Headlight mod question. Housings burning and $$??!
04-30-2013, 06:27 PM
#1
Headlight mod question. Housings burning and $$??!
Hey guys. Got a question for all of you. Just called 180 customs and got a quote for what I want done to my car... Gonna run me over $1,000. I know a local guy who does custom car work that will do everything I want for $400. I've see. His work, and from what I saw it was legit. But did tell me the headlight request is anew thing for him.
Few questions: 1. Is opening and painting the inside of the headlights THAT complex of a process that I should go to them? My guy told me two things 1 he won't cook them to open them up and 2 when he seals them back up, it's permanent.
2 on the phone 180 told me the NEED to put LEDs in or my housings will burn (I don't think I believe them lol). Is that true or are they lookin for the extra $350?
Do I give this local guy a shot? I'm about 90% leaning toward yes. Just wanted some outside input.
Few questions: 1. Is opening and painting the inside of the headlights THAT complex of a process that I should go to them? My guy told me two things 1 he won't cook them to open them up and 2 when he seals them back up, it's permanent.
2 on the phone 180 told me the NEED to put LEDs in or my housings will burn (I don't think I believe them lol). Is that true or are they lookin for the extra $350?
Do I give this local guy a shot? I'm about 90% leaning toward yes. Just wanted some outside input.
04-30-2013, 07:14 PM
#4
What is your goal to have headlights mod?
1) is it for look only
2) is performance at night
3) both?
I wouldn't put any aftermarket LED on your stock headlight just in case something happen.
Baking your headlight is not as hard at all "Pre-heat to 250 deg put the headlights in for 5-7mins but make sure not to touch the hot surface so it doesn't burn your plastic. Thick plywood wood be ideal.
Sealing your headlight I recommend "rubber butyl" that way if, you want open it again.
So easy mod would be:
Swap to STI-R clear lens and spacers for color mod.
Then painting your headlight is optional but recommended for looks.
The CBI Osram d2s 5000k must have.
And your done enjoy the disco at night.
My old Si. Quad set up fx-r.
1) is it for look only
2) is performance at night
3) both?
I wouldn't put any aftermarket LED on your stock headlight just in case something happen.
Baking your headlight is not as hard at all "Pre-heat to 250 deg put the headlights in for 5-7mins but make sure not to touch the hot surface so it doesn't burn your plastic. Thick plywood wood be ideal.
Sealing your headlight I recommend "rubber butyl" that way if, you want open it again.
So easy mod would be:
Swap to STI-R clear lens and spacers for color mod.
Then painting your headlight is optional but recommended for looks.
The CBI Osram d2s 5000k must have.
And your done enjoy the disco at night.
My old Si. Quad set up fx-r.
04-30-2013, 07:42 PM
#6
If the guy's never done them as per the numerous DIYs I'd look elsewhere. Did mine, along w/ the great STiR lens swap without any problems but pulling apart your first light is a bit of a PITA. Once you get how firm you need to pull and start on one edge and gradually lift the cover as you go. The first time I tried to pry the cover off in numerous points and ended up with a lot of extra gouges along the gray housing. Just get a good pull going and do a reheat if it starts to get tough, much better than the prying method. Agree about adding LEDs, it's be a real PITA to have to get back into the lights if you had one side burn out or even a single little bulb so that both sides wouldn't look even.
No way would I have a place do this if they weren't heated prior to remove cover.
No way would I have a place do this if they weren't heated prior to remove cover.
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04-30-2013, 09:47 PM
#9
Guys... Okay, plan on painting for the look only.
I worded the "burn" part poorly. He told me I NEED to do the dual "halo LEDs" so the housings don't burn (I think he meant physically burn the bezel) don't know how true this is.
Never heard about the STi-R lens swap. I have a g37xS, sedan obviously. Will that work? If so could post the link, id like to look into it.
I just talked to the guy again and I told him I would bring him some DIY guides to help him out. If he refuses to cook them I guess I should look else where.
Now you have me thinking about the lights too. I can always swap the bulbs later right? It's a new car these bulbs aren't burning out anytime soon.
I worded the "burn" part poorly. He told me I NEED to do the dual "halo LEDs" so the housings don't burn (I think he meant physically burn the bezel) don't know how true this is.
Never heard about the STi-R lens swap. I have a g37xS, sedan obviously. Will that work? If so could post the link, id like to look into it.
I just talked to the guy again and I told him I would bring him some DIY guides to help him out. If he refuses to cook them I guess I should look else where.
Now you have me thinking about the lights too. I can always swap the bulbs later right? It's a new car these bulbs aren't burning out anytime soon.
