Headlight modification?

dmhenderson · 08-16-2012, 08:02 PM

Paint needs to dry/set I think. Anyway yeah, I'd like to ideally go on day one but not first (want to see how it's done).

2theextreme · 08-16-2012, 08:26 PM

Let me just say this.....make sure the seal is very sealed after the headlight mod is finished. I had to get one of mine fixed after I damaged the driver side bumper & fender. They returned the car to me just before I went to Z Nats last year. By the time we were on the road about half way to GA, we noticed the moisture in the headlight when we stopped for lunch and the "fog" that was forming due to the heat from the light itself. Luckily it sealed fine in the end but if you look at my headlight long enough and very meticulously, you will see where water has gotten inside it.

tonybui · 08-16-2012, 08:41 PM

BlackZ85 is not doing it. And I can do the 2nd day. Let me people from PA do it first since they have a long drive to MD

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dmhenderson · 08-16-2012, 08:46 PM

Cool so I can squeeze in. Swell.

b1adesofcha0s · 08-16-2012, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eastwest2300

Yes, I will be using a heat gun... blades, why are you sooo worried about my method of doing this?

dont you worry about me and the heat gun...k, buddy.

Just trying to help man. From what I've read, the heat gun will do more harm than good since we're using the oven. There's just no need for it and you're unnecessarily increasing the risk of you messing up your headlights.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eastwest2300

My only question is, how do people come up with 6 to 8 hours to do this mod, where is all the time going to? its not the removing of the bumper which takes 30 minutes at most, 8 minutes in the oven, , pull the headlight apart--1hour, tape off the componenets--30min, 3 layers of paint (each layer take approximately 15min to dry, so thats 45min). Reassemble the headlight 30min. Reinstall the bumper-30min.

A lot of people are doing it on their own which will take a lot more time. Also it seems like it takes a lot more than an hour to pull the headlights apart. Looks like we might be looking at at least an hour per headlight. You also have to add in time to take the headlight components out and putting them back in. Add in some rest and break time in there as well so we can get some food.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonybui

BlackZ85 is not doing it. And I can do the 2nd day. Let me people from PA do it first since they have a long drive to MD

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well then that just leaves me for the 2nd day. I might as well do it on the first day too, we can just do mine last.

eastwest2300 · 08-16-2012, 10:17 PM

Dude, seriously all this talking is driving me crazy.. hahaha... ohhhh man, I just wish the 15th was here already.

eastwest2300 · 08-16-2012, 10:18 PM

hey did we update the original post for items needed/ and the list for day 1 and day 2?

dmhenderson · 08-16-2012, 10:24 PM

b1ade...etc I'll be there both days regardless.

I think the only thing we need is the rubber butyl sealant at this point. I've picked up most of the stray items but more beer/food/booze is always welcome.

dmhenderson · 08-16-2012, 10:26 PM

Anyway:

Blue Painters' tape: dmhenderson (although I think it's 2" - we can cut in half)
Oven Mitts: dmhenderson. I'll buy like 4 at target - that's enough right?
Flathead screwdriver: dmhenderson - seriously who doesn't have one though?
Ratchet Sets: ???
Rubber Butyl Sealant: ???

dmhenderson · 08-16-2012, 10:28 PM

(and please put me on day 1)

eastwest2300 · 08-16-2012, 10:37 PM

I'd be cautious using a screw driver when trying to pry open the headlight, a screw driver has a jagged edge on the end of it, obviously, I'd recommend using a butter knife.

b1adesofcha0s · 08-16-2012, 11:13 PM

I think we should just try and do all five on one day and eliminate the need for a 2nd day. EW probably has a socket set since he works on his cars so much.

eastwest2300 · 08-17-2012, 12:10 AM

I have everything we need to get this job done as far as tools go.. I'd say picking up some rubber gloves would be a good idea when working on the inside of the headlights, which should eliminate any chances for finger prints, etc.

dmhenderson · 08-17-2012, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eastwest2300

I'd be cautious using a screw driver when trying to pry open the headlight, a screw driver has a jagged edge on the end of it, obviously, I'd recommend using a butter knife.

You cover the end of the screwdriver in electric tape to keep this from happening but I'll bring both.

Masa · 08-17-2012, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eastwest2300

My only question is, how do people come up with 6 to 8 hours to do this mod, where is all the time going to? its not the removing of the bumper which takes 30 minutes at most, 8 minutes in the oven, , pull the headlight apart--1hour, tape off the componenets--30min, 3 layers of paint (each layer take approximately 15min to dry, so thats 45min). Reassemble the headlight 30min. Reinstall the bumper-30min.

You're underestimating things and expect everything to go optimally. I've done this headlight mod before when I had my VW GTI. We called it the "Joey" mod.

The reason it takes a long time is not from difficulty but from drying time of the paint. It may be "dry" to the touch in 15 minutes but I assure you if you slap 3~4 coats on within the minimum 15 minute drying time and seal up the lights there will be condensation forming inside.

Key to this mod is patience. I doubt you guys will be drying the lights in a sealed baking room with 0% humidity to ensure all the moisture is gone. Take your time with the painting.

08-16-2012, 08:02 PM	#421 (permalink)
dmhenderson A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 5,930 Drives: AWD TT 370z Rep Power: 26	Paint needs to dry/set I think. Anyway yeah, I'd like to ideally go on day one but not first (want to see how it's done). __________________

08-16-2012, 08:26 PM	#422 (permalink)
2theextreme RIP Tony :( (1969-2015) Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 18,802 Drives: '14 Mustang GT/CS Rep Power: 67	Let me just say this.....make sure the seal is very sealed after the headlight mod is finished. I had to get one of mine fixed after I damaged the driver side bumper & fender. They returned the car to me just before I went to Z Nats last year. By the time we were on the road about half way to GA, we noticed the moisture in the headlight when we stopped for lunch and the "fog" that was forming due to the heat from the light itself. Luckily it sealed fine in the end but if you look at my headlight long enough and very meticulously, you will see where water has gotten inside it. __________________ SpinTech Mufflers, Airaid CAI, JBA H-Pipe, Lethal Performance Over Axle Pipes, MMD Quarter Panel Louvers, Cervini's Ram Air Type IV Hood, Carbon Fiber Radiator Cover, GT500 Rear Valance, Quad Exhaust Tips

08-16-2012, 08:41 PM	#423 (permalink)
tonybui A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,397 Drives: 09 Sports 6 Speed Rep Power: 427	BlackZ85 is not doing it. And I can do the 2nd day. Let me people from PA do it first since they have a long drive to MD Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Evo-R CF fang \| CF Mirror covers \| 20/25 H&R spacers \| RE-11 \| TopSpeed exhaust + y-pipe \| Stillen HFC \| Carbon Fiber Amuse rear bumper + Amuse Spoiler \| PWJDM

08-16-2012, 08:46 PM	#424 (permalink)
dmhenderson A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 5,930 Drives: AWD TT 370z Rep Power: 26	Cool so I can squeeze in. Swell. __________________

08-16-2012, 10:17 PM	#426 (permalink)
eastwest2300 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: South FL Posts: 90,990 Drives: '16QX70/'21 Supra3.0 Rep Power: 2684550	Dude, seriously all this talking is driving me crazy.. hahaha... ohhhh man, I just wish the 15th was here already. __________________ Infiniti QX70 & Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium

08-16-2012, 10:18 PM	#427 (permalink)
eastwest2300 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: South FL Posts: 90,990 Drives: '16QX70/'21 Supra3.0 Rep Power: 2684550	hey did we update the original post for items needed/ and the list for day 1 and day 2? __________________ Infiniti QX70 & Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium

08-16-2012, 10:24 PM	#428 (permalink)
dmhenderson A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 5,930 Drives: AWD TT 370z Rep Power: 26	b1ade...etc I'll be there both days regardless. I think the only thing we need is the rubber butyl sealant at this point. I've picked up most of the stray items but more beer/food/booze is always welcome. __________________

08-16-2012, 10:26 PM	#429 (permalink)
dmhenderson A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 5,930 Drives: AWD TT 370z Rep Power: 26	Anyway: Blue Painters' tape: dmhenderson (although I think it's 2" - we can cut in half) Oven Mitts: dmhenderson. I'll buy like 4 at target - that's enough right? Flathead screwdriver: dmhenderson - seriously who doesn't have one though? Ratchet Sets: ??? Rubber Butyl Sealant: ??? __________________ Last edited by dmhenderson; 08-17-2012 at 06:52 AM.

08-16-2012, 10:28 PM	#430 (permalink)
dmhenderson A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 5,930 Drives: AWD TT 370z Rep Power: 26	(and please put me on day 1) __________________

08-16-2012, 10:37 PM	#431 (permalink)
eastwest2300 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: South FL Posts: 90,990 Drives: '16QX70/'21 Supra3.0 Rep Power: 2684550	I'd be cautious using a screw driver when trying to pry open the headlight, a screw driver has a jagged edge on the end of it, obviously, I'd recommend using a butter knife. __________________ Infiniti QX70 & Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium

08-16-2012, 11:13 PM	#432 (permalink)
b1adesofcha0s A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: MD Posts: 40,963 Drives: HypeTrain Choo Choo! Rep Power: 141	I think we should just try and do all five on one day and eliminate the need for a 2nd day. EW probably has a socket set since he works on his cars so much. __________________ Project: b1adeZmobile (2009 370Z) \| Uprev Tune by AAM Competition \| Berk Exhaust Project: b1adeZmobile 2.0 (2014 C7 Z51) \| Corsa Xtreme Exhaust

08-17-2012, 12:10 AM	#433 (permalink)
eastwest2300 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: South FL Posts: 90,990 Drives: '16QX70/'21 Supra3.0 Rep Power: 2684550	I have everything we need to get this job done as far as tools go.. I'd say picking up some rubber gloves would be a good idea when working on the inside of the headlights, which should eliminate any chances for finger prints, etc. __________________ Infiniti QX70 & Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium

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