the trick. Wasnt super easy to seperate, but it made it managable.

The way I did it. I went to the corner of the headlamp where they weren't any clips holding it in place. It's pretty obvious when you're looking at it.
Instead of prying the lens apart, I would slide my screwdriver under the lip and push back against the back cover. You'll hear the gummy seal crack and pop. Eventually you'll seperate it enough to be able to fit your fingers or hands inbetween and slowly start prying. You can have a heat gun handy to keep heating the glue while you're seperating. Makes it a little bit easier.
I did this with bare hands. The headlights are pretty warm, but not hot enough to burn you.

Now with paint. I used flat black Fusion Plastic. Key is start of with light coats. I didn't bother sanding. Didn't have any pooling problems. Looks great right now. Can't wait to put everything back together.

 

The mod is great, and not difficult - just take your time doing it.

I didn't do any sanding either, no clear coat either.

Just dig in a do it.

 

im a working on it now, but having issues finding out what pinch screws to take off on the bottom of the grill. I am on aim if anyone is online now or just reply thanks.

aim = csjungleshow

thanks

 

on both sides, by the bottom opening is the pinch fastener

 

i pulled two off from top, 3 from bottom and two screws. I take it I am still missing more?

 

nm, i just got it off thanks

 

I have both head lights out, but unsure how to pull these bulbs and parts off?

 

Can't remember which is which... one pulls out, one turns, and I can't remember the third....

 

. The running lights twist and pull, headlight socket disconnects just by pulling, and the blinker socket pushes in and disconnects.

 

yeah I have that done, working on pulling out the main bulb now. It has the black rubber around it then the bulb.

 

The black rubber thing just pulls off. there is nothing holding it in, besides friction. Pull it carefully so as not to rip it.

 

Thanks ImpulseRed008!

 

anytime

 

Thanks for everyone's help yesterday. I finished mine last night, will upload pictures later today!!

 

post pics asap!


ill be doing this to my truck soon. just the resealing part though.
bought some headlights off of ebay and after a couple months, they started to fog up.
now im just thinking of what i could do to them after they are opened up.

 

Just seal them and you will be fine.

 

Here are my pics. I finished last night and was to lazy to upload pics. I would say the hardest part was pulling apart the headlights after they came out of the oven. I heated the oven up to 300 and let the first one sit for 10 mins, then put back in for 5. The second one only needed 10 mins.

Like everyone said, it did take some time, but I am very happy with the results. If anyone has any questions let me know.