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-   -   Blacked out Headlights 06' Sport DIY (https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/94693-blacked-out-headlights-06-sport-diy.html)

magert54 07-30-2011 09:44 PM

Blacked out Headlights 06' Sport DIY
 
Blacked out my headlights yesterday. Took about 4 hours complete this mod. Remember take your time when prying open then lens cover and housing.


You'll need some tools and materials for this.
Phillips screwdriver
Flat-head screwdriver
Socket wrench
Baking oven
Black Krylon spray paint
600 grit sand paper
Rubbing Alcohol
Electric Tape


I am not responsible for anything you do to your truck! Although this is fairly simple, there are some things that could go wrong and if you don't think you can do this, don't try!


1. Removing headlights.
First you'll need to get under the hood, undo all the pinch screws and Philips screws. Then undo all the screws for the headlights ( 3 top, one under). Three of the screws are right on top of the headlight, while one is on the inner-bottom of the headlight. All these screws are grey. The last bolt is a pain in the ass, you'll have to go under the front bumper, and its way up on the outside part of the headlight. You won't be able to see it, but you can see a part of the grey headlight holding onto a bar. If you stick your hand up you'll feel two bolts, the highest one up is the one you'll need to undo. Get your socket wrench and take that sucker off. PS when you put your headlights back in you won't need to put this bolt back in.

Make sure you unplug all the lights connecting to the headlight. The running lights twist and pull, headlight socket disconnects just by pulling, and the blinker socket pushes in and disconnects.

Pull the headlights out.

2. Baking the headlights.

Make sure you take off all the little plastic and rubber pieces on the back of the headlights along with three small hex screws and take out the main headlight. Pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees F. I know the oven part sounds sketchy, but as long as you do everything right it'll work out perfectly. Stick the headlights in one at a time for 8 minutes. When you pull them out let them cool for a very short time then start pulling the lens away from the plastic backing. The sticky stuff between the plastic and lens is really strong, and trust me it might get frustrating (it definitely did for me) but remember, take your time. A flat-head might be useful he to help pry the two apart.

3. Once you get the lens away from the plastic.

Once you pry it open, you'll have to unscrew two hex screws attached the plastic chrome frame. Detach the frame, and pop out the two light panels. This chrome frame is what you will be painting.

4. Prep and paint.

To prep the frame, use the sand paper and get off as much of the chrome as you can. Then clean it using rubbing alcohol. Lay out the frame on newspaper or something, and get the spray paint. I suggest doing 3 or 4 light to medium coats and letting it dry 5 or 10 minutes in between each coat. After this you can pop back in the light panels, and screw the frame back into the lens.

5. Putting the headlight back together.

Put the lens w/ the frame back into the plastic holding of the headlight. Stick it back in the over (preheated at 200 degrees F) for about 5 minutes. When you take it out, immediately push it back together and get the silicone to stick as much as possible. The headlight should have a sturdy hold and not seem like its going to fall apart. It should be completely glued back together. I recommend using electrical tape to seal all around the lens, just so no moisture gets in. Put the headlight and grille back in, and enjoy!"


Pictures will be added in the order i was working. following this post

magert54 07-30-2011 09:45 PM

Insert Pictures here
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_2938.jpghttp://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_2939.jpghttp://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_2942.jpghttp://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_2951.jpghttp://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_2952.jpghttp://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_2954.jpghttp://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_2955.jpg http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_2956.jpghttp://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_2958.jpg http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_3114.jpghttp://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...5.jpg~original

4Runners 07-31-2011 06:17 PM

Very nice write up! I got the same color truck but my headlights are different. I don't think anyone has blacked out the 2004 sr5 lights. Also does it seal back up well? I'd be worried about moisture getting back in. I like your plasti dipped emblems and grille!

magert54 08-01-2011 11:06 AM

Seals back great!, considering that you have to screw the housing back together. Once you get them screwed back, it compresses the two together and creates a good seal. also just in case i wrapped edge in electric tape. Ive been mudding for the past 2 days and washed the truck both times with no moisture

magert54 08-05-2011 09:01 PM

Update,
FYI Still no moisture inside the lights, and its rained everyday this week in Colorado springs.

T4RAddict 08-05-2011 11:35 PM

Excellent write up friend! This is on my next to do mod list.. Even better to know that the seal is holding up. I was in Aurora for 6 years cant believe its rained in the springs for a week straight, sounds like PAC West weather..

Doozi 08-06-2011 12:42 AM

Looks great! I always like the look of this... especially on Titanium Metallic '06 Sport Editions! ;-)

Great write-up!

And yes, I'd say we've had some rain in the Springs! If moisture hasn't gotten in those headlights by now, I'd say they're pretty well sealed!

J.A. 08-06-2011 12:16 PM

Great job, I will probably do something similar someday. Got to install my v-leds hids first though as they have been sitting around for months now.

magert54 08-06-2011 06:11 PM

And for those who think they don't have the time. I used a total of 4 hours on the project (including eating and messing around).

magert54 05-07-2012 12:22 AM

Update,
Still no issue on moisture getting in the housing

Riseagainst 05-07-2012 02:20 AM

Sweet, i wanna do it to my wife's 06'. I need to either convince her it's cool or trick her lol

magert54 05-07-2012 01:45 PM

Convince her its cheaper than getting other parts for the truck or something you both can do together

oblivionis 05-08-2012 10:48 AM

Looks very nice.

MaliciousClout 05-11-2012 12:04 AM

Wonder how much of a diifference it would make for baking between a gas or electric oven, looks like you used electric.

I have a 06 headlight with pre existing moisture issues, any clue on the type of glue Toyota uses to seal them?

magert54 06-08-2012 02:35 PM

Im not sure on the sealant that they use but im sure a heavy duty waterproof silicon sealant would work the same.


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