Blacked-out headlight questions

[Catfish]

I think I'm ready to give this a shot, but a couple of questions popped up.

1) Is there any reason I shouldn't use Plasti-Dip for this mod? I've done my grill and emblems and I like the idea of being able to go back to chrome, should the desire strike me.

2) Do you have to re-aim the headlights after re-installing them in the truck?

Also considering using Plasti-Dip on the door handles...?

 

[cali_axela]

1) I would look into the temperature rating for plasti-dip, it can get hot inside the headlights. But if it can withstand reasonably high temps, it should work fine.

2) Definitely check their levels after reinstalling... 50/50 chance you'll need to re-aim them a little bit.

 

[Catfish]

Hmmm, temperature...I didn't think of that. The Plasti-dip brochure I found online indicated a temperature use range of -30 to 200°F. I wonder how hot the headlights get...? I have an '07 SR5 with whatever stock headlights it comes with...I guess they're projector lamps?

 

[leftyguns21]

i didnt have to re-aim mine after doing them. but i should now with the lift.

as for the other question...sorry i have no idea what that is. but i wouldnt think headlight housings get to 200f so you should be ok

my sig has a link to instructions if you still need them

 

[Catfish]

Pulled the trigger and did this mod tonight. Leftyguns21...thanks for the write-up. I followed it and it worked perfectly. The lights were kind of a ***** to pull apart, but I think that was due more to nervousness than difficulty. One good/bad thing...that pesky 4th headlight bolt that causes so much trouble? Both sides were missing on my truck. It's an '07 SR5 that I bought a year ago with 32,000 miles on it...and there didn't appear to be any mods done or even attempted...? Weird. But since it seems like some people didn't replace that bolt after doing this mod, I felt comfortable leaving that hole empty...again. And yes, I did go ahead and use Plasti-Dip instead of paint. It seemed to do just fine in the oven; we'll see how it holds up through a brutal Texas summer.

Either way, I'm happy with the results so far. I'll know more in the daylight tomorrow...and pics will follow.

 

[leftyguns21]

i wonder if the previous owner had to remove the bumper/lights for some reason? that would explain the 4th bolt. but yeah you dont need it. the lights arent going anywhere.

glad to hear it went ok..post some pics when you get a chance. i dont think ive seen a plasti-dip version

 

[Catfish]

I guess the Plasti-Dip version of these lights doesn't look much different than the regular painted ones, except maybe that Plasti-Dip isn't the slightest bit glossy. I did three coats and added a small bead of silicon in the channel when I resealed the lights. I really like the way the blacked out headlights look. Next step...door handles!