Painted my Headlights! DIY [Video] + lots of photos

[Dsancho]

Here is an update photo:

Looks good, did you paint the chrome around the nose cone yourself?

 

[nguyentoogood]

instagram @grc_lights lol

 

[nguyentoogood]

Looks good, did you paint the chrome around the nose cone yourself?

Yeah, i wrapped the grill in 4d carbon fiber, then plastic dip the outer chrome ring.

Thank you.

 

[NHK X]

Hey TMC!

I just wanted to share my experience if anyone wanted to tackle the project! I am not a big fan of the chrome headlights. I didn't want to tint because that lowers the light output. Blacking out the chrome housing, on a projector headlight does not degrade light performance!

The Video:

Items used were:
Black Paint: https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-2...3c2962ef16a9dc614a0ac696de0387&language=en_US

Frosted Paint: https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-2...e6898bf1735a17bd2f036292038a7d&language=en_US

Headlight Adhesive: Amazon.com

Total Cost $35

Optional: Brighter, Whiter Light output
https://www.amazon.com/OSRAM-Xenarc...e6d9ab3360dda0a71768ab54589bcf&language=en_US


It is a time consuming process, expect to have everything done in a day. Paint drying/Heating up the glue

Hopefully it inspires anyone to black house their headlights. I really like the touch with the frosted drl/turn signal.
The contrast looks fantastic.

Feel free to ask any questions. I'm new here, had the car for a month but want to help out the community in any shape I can.

Thanks for vid and tips! I have one headlight on my x that has a hazy layer in the plastic or inside... not sure but quoted 1300 to replace. Will try to do my self and black out while at it.

Anyone here try this for the x?

 

[nguyentoogood]

Are you sure it's not on the outside? I would try to polish the other lens first!

 

[nguyentoogood]

For documentation if anyone stumble upon this thread. I made a newer video of having a glossier and whiter c light/drl portion.

 

[NHK X]

Are you sure it's not on the outside? I would try to polish the other lens first!

I think you are right, gonna try some magic eraser from Mr. Clean on it first and see if that does the trick.. but I still want this blacked out look. Thanks for the vids!

 

[davidc18]

Looks great. I may have to do this if I keep my car. Thanks for sharing.

 

[canasion35]

Any update on how much it is to get this done? Or atleast the paint to get the frost/white? or did your buddy have the pre-painted bezels done?

 

[beatle]

I was quoted $500+shipping for the bucket/DRL painting service last August. Maybe this fall after my warranty is up...

 

[canasion35]

I was quoted $500+shipping for the bucket/DRL painting service last August. Maybe this fall after my warranty is up...

That’s not too bad. What we’re the details of that cost if you don’t mind me asking?

Mainly looking to see if that’s the cost for a headlight swap (you send your headlights in, he sends you a completed pair, and minimize downtime +$500/shipping)
Or do you have to send your headlights in, wait the week or so, and pay the $500 + shipping?

 

[nguyentoogood]

Depending on his stock if he has extra model S headlights.

From my experience he already had a bezel painted before I came. He still used my headlight but just swapped the black bezel and white C-Light. GRC said it minimized downtown and helped the paint cure outside of the housing.

 

[nguyentoogood]

Here are some more photos off my phone,

 

[canasion35]

Looks amazing - really clean!!
I’ll have to reach out to him and see if I can just buy the black housing/bezel and white c light. Are those two things the only items needed to get the look of yours?

 

[nguyentoogood]

I don't think he has too many bezel pieces because you can't buy them separately. That's why you need to send him your core/headlight

 

[Intense1]

In installed the lightest version of Luxe ($19.99).

 

[n2siast]

These threads inspired me to tackle the headlight project. I've done BMW custom headlights in the past and wanted to take a stab at these.

I bought a cheap set that was in great condition and went to work.

Blacked out the bezels, with frosted DRL and Turn Signal
Upgraded the Projectors to the G5-BRT Projectors - had to get an aftermarket bracket and spacers to match factory settings
Will add Osrams CBB bulbs for more light output
Etched the lens using my blaster ( I did a circuit board design on the lens)
RGBW Demon Eyes

This retains the factory ballast and wirings.

Project isn't too bad, there were some lessons learned that would allow me to do this quicker if I choose to do so.

Haven't installed them on the car as of yet as I have an inspection in 2 weeks, so I"m waiting after the inspection to install.

Here are some pics.

 

[krsgio]

View attachment 697663

Where did you get your bracket or did you make it yourself?

 

[n2siast]

You can lookup CBD Brackets and email the guy. He doesn't have it posted on his site, but he makes them. I think Lightwerkz sells them as well, but I want to say they are made by CBD and Lightwerkz is the Vendor. But in any case, buying directly from CBD is a few bucks cheaper.

 

[nguyentoogood]

@n2siast

awesome headlights! I like the unique touches