ahhh, done deal... thats what Im gonna do, it looks really sharp.

Yeah I cant do any work either....stupid rule.

Maybe we could get a group meet at the dragstrip? I would really be down for something like that.

Yeah I'll pick one up today. Still missing a lot of stuff from the OP though. Sealant etc... Need all of those gaps filled before the 15th for sure.

So we still haven't figured out who's lights we are actually gonna do on the first day! Let me try to get a tentative list going:

1. EW2300
2. t3h r0nz (coming from PA)
3. BlackZ85 (coming from VA)
4. tonybui

DM, you wanted to wait for the 2nd day like me, right? That would leave just us 2 left to do this on the 2nd day. Also, if anyone isn't going to black out their housing, let me know so I can get the appropriate amount of paint. With 6 sets of lights to do, I'm gonna get 3 cans of paint.

Heat gun purchased so you can add that to the list of stuff we have.

Nice, you ARE the man...rep given!

Yeah I've opened up g37 lights before, trust me guys when we get through this you'll give yourself a big facepalm when you realize how simple it is. Just really time consuming as I can see why people ask or pay big bucks to get it done

I'll update my post

updated

wait, heat gun should'nt be necessary

we are using the oven to crack the lights open! and damn all you guys for chatting lol had to play catch up

Khoi, I'll be using the oven and the heat gun. No one else has to.

That's what I said. EW insists on using one for his set though.

Was hoping to go on day 1 but would come back for day 2 to help out if possible. If it's a bit deal I can wait until the 2nd day unless we have time I guess. Hoping the people who get done on day 1 are coming back to help out.

Could we do 5 in one day? Maybe Tonybui is willing to wait till day 2.

Yes, I will be using a heat gun... blades, why are you sooo worried about my method of doing this?:roflpuke2: dont you worry about me and the heat gun...k, buddy.:tup:

Found my blue heat-resistant painters' tape too so cross that off the list please.

Haven't measured but it's like 2-2 1/2"

Used it for my '09 debadging so if you want it "narrow" we can just cut it down the middle.

I'll also pick up some cheap oven mitts so that just leaves the rubber butyl sealant.

Dude, you're the man!! good sh1t!

I'm probably the least mechanically inclined here and will need help making this look good on my car so I'm attempting to meaningfully contribute in other ways.

Im pretty sure khoi, the nissan mechanic, and myself are gonna knock out these cars without any issues..

My only question is, how do people come up with 6 to 8 hours to do this mod, where is all the time going to? its not the removing of the bumper which takes 30 minutes at most, 8 minutes in the oven, , pull the headlight apart--1hour, tape off the componenets--30min, 3 layers of paint (each layer take approximately 15min to dry, so thats 45min). Reassemble the headlight 30min. Reinstall the bumper-30min.

Paint needs to dry/set I think. Anyway yeah, I'd like to ideally go on day one but not first (want to see how it's done).

Let me just say this.....make sure the seal is very sealed after the headlight mod is finished. I had to get one of mine fixed after I damaged the driver side bumper & fender. They returned the car to me just before I went to Z Nats last year. By the time we were on the road about half way to GA, we noticed the moisture in the headlight when we stopped for lunch and the "fog" that was forming due to the heat from the light itself. Luckily it sealed fine in the end but if you look at my headlight long enough and very meticulously, you will see where water has gotten inside it.

BlackZ85 is not doing it. And I can do the 2nd day. Let me people from PA do it first since they have a long drive to MD


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Cool so I can squeeze in. Swell.

Just trying to help man. From what I've read, the heat gun will do more harm than good since we're using the oven. There's just no need for it and you're unnecessarily increasing the risk of you messing up your headlights.

A lot of people are doing it on their own which will take a lot more time. Also it seems like it takes a lot more than an hour to pull the headlights apart. Looks like we might be looking at at least an hour per headlight. You also have to add in time to take the headlight components out and putting them back in. Add in some rest and break time in there as well so we can get some food.

Well then that just leaves me for the 2nd day. I might as well do it on the first day too, we can just do mine last.

Dude, seriously all this talking is driving me crazy.. hahaha... ohhhh man, I just wish the 15th was here already.

hey did we update the original post for items needed/ and the list for day 1 and day 2?

b1ade...etc I'll be there both days regardless.

I think the only thing we need is the rubber butyl sealant at this point. I've picked up most of the stray items but more beer/food/booze is always welcome.

Anyway:

Blue Painters' tape: dmhenderson (although I think it's 2" - we can cut in half)
Oven Mitts: dmhenderson. I'll buy like 4 at target - that's enough right?
Flathead screwdriver: dmhenderson - seriously who doesn't have one though?
Ratchet Sets: ???
Rubber Butyl Sealant: ???

(and please put me on day 1)

I'd be cautious using a screw driver when trying to pry open the headlight, a screw driver has a jagged edge on the end of it, obviously, I'd recommend using a butter knife.

I think we should just try and do all five on one day and eliminate the need for a 2nd day. EW probably has a socket set since he works on his cars so much.

I have everything we need to get this job done as far as tools go.. I'd say picking up some rubber gloves would be a good idea when working on the inside of the headlights, which should eliminate any chances for finger prints, etc.

You cover the end of the screwdriver in electric tape to keep this from happening but I'll bring both.

You're underestimating things and expect everything to go optimally. I've done this headlight mod before when I had my VW GTI. We called it the "Joey" mod.

The reason it takes a long time is not from difficulty but from drying time of the paint. It may be "dry" to the touch in 15 minutes but I assure you if you slap 3~4 coats on within the minimum 15 minute drying time and seal up the lights there will be condensation forming inside.

Key to this mod is patience. I doubt you guys will be drying the lights in a sealed baking room with 0% humidity to ensure all the moisture is gone. Take your time with the painting. :tup:

Yeah Ron suggested going over the lights with a hair dryer for the final drying of the paint to get the moisture out. Heat gun would be too much, but hair dryer should be ok.

Yup, hairdryer works wonders - I would stay away from fans though as they can blow dust on the still wet paint and leave little imperfections.

I'm assuming you have a hair dryer at your place EW? Also, we still need someone to get the sealant.

I thought EW was going to get the sealant? Remember to get one that IS NOT PERMANENT!!!

Roger that, sir. Good info.:tup: