DIY Blackout Headlights: Yes or No???

[JohnnyDaJackal]

Hello:
I'd currently like everyone's opinion on whether or not I should blackout my headlights. I have a couple small mods I want to do to my car since I'm going to be working on it soon for some small maintence things (oil change, manual transmission fluid change, etc.) I already have lined up to paint my brake calipers, been meaning to do this for a while. I'm also pretty sure I'm going to order a generic OEM fog light kit off eBay too. My next mod, the title, is up in the air though. Everyone on CRSX blacks out their headlights, and it usually looks really good. It would have been a no-brainer if my car was any color but black, but I kinda like the chrome and black contrast. I'm mainly considering doing mine just to be a little different from all the RSXs around here, they are extremely common in my area. Anyway I got mixed opinions from my friends, I'd like to know what you think. I wanna research how hard it is with the whole baking the headlights in the oven thing, that kinda has me worried

Heres my RSX now (bone stock baby )


Heres how the blackout headlights look on NBP (03k20a2's car). Keep in mind his car is dropped and has a lip kit, so it's already hot looking

[eurodj2003]

i think it looks hot blacked out...

[misterbobo]

do it. you don't have access to a heatgun?

[truzoom]

I did this for a friend that has a 02 RSX type S. He baked his in the oven to get the glue to come loose, then I got the reflector portion. I used some 800 grit sandpaper and meticulously sanded away all of the chrome, followed by passes of 1000 grit and 2000 grit. Then you do some GOOD masking on the remaining chrome that works with the turn signal or whatever and spray the entire light with some hi-temperature flat/semi-gloss black spray paint. I probably gave his 2 or 3 coats for safe measure. After that, let the paint cure on the plastic for a few days, then glue it all back together and use clamps to get a tight seal.

[JohnnyDaJackal]

Originally Posted by misterbobo

do it. you don't have access to a heatgun?

No heat gun for me.

Originally Posted by truzoom

I did this for a friend that has a 02 RSX type S. He baked his in the oven to get the glue to come loose, then I got the reflector portion. I used some 800 grit sandpaper and meticulously sanded away all of the chrome, followed by passes of 1000 grit and 2000 grit. Then you do some GOOD masking on the remaining chrome that works with the turn signal or whatever and spray the entire light with some hi-temperature flat/semi-gloss black spray paint. I probably gave his 2 or 3 coats for safe measure. After that, let the paint cure on the plastic for a few days, then glue it all back together and use clamps to get a tight seal.

How did they come out? Was the process very difficult? One of my main concerns with this DIY, aside from the process is moisture getting in the headlights. Since I'm breaking the seal, then re-sealing the headlights, I wonder what the chances of moisture getting in are, since I wash my car quite frequently the ol' fashioned way. I've read a few members on CRSX used Krylon Fusion (made for plastic) and sprayed right on, no sanding. Not sure If I'd go that way, or go crazy sanding like you did. Oh well I guess I'll see.

[Five Star]

I would get a Smoked color headlight protection kit from Xpel, it will not only give it the smoked look it will help protect the plastic from scratches and nicks.

[Setec Astronomy]

Keep it stock, baby!

[another qx4]

i say black FTW

[truzoom]

How did they come out? Was the process very difficult? One of my main concerns with this DIY, aside from the process is moisture getting in the headlights. Since I'm breaking the seal, then re-sealing the headlights, I wonder what the chances of moisture getting in are, since I wash my car quite frequently the ol' fashioned way. I've read a few members on CRSX used Krylon Fusion (made for plastic) and sprayed right on, no sanding. Not sure If I'd go that way, or go crazy sanding like you did. Oh well I guess I'll see.

They came out great, and my friend was very satisfied since it cost him a fraction of the price of a set on eBay. The moisture problem was also his concern, which is why he used some very strong adhesive and plenty of clamps to close off any gaps.

Frankly, I wouldn't use Krylon Fusion since it is not a high-heat paint, and headlight lamps tend to warm up pretty well. The chromed reflective surfaces are very smooth and that won't give you a good bond, so I feel that sanding is a necessary, but dirty part of the job. I just got one at a time, a bowl of water, the various grit sandpapers and sanded away while I watched TV.

If you want, I can try to get some pictures of it and I'll see how they handled moisture after 2 years.

[UnsanePyro]

Black them out, I think they look a lot better blacked out, the stock ones look almost cheap in comparison

[awahl63]

They look better but it'll be a pain in the *** DIY

[WSUcommuter]

I vote to black them out!