Headlight clearing (w/pics)

[TurboAWD]

Silverbus - don't be too hard on yourself.

 

I wasn't really sure what type of black paint to use (i.e. flat vs satin vs gloss), but I did buy a can of Duplicolor Wheel Coating in Satin Black. Having had some experience with this paint, I know it's very tough, adheres well and covers well.

 

I took a chrome license plate frame with some minor rust on it, treated the rust, then sprayed it with this paint and it looks perfect over a month later. I figured this paint might work well for this job, especially considering that once the lights are sealed back up, they'll be thoroughly protected from the elements.

 

Considering the wife needs her car almost 24/7, though, I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to do this, though!

[underpowerd]

yeah, bus, not dumb, sounds like you just layed too heavy a coat or perhaps laid an oily fingerprint before spraying. this project in particular, with that highly polished surface, i'd use a very light coat to begin, at least. i basically 'dusted' it on to start. no pre-scuff here, with satisfactory results.

 

turbo, i dunno about painter's tape: best i can say is if that's what you want to use, test it in an inconspicuous spot first, i chose the spot under the clear plastic corner insert to test since i knew i was going to put a piece of double-sided tape there before resealing to help hold it up/keep it from rattling around. good thing i did test it, because the tiny piece of standard auto masking tape tore the chrome right off with it. i was so paranoid about the masking, i considered using clay to do it, lol. that day, though, i was feeling pretty cocky because i was finally acting instead of planning , so electric tape it was, for it's seemingly less sticky property -- just be very careful with whatever mask your test indicates will work well, and you ultimately decide to use; don't apply it/remove it with too much pressure/zeal, and you should be fine.

your paint choice sounds pretty good. i also used DC products by default, b/c i happened upon a fine match for the factory 'grey-out' that is already (mostly) done in the 05s.

best of luck.

[rallispec]

I just found out yesterday (maybe I'm a little slow...) that the Australian market Legacy comes with the headlights cleared from the factory.

I wonder what it would cost to buy those headlights, and if they'd fit the USDM cars.

 

 

they should fit fine -- not sure how much it'd cost though. Can't be cheap.

[Sponge]

Took my suby into the dealership today and tech says...'hey where did you get those headlight's'...I reply they are OEM...he says 'how the hell did you get the reflectors out'...I said I'll never tell LOL!

[car154]

Anyone here in North Jersey Area does headlight clearing? I'm from Morris County area.

 

How much will it cost me for the labor? PM me or email me at carlo29@optonline.net, thanks!!!

[soyboy004]

i'm gonna do this mod this weekend. i hope all goes well.

[jxjjang]

had a day off from work and spent about 2.5 hours figuring it out. thanks for all the walkthroughs LGT.com!

 

before:

http://x69.xanga.com/e4ca65f0c823081159831/s55351424.jpg

 

baking...:

http://x92.xanga.com/f35a87f4d043281159890/s55351469.jpg

 

tada!!

http://x87.xanga.com/a7fd10ea2873581159948/s55351514.jpg

 

Xtex 6000K 50W HIDs and new grill coming in the mail!

[Pman2g]

had a day off from work and spent about 2.5 hours figuring it out. thanks for all the walkthroughs LGT.com!

 

before:

http://x69.xanga.com/e4ca65f0c823081159831/s55351424.jpg

 

baking...:

http://x92.xanga.com/f35a87f4d043281159890/s55351469.jpg

 

tada!!

http://x87.xanga.com/a7fd10ea2873581159948/s55351514.jpg

 

Xtex 6000K 50W HIDs and new grill coming in the mail!

 

What temp and how long did ya leave them in the oven for?

P.S. They look awesome...I think I might do mine this weekend!

[jxjjang]

if i remember correctly, i did a search on that a few times and people have mentioned 250 for 20 mins.. or 280 for 10....... haha so i just did 265 for 15

 

after taking it out of the oven, just wear some rubber gloves (they dont protect against heat much, but it provides grip) and just muscle them apart.

 

once you get the amber plastic off, this is where i was left confused. did people leave the metal clip in there or re-attach it back onto the long white bar thingy?

[TSiWRX]

^ I took my clip(s) off, too.

[soyboy004]

i took the clips out also. some people have used some silicone on the clear reflector piece to hold it in place so it doesn't rattle. i didn't and i don't hear rattling so i think it should be okay.

[yeti911]

I just cleared my headlights on my 05' legacy. I just wanted to thank everyone on here for the information they provided me along with all those who took time to post tutorials. When I get all of interior done I will post pics.

[FJuan]

Completed mine in only 2 hrs with a heat gun. Great write up.

 

For those looking for the silver bulbs that blink amber and w/out paying over $10 bucks go to this site:

 

http://autolumination.com/3157_3156.htm

 

I just purchased 2 of them today. 3157 Silver Vision $3.49 each, everything out the door was $9.48.

 

http://superlumination.com/images/auto_bulbs/3156sv.jpg

[Coelli]

I can't wait to do this, but it may have to wait for warmer weather in the spring (I don't have a garage).

 

I wanted to give you guys a tip about the masking. If you stick tape to your clothes or arm before using it, it will reduce the tackiness of the tape and be less likely to take anything off when you remove it. Hope that helps.

 

-Coelli

[antny]

I cleared mine and painted them flat black looks like gunmetal now last week on a nice day and installed HID's the same day. People have complemented already and asked if I got new headlights I like it alot.

[FJuan]

I cleared mine and painted them flat black looks like gunmetal now last week on a nice day and installed HID's the same day. People have complemented already and asked if I got new headlights I like it alot.

 

Post up some pics. I like to check them out.

[scottybuckeye]

Antny, you got any pics?

[antny]

Ask and you shall recieve

 

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a237/antny04wrx/P1010812.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a237/antny04wrx/P1010811.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a237/antny04wrx/P1010808.jpg

[antny]

Pics could be better I know sorry for the grainyness and lighting.

[FJuan]

Looks good! I notice you took out the clear plastic piece that went across the turn signal. It will look cool if you had a silver/chrome bulb in stead of the amber, to give it that finished look. That's just my opinion.

[FJuan]

[FJuan]

[FJuan]

[FJuan]

Sorry for the last few posts. I hit the post button to many times and I couldn't go back and delete them.

[antny]

Looks good! I notice you took out the clear plastic piece that went across the turn signal. It will look cool if you had a silver/chrome bulb in stead of the amber, to give it that finished look. That's just my opinion.

Yeah I took that plastic piece out I was debating on putting it back in but decided not too since I painted the housing. Only reason I did not go with a silver amber bulb is I live in the middle of now where and havent sourced the bulb yet. Soon it will get replaced.