04-30-2013, 10:11 PM
#10
i just did this mod this past weekend. i painted the housings, put ironman in with demon eye, and sealed it back up. it was my first time doing anything like this.
first, the lens swap uses 2.5" TSX-R lenses. they can be purchased at theretrofitsource.com.....may be different for the sedan though.
it IS possible to split the lights without baking them using a heat gun. i didn't do it that way, but it is possible.
i didn't put LEDs in my housing. i'm not too sure i believe the burning thing, but i would imagine it's possible depending on what kind of bulbs you use. LEDs don't give off much heat if at all.
i don't think it's a great idea to PERMANENTLY seal the housing. what if there's moisture, you wouldn't be able to split them and reseal them. i did some research, and found out that using ethyl butyl rubber (either ribbon or tube sealer) is the way to go. i used the ribbon that i purchased from theretrofitsource.com. it was extremely easy to use and i had plenty left over if i had to reseal them (which i didn't as i have zero moisture after 2 washes and 70* days.).
i will say this. it was an incredibly tedious project for me. i actually thought that resealing the housing was going to be the hardest thing to do....it was actually the easiest. HOWEVER, if you have the correct supplies, tools, and time....it wasn't that bad.
best advice i can give you is to do your research. the reasons 180customs is so expensive are expierence, liability (warranty), and THEY take the time to do it. there are other options out there for this kind of work other than 180customs. raulGcustom does lights, breftayka also does lights....they are both on this forum. i believe there are a few others as well.
good luck.
first, the lens swap uses 2.5" TSX-R lenses. they can be purchased at theretrofitsource.com.....may be different for the sedan though.
it IS possible to split the lights without baking them using a heat gun. i didn't do it that way, but it is possible.
i didn't put LEDs in my housing. i'm not too sure i believe the burning thing, but i would imagine it's possible depending on what kind of bulbs you use. LEDs don't give off much heat if at all.
i don't think it's a great idea to PERMANENTLY seal the housing. what if there's moisture, you wouldn't be able to split them and reseal them. i did some research, and found out that using ethyl butyl rubber (either ribbon or tube sealer) is the way to go. i used the ribbon that i purchased from theretrofitsource.com. it was extremely easy to use and i had plenty left over if i had to reseal them (which i didn't as i have zero moisture after 2 washes and 70* days.).
i will say this. it was an incredibly tedious project for me. i actually thought that resealing the housing was going to be the hardest thing to do....it was actually the easiest. HOWEVER, if you have the correct supplies, tools, and time....it wasn't that bad.
best advice i can give you is to do your research. the reasons 180customs is so expensive are expierence, liability (warranty), and THEY take the time to do it. there are other options out there for this kind of work other than 180customs. raulGcustom does lights, breftayka also does lights....they are both on this forum. i believe there are a few others as well.
good luck.
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CrocodileFace (04-30-2013)
04-30-2013, 10:15 PM
#11
To the OP
Do yourself a favor, if your going to do it do it right.
180 will do it the PROPER way & they don't need instructions.
Since it is a somewhat difficult to open , think about how much a new headlight cost.
When I had to replace my adaptive headlights from accident, $680 a piece wholesale from dealer.
Not saying you can't do it, I'm just trying to save you a massive headache & expense.
Sometimes your paying for labor that is high, but you get what you pay for.
At least get a pos headlight from a junkyard to practice on opening.
Headlight mod is a nightmare, if not done right.
I know a 1k for headlight mod is steep, but 180 has done some of the most incredible work I have ever seen.
Do yourself a favor, if your going to do it do it right.
180 will do it the PROPER way & they don't need instructions.
Since it is a somewhat difficult to open , think about how much a new headlight cost.
When I had to replace my adaptive headlights from accident, $680 a piece wholesale from dealer.
Not saying you can't do it, I'm just trying to save you a massive headache & expense.
Sometimes your paying for labor that is high, but you get what you pay for.
At least get a pos headlight from a junkyard to practice on opening.
Headlight mod is a nightmare, if not done right.
I know a 1k for headlight mod is steep, but 180 has done some of the most incredible work I have ever seen.
04-30-2013, 10:27 PM
#13
Hmmm... Well ya know what. Maybe I'll just have the headlights done at 180... and let the local guy do my calipers and tails, those arent hard jobs.
Here is off topic. All chrome and roof on my car is blacked out. how do you all feel about color matching the emblem to the car?
Here is off topic. All chrome and roof on my car is blacked out. how do you all feel about color matching the emblem to the car?
04-30-2013, 11:00 PM
#14
Registered Member
04-30-2013, 11:14 PM
#15
Hmmm... Well ya know what. Maybe I'll just have the headlights done at 180... and let the local guy do my calipers and tails, those arent hard jobs.
Here is off topic. All chrome and roof on my car is blacked out. how do you all feel about color matching the emblem to the car?
Here is off topic. All chrome and roof on my car is blacked out. how do you all feel about color matching the emblem to the car?
Noobs & headlights don't mix.
Bodyshop where I was having bodywork on my g, wouldn't do it for ANY amount of money.
Call a couple of body shops. See for yourself the reactions, most will not do it & the others are low balling you.
Good luck with your mods, sounds like your progressing nicely.