How to: Paint your Headlights 2005 - Page 30

FociZX4ST · 03-14-2009, 11:52 AM

YES!, but some of the wires will stay in the casing. Use a flat head screw driver, go around all the edges, re-cook and then start at the bottom and pry.

jhurst747 · 04-11-2009, 09:24 PM

Just as an added note, you can use some Plaxtix to refinish the clear lenses once they're done baking. This will clear up any flaws in the plastic and make them nice and clear again without the diffraction effect.

bcbunn · 04-16-2009, 10:16 AM

i did this and after a few months my headlights began fogging up and accumulating dirt and dust on the inside. Not only that, but the light output was poor. I just bought new OEM headlights to replace them. I regret painting my headlights

kevin24018 · 04-16-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcbunn

i did this and after a few months my headlights began fogging up and accumulating dirt and dust on the inside. Not only that, but the light output was poor. I just bought new OEM headlights to replace them. I regret painting my headlights

there must have been a bad spot when you resealed them which is letting moisture and outside air inside, you could take them off again and reseal them after cleaning them out. Or it could be where the light socket screws into the back of the light.

Is there a problem with the light output after doing this procedure? While driving at night will it reduce the distance or width you can see?

FociZX4ST · 04-16-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcbunn

i did this and after a few months my headlights began fogging up and accumulating dirt and dust on the inside. Not only that, but the light output was poor. I just bought new OEM headlights to replace them. I regret painting my headlights

Wowa...Yeah, I didn't have mine fully sealed at first either. The issue is, after you seal them, you need to put that gell packet found in new shoe boxes and stuff like that. I did that and all the water is gone. Looks great!

09-17-2009, 08:51 AM

Do you know anyone who will back this up, someone on FF thats done their's some years back? Maybe a thread you read or a post.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFocusSVT

Very good write up. Although this has been done several times over on the Ford Contour forums, and has been known to damage the plastic lense. Basically what has happened is that the heat from the oven will cause the lense to eventually develop what is called "crow's feet" or hazing in which the headlight will yellow and get surface cracks. Just a heads up.

asiamex · 09-18-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NZWINRZ

Do you know anyone who will back this up, someone on FF thats done their's some years back? Maybe a thread you read or a post.

I did it awhile back according to this thread. Worked OK, the only thing I would do different would be to cover/protect the lens with foil or duct tape, some type of insulation so the crows feet could be avioded...

Be advised, finding the correct temp is hard, start warm and go up slowly. Getting all of the adhesive out is a pain.

Patience is the key. Use a prep pad on the surface before you paint too.