Write-Up: Black Headlight Mod - XR-Underground

Stevenredx · #1 01-15-2007, 10:49 AM

Source: http://www.customtacos.com/tech/index.php?article=222

By: 00yota4x4

Many custom vehicle enthusiasts in recent years have begun painting their headlight housings black. After all, what looks good on a BMW or Mazda looks good on other vehicles, right? Below is a quick write-up on painting your 2005+ Tacoma headlights black for that "euro" look. This article applies to all 05+ Tacomas including 4x4s and X-Runners.

Tools needed:

- A conventional oven, cookie sheet, cardboard
- Black spray paint (I used Krylon Fusion)
- Socket set
First, you must take the headlights out. You will need to remove the grill and the small body-colored piece below the lights. This should be very easy.
There are 4 bolts for the headlights. 2 are up top, 1 is at the bottom inside corner. The bumper hides it a little but you can get it out. The 4th must be accessed from under. As you see in the pic is where the 4th bolt is (heres a little tip written by Coupe to make reoving the 4th bolt a little easier http://www.xr-underground.com/forum/...2&postcount=91)

Once the lights are out, remove everything off of them. All of the plastic pieces, all of the lights and rubber things and 3 hex screws must be removed. Make sure not to mess with the adjustment knobs. I took off the top weather strip, but others say you can leave it on.

Once you have stripped the headlight housings, it's time to bake them in the oven so that the lens can be easily removed. They must be done one at a time. Place each headlight on a cookie sheet with foil or a peice of cardboard to prevent the headlight from melting against the cookie sheet.

As far as temperature, I found that 305 degrees for about 9 minutes works well. Remember, preheat the oven and then once you put the light in there, turn the oven off. While baking try to avoid opening the oven to check on the light. This will prolong the heating process.

At this time and temperature, the lens should pry apart from the housing on the first try. Just take your time and don't rush anything. This is not something that just peels apart super easy. I didn't use any tools. I just used my hands and started in a corner where its easy to grab both parts. I also had a buddy helping me pry it apart slowly.

Once apart, remove the 2 hex screws (size T-15) in the plastic piece in the lens. Pull out the bezel. Pop out the orange marker and the turn signal lens.

I used Krylon Fusion paint. No primer is needed and its designed to bond to plastic and is pretty strong from what I've read.

To prep the area to paint, I used a scotch brite pad to scuff it up a little bit just to take a little extra measure. Then, I cleaned it off with glass cleaner. I wore gloves so I would not get any oils back on the surface.

Paint away and take your time and don't put on thick coats. It took me about 25 minutes per headlight to paint it using light coats. This will help prevent runs and drips.

After painting, let each one dry for about 20 minutes. I still didn't touch the painted surface and I carried them from behind while moving them. Also, be VERY CAREFUL putting the marker lights back in, if you choose to do so. The paint is not fully chip-resistant for 7 days.

Next, put the 2 pieces back in the oven at 300 degrees for 5 minutes to get the caulk soft. I also used silicone window/door to put in the seam of the housing. Then, I pressed it back together tightly. put the hex screws in and popped the tabs in place. After that I put another bead of silicone all the way around the seams again.

Now, install the headlight assembly back into the truck. Also, that 4th bolt that is underneath: SCREW IT. I still haven't put it back in and the light does not budge with 3 bolts.

I hope everyone that tries it has a good outcome. Just take your time. It took me about 4 hours.

07XR808 · #2 01-15-2007, 02:19 PM

Here are some tips for you folks beginning this great project.

-Be careful with the grill piece as the three clips may snap off if your too rough with it.

-Get underneath your car and use a 10mm socket to take out that frustrating 4th bolt for the headlights

-Take out and stash your bulbs somewhere safe so that you don't mess them up. Disconnect the harnesses

-Gently persuade the headlights off after your done it maybe a little hard because of that plastic piece that was connected to the 4th bolt

I put all the bolts, clips and what not in a ziploc bag so i didnt lose them

*Use two people after you bake the headlights at 305 degrees* You could do it by yourself like me, but then you probably will end up with sore fingers and a lot of swearing. Place the lenses somewhere safe so they don't get scratched

-Apply at least three light coats of flat black or glossy spray paint on the lights and be careful when putting things back

-Make sure there is no debris or smudges inside before you plan on re-baking them again or else you will probably end up having to take them a part to clean them up.

-Use clear silicone to reseal the headlights. Even if you re-use the old sealant, its better to protect again to ensure no moisture collects.

-Its a good time to do your new head light bulbs and fog light bulbs if your doing this mod...

These are my tips for everyone along with the tech guide on the head light mod. Good luck.

-07XR808

nxrunner · #3 01-15-2007, 06:21 PM

I was hoping someone was going to add this. I thought about it at work today, couldnt wait to get home and find the link.

You beat me to it.

Alexrunner · #4 02-11-2007, 02:32 PM

Help!!! I am in the process of doing this mod and Im going crazy over this 4th bolt!! any tips?

07XR808 · #5 02-11-2007, 02:36 PM

Get underneath your car and use a 10mm socket to take out that frustrating 4th bolt for the headlights

Alexrunner · #6 02-11-2007, 02:50 PM

I have the right socket, but i cant see it. I think its behind this metal plate, but i cant get it disconnected

07xrunner · #7 02-11-2007, 03:17 PM

i got to mine by reaching in from the grill opening you cant see it you just have to do it by feel it was alittle frustating but it will come out ..hope this helps some

Xraided · #8 03-18-2007, 02:03 AM

what brand of sealant is good and where can i get it... looked at autozone but they have all types and im unsure about what too get..

MORT-RUNNER · #9 03-18-2007, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by contemprato

what brand of sealant is good and where can i get it... looked at autozone but they have all types and im unsure about what too get..

Any of them will work...I suggest getting a high temp sealant though. Just go to Autozone and ask for high temp silicone. They will probably give you a bunch of different options on brands. Get the cheapest one. It all does the same.

Stevenredx · #10 03-18-2007, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MORT-RUNNER

Any of them will work...I suggest getting a high temp sealant though. Just go to Autozone and ask for high temp silicone. They will probably give you a bunch of different options on brands. Get the cheapest one. It all does the same.

I would make sure its clear