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I finally grew balls and decided that I want to pry open my headlights, clear the orange reflector, and possibly paint and/or install Halos of some sort. I just have a few concerns/questions that I couldn't seem to find when scouring the internet for information:
1. My TL is white, would painting the chrome interior of the headlight black look bad? should I leave it chrome or try a different color? I couldn't find any pics of a white TL with painting done.
2. I understand that I'll probably have to buy Amber turn signal bulbs to keep my vehicle legal... I'm in Pennsylvania, although it's probably the case in most states I would assume. What bulbs should I buy and where can I find them?
3. I'm also considering upgrading my lights to some angel eyes or something, any recommendations for certain brands/types? I'm completely new to the light modification scene.
1. Google "white TL-S" - s models come with blacked out headlights by default. In my opinion looks better with blacked chromes, but leave other silver things to keep contrast (like this horizontal line and around projector)
2. Look for switchbacks - they are white when headlights are turned on, but they turn amber when turn signal is on. Also, as a bonus, white portion doesn't light up when turn signal is on, so there is more contrast - light in ON->OFF->ON when headlights are ON and turn signal is ON, opposing to normal ON->DIM->ON.
1. Google "white TL-S" - s models come with blacked out headlights by default. In my opinion looks better with blacked chromes, but leave other silver things to keep contrast (like this horizontal line and around projector)
2. Look for switchbacks - they are white when headlights are turned on, but they turn amber when turn signal is on. Also, as a bonus, white portion doesn't light up when turn signal is on, so there is more contrast - light in ON->OFF->ON when headlights are ON and turn signal is ON, opposing to normal ON->DIM->ON. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=7443+swit...nb_sb_ss_i_1_7
I've been using $20 switchbacks for about 2 years now and they have been working fine, but you never know.
Something like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF3EbIQHTGQ but my lights turn "white" completely OFF when turn signal is ON, and shortly after turn signal goes out they turn back ON.
Otherwise there is a standard incandescent bulb in this type that has amber paint over it.
3. I've looked for halos, but couldn't find any that would be considered to be 100% reliable.
Thanks for the help! For the switchbacks, do you know which ones in particular you used by chance?
The only problem is that this type of product changes over time, changes where it is manufactured, etc. so even if you order two sets there is no guarantee you will get two same sets.
I would just buy some that have decent reviews and if you're lucky they will last a long time. Some folks here use Triton bulbs, now only "Triton V6" is available, but they are much more expensive, and I had bad experience with them and was forced to return them.
If you decide to go with LED turn signals, you will need either load resistors or modify turn signal relay. Otherwise they will hyper-flash (blink really fast like the bulb is out).
I actually already modded the turn signal relay to get rid of the hyperflash because I put red LED bulbs in my taillights, so I'm set on that. Appreciate all the help!
I am planning on clearing/painting my 2006 TL's headlights but I am going to buy a set of Oem headlights and use my current ones as backups, as they are not in the best condition. I found good deals on eBay for headlight assemblies with ballasts included, but one is from a 2005 TL and the other is from an 06. I understand the ballast mountings are different, but since these headlights both come with working ballasts, can I run one 05 headlight and one 06? Sorry if this is a dumb question lol
I think your approach is a good one. Having a backup set of headlights alleviates a lot of the stress with this modification, especially since this is your first time going through this process. Since each headlight on eBay comes equipped with a (hopefully) working ballast, you should be good to go. Although having two different-sized ballasts is not common, it is doable since each style ballast has the same connection with the OEM wiring harness.
I figured it would work, just wanted to make 100% sure before I spent all that money on new headlights lol. Thanks! And I'm using your DIY thread to do this project so thanks for uploading that too haha
Yep, I've read both so I'm using knowledge learned from both to help me do this. Would you happen to have any recommendations for what Angel Eyes I should buy? I want to install some, but it looks like the ones you installed are only for 07-08 TLs. There doesn't seem to be much info out there on good Halos and how to install for 04-06.
I installed the same iJDM Toy angel eyes on both sets of headlights (04-06 and 07-08). The package comes with 4 angel eyes and I know I had two extra that I gave to the guy who bought my first set, which was from a 2005 Acura TL. I just texted him to see if he still has them. If he does, I might be able to snag them and mail them to you if you'd like? Just let me know.
Where can I get a headlight lense? (Just the outer clear lense?)
I am in the worst mood imaginable right now, tried to clear my lenses and paint the housing, ended up f*cking up one of the clear lenses bad, anyone know if I can find one somewhere? I found nothing on eBay... this really sucks, I don't want to have to buy a whole new assembly.
you can sand the spray on clear coat off .. just start with 320 dry, and then 500 wet, and work your way up to compound and polishing it.. i just did my cousin's lincoln headlights, he sprayed his with clear coat and they looked like shit (yay for youtube videos...) i did his with 320 (dry), 500 (dry), 800 (wet from this point up), 1000, 1500, 2500, 3000, then compound (x3), then polish (x3), then swirl remover (x3) and a final hand coat of wax.. took quite some time but they came out looking like brand new.
I also merged your thread with your headlight mod thread because I can foresee a ton more questions coming from you regarding this project No need to open up a new thread for every little issue you run into
Just as an update, I bought the 3M headlight restoration kit and spent an hour and a half restoring that one lens but it turned out great! Also finished the headlight mod (removed amber lens and added switchbacks + painted housing black) and here's the final product!
Just as an update, I bought the 3M headlight restoration kit and spent an hour and a half restoring that one lens but it turned out great! Also finished the headlight mod (removed amber lens and added switchbacks + painted housing black) and here's the final product!
I had screwed up the outer lens/casing on one of the headlights and though it was a goner but I sanded it down with sandpaper attached to my drill and buffed it out using a headlight restoration kit and it turned out pretty decent. So in short I no longer need a lens lol
Nope, unfortunately it's a little late for that, big dawg. If you were so intrigued you could have asked for a shot or two before I managed to fix it. Would have been more than happy to share.
Didn't think it was fixable from this post You also were asking about buying a new one so i figured you fubar'd it pretty bad.
It was indeed in pretty rough shape, I was fairly sure sanding it down would not fix it, but after an hour and a half of pure elbow grease I got it in decent shape. Hard to tell by the picture, but there are still some minor defects in the plastic, but I got it as good as I could manage. I do tend to be a perfectionist on things like this, so "really bad" for me might not be the same for you. You seem awfully concerned about how bad it was though. Not sure why it bothers you so much...
05-14-2019, 11:52 AM
No need to open up a new thread for every little issue you run into
quit hyperbolizing your mistakes 
You also were asking about buying a new one so i figured you fubar'd it pretty bad.
