DIY: Black out painted Headlights

[cukali]

Did this last night since I had a leaky seal for years I finally fixed it. Painted the silver insert and looks pretty good actually. No masking of any sort for my headlights (2005) guess they must be different inside.

[jubaque]

I did mine as well, :)


http://jubzy-ep3.blogspot.com/2010/0...ir-intake.html

[bearcat91]

You have a picture of this on a white ep?

[Aaron_in_MO]

I'm seriously considering this, but I'd like to know how well the silicone sealant lasts over time. Assuming it's done right, will it ever loosen or break down and allow leaks?

[onlinenow]

since silicone is a gasketing material it shouldnt ever allow leaks or break down from daily driving, however I never applied any when I did my headlights and they still didnt leak and the silverstars that I use haven't burnt out. there shouldnt be much risk when doing this if done correctly.

[Aaron_in_MO]

Jpax, you should edit your post to reflect the following:

You only need to remove 4 of the clips at the top of the bumper, not all 8.
There is 1 screw under the wheel well on each side, not 2.

Also, here's a video of bumper removal for us newbs:

http://importtuningtv.powertvonline....l.php?mId=1114

[Aaron_in_MO]

I did mine today, and they turned out pretty good. Lighting outside is crappy, so I'll get pics later. Anyway, I still think someone is better of buying JDM or knock-off headlights for a few reasons.

1. When you cook your headlight, it will yellow it more than it already may have been. That's probably easy to fix with a headlight buffing kit, but that just means more cost and labor.

2. Swapping headlights is super easy, while this project will take a good part of your day. Peeling the lens off the body takes time, putting it back on takes time, painting takes perfect weather and a clean place to paint, taping it tedious, etc. If time is money, or you have other things to do, what's an extra $140 for new lights?

I like how mine turned out, but I think I'll still buy new ones, just so I have brand-new lenses, and no worries about leaks or anything.

[EP3423]

Any one know where you can Find OEM headlights with black housings for a 04 si? ...that are under $150

[RL_EP3]

What a great DIY. I am about to do this on my car right now.

[fobman]

i am trying to sell my black housing headlights

[codyep3]

There is 1 screw under the wheel well on each side, not 2.

there are 2 on each side. One set connects the fender to the bumper, and ther is one set that connects the fender lining to the bumper

[Pronto]

I was thinking of doing this, the only concern I have is that it may leak.
I've done this before on my old civic, and found that no matter how well I sealed the headlights a bit of humidity always got inside.
I ended up having to reseal it once in a while.
Maybe the design of the headlight actually make a difference.

After you guys did this, have you had any issues?

[Aaron_in_MO]

there are 2 on each side. One set connects the fender to the bumper, and ther is one set that connects the fender lining to the bumper

I see what you mean now. Actually, it's still only one screw under there--a Phillips head--which connects the bumper to the fender. A clip (not a screw)--which requires a flat driver--connects the lining to the fender.

[eptwah]

great DIY i tried this a few days ago and results were perfect!

[shaybird]

These look great. Just wanted to add that if anyone is afraid of baking the headlamp assembly, I was too. I opened my S2000s headlamps using a heatgun. While everyone on the forum promised it was alright I decided to go with a more controllable approach. As a sidenote, they haven't leaked since being re-sealed with silicone.