IS F (2008-2014) Discussion topics related to the IS F model

Custom headlights in progress

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Old 11-09-11, 09:43 AM
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4everkidd
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Default Custom headlights *completed

Post #12 for finished product pictures

well guys, took the dive into customizing the headlights. I have to admit working on this set athough more nerve racking, are way more forgiving then my Audi S4 headlights.

here are a couple pics as the project is still in progress, I plan on wrapping things up tonight.

I have done this before, and the biggest key is taking your time.

slowly heat the edge of the headlight with a heatgun at low temp, make sure you take your time to avoid damaging the seal

i am thinking about painting the inside of the highbeam reflector with metalcast purple, it is essentially a tinting spray for chrome/polished surfaces. (my brakes are also purple) I wanted to do the ring around the projector but i cant figure out how to take the shroud off of it.
Attached Thumbnails Custom headlights in progress-img-20111108-00155.jpg   Custom headlights in progress-calgary-20111108-00159.jpg   Custom headlights in progress-calgary-20111108-00160.jpg   Custom headlights in progress-calgary-20111108-00162.jpg   Custom headlights in progress-calgary-20111108-00164.jpg  


Last edited by 4everkidd; 03-07-12 at 12:48 PM.
Old 11-09-11, 05:33 PM
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MicaISF
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looks great. Seems like a lot of work though. What kind of heat resistant paint is that?

Just out of curiosity, is that bumper beam aluminum or steel?
Old 11-09-11, 05:41 PM
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streetx
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nice work!
Old 11-09-11, 06:09 PM
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CalitriSC
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Looks good. So I guess the bumper does have to come off the take the headlights off.
Old 11-09-11, 06:10 PM
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Brian@Vossen
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Looking good!
Old 11-09-11, 08:25 PM
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KiyomiF
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Nice work! Anymore instructions on taking the headlight apart or is it just baking and careful prying? I'm either going to take mine apart in the next couple of weeks to customize as well or I might just buy a second set. Either way, I'll still have to take it apart.
Old 11-09-11, 08:30 PM
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IronNam
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Smooth, when will we see the end product?

Good job
Old 11-09-11, 11:13 PM
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ShadowISF
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Looks good so far!
Old 11-10-11, 05:16 AM
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Steve727
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Damn, looks good so far. If u can, u should post a DIY on how to remove the bumper and the steps to taking apart the headlight.
Old 11-10-11, 06:01 AM
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Eldr1dgE
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Looks good so far..Are you gonna