eastcoastguy

I know this has been covered a lot, and I have learned a great deal and know what to do. However, there are two things that I haven't been able to find and I haven't see mentioned much. If this has been covered, point me to it and the mods can close this thread.

Here is my questions: When painting the headlights do I just paint them, do I sand them down first, do I use an adhesion promoter? I want these to last so I am wanting to do it the best and longest lasting way. I have seen someone mentioned sanding, but not sure how that would go or is the best option?!
Also, when installing the ZKW-r lenses, I have seen some mention tuning them and others just putting them in. Do they need to be tuned? How do I do that outside the car without a way to light them up.

As always, thanks guys!!

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

No sanding unless you're sanding the outer lenses. The reflective stuff on the inner pieces can come off if you put them in a solution. Or you can paint right over them. Adhesion promoters are always good.

As for the projectors. Yes, they need tuned a little. It's not difficult but makes a difference.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the headlights need to come off.

you cant do it outside on your car....

you'll need a power source to light up the headlights, then tune by rotating the glass.

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

I mean the lights gotta come off to swap the lenses anyway... Lol

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

i was just going by his last question.
independent power source, like a battery.

eastcoastguy

I meant with them off the car.

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

I scuff up the parts that need to be painted.

As for the projector lens, I remember The Retrofit Source selling spacers for them.

eastcoastguy

What do you use to scuff them? Like a Brillo pad? I figure scuffing them up a little and using adhesion promoter should be good right?!

Yea, I i have seen that they sell the spacers, but how do I know I need them? Also, how bad could it be if I dont tune them? These are all the things that are causing me to doubt that I should do this myself! Especially living in an apt and not having the space to do it.

eastcoastguy

Got a set of these so I'm trying to get things figured out, if not I may sell them.

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

I think a red scotch brite pad is good for scuffing.

I used adhesion promoter on my headlights back in 2011 but over the dozen of headlights I've done since then I havnt used it

I don't know if you "need" spacers but you get "best" results if you do.
Really though, just throwing in the clear lens will get you better cutoff than the OEM fresnel lens.

Dunnik

Really do not understand why you would want to make your headlights (or taillights) less effective for the sake of cosmetics. To each his own, I suppose.

eastcoastguy

I am curious how you think I would be making them less effective? Please share as I am wondering if you are misunderstanding what is being done here!?

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

^He doesn't understand. Carry on.

polobunny

The spacers only help to give a sharper cutoff line + blue at the top.

thoiboi

Tuning projectors is really an art. Search google for the proper procedure: 25-30 feet from a wall, etc etc.. You won't know if you need spacers until you take off the headlight and install the ZKW-R Lens. Some do, some don't. Sometimes rotating the lens will provide you the sharpness you want but some people want sharper. The spacers will give you the ability for to change the focus point of the projector.

It's not for the faint of heart but it's a great mod, highly recommended! Good luck!


To illuminate headlights on the bench, I rigged up an old computer power supply to provide 12 V of power to the ballasts.

Brooks Hoy

iTrader: (1)

curious..what would you sell these for?

eastcoastguy

Thats a really good question! I'll be upfront that I am still not sure if I am going to sell them, wondering if I really want to get involved in doing the headlights. The number that I had in my head was $150, but I have no idea if that is reasonable or not. Haven't seen any for sale in a long time, so not sure what the market is. What were you thinking?