ThaTRUF

iTrader: (1)

...that is the question! I just got finished clearing my headlights. As I sit here looking at these shiny pieces of plastic chrome (one with a fingerprint I am catching hell trying to remove), I have an overwhellming feeling that I should black them out. I have been all over this forum, trying to compare...and I haven't seen many NPB 01 CL's cleared. The few I did see blacked out looked okay, but I am still unsure beacuse I didn't really like the contrast with the clear OE fogs.

Thats where you all come in. If I get enough input ( or ), I will most likely go with the majority. I'm hardly ever unsure about what I want to do, but if I make the wrong choice, it could be a costly one. I might even just paint the diffuser black and put it back in. I have plenty of paint left over from the painting of the grille I just completed.

Thanx in advance for your opinion...

SG81

iTrader: (1)

i'd black them out to look more like the '03 headlights

aznboi2424

iTrader: (10)

I have blacked out, uncleared headlights on my 01 NBP CL and yes I do agree it does contrast the road lamps a little but if it botheres you enough, just get the 03 inserts.

JayT

on the inserts or tint the road lamps to flow better.

Mac424

i hope this helps its like the one above but i have the chrome still


aznboi2424 what did you use for the chrome on the bumper it looks really good

ThaTRUF

iTrader: (1)

Do you have any recommendations? I have been considering this, but I couldn't even decide on how. I saw some spray tint, which should work well considering the bulbs are only 5w.

Anyone done this themselves? Have any pix? I wanna do the blacking out by tonight to have this done by tomorrow if I decide to do it...I don't like the way they look all yellow when there on anyway.

blackasscls

Just use 5% or 20% window film on the lamps, I don't see why it wouldn't work. I would go with 5 since those things hardly do anything anyway and put hid led's in there.

JayT

I have inserts on my ride since it's an 03 but I did tint my tails and got the tint from rockblocker. I'm not sure if they make a precut for the road lamps but you can always cut and trim accordingly to the shape of the road lamps. If not spray tint should suffice, stay away from cheap tint films there just a fat headache.

MrFluffy

In the day time I hate my fogs they look cheap compared to by blacked out lights IMO

I tinted the fogs with blue looked ok But I have HID fogs so it actually blocked a lot of light output

If your tinting use film so if you dont like it u can take it off

ThaTRUF

iTrader: (1)

Tell me why when I got to the parts store this afternoon, a dude that walked in the store right before me bought the last damned can of VHT Nightshades! And I basically let him. He had a badd chick with him, so I opened the door for them.

We walk down the same aisle, and he sees the can and grabs it. I'm behind him so I'm like good, atleast I don't have to look hard. Then I look and IT WAS THE LAST ONE! That glimpse was NOT worth me having to postpone this undertaking!

Its not even my car anymore, its the wifes. She's all but taken over my car while I'm fixing hers. Think I might let her have it tho...its been fun (and educational) playing with this car!

ThaTRUF

iTrader: (1)

Another question for the AZ crew...

I am applying the topcoats over the sanded primer. I didn't buy the dupli-color clear coat beacuse the can said it was only necessary if the color had cc behind it. It doesn't, but I feel that maybe I should cc it anyway. I have read about cc cracking topcoats. Is this going to happen to me if I do? Experienced 'ziners advice needed! The job looks good (Dupli-color Auto Spray Black Metallic over black dupli-color sandable primer), and I want it to stay that way.

aznboi2424

iTrader: (10)

BTW, rondog has it too:


I used chrome door edging (found at any auto parts store) with some superglue. Not sure what ron used though. its a subtle mod, but I like it.

StreetKA

iTrader: (8)

that should help too :P

Rajca

iTrader: (8)

i made a diy on the tl side on how i blacked out my fogs on the tl. its gonna be the same process. u will lose output when u black out the chrome but its worth it bc it looks great

ThaTRUF

iTrader: (1)

thanks Rajca, I'm gonna go peep that. Did you use engine enamel paint? I read somewhere that I should. I taped off the chrome in the back of where the diffuser used to sit, and the parking lamp area directly above it. The tops and bottoms are exposed for priming and painting, but the part with the textured ridges to it are taped. I figured that would help with the refraction of the light, and add a professional-looking symmetry (atleast I think so). How did you all get that lil star bit out with that damned nub in there? I only got one off, and I haven't even opened up the other cover beacuse of it...

And to think, this whole process started off as a restoration to a car I gave my wife and she wrecked...lol

Rajca

iTrader: (8)

dont remember. i believe it was high heat

ThaTRUF

iTrader: (1)

I ended up using some higher heat paint than engine enamel (engine enamel only withstands 500, this was 1200...overkill I know, but the color was perfect). I am contempating whether or not to blackout the diffuser, or just leave it off. I bought some $12 amber led bulbs to replace the #168s if I decided to leave the diffuser off. The verdict is still out on whether or not I will. I guess after I paint the diffuser I can see how it looks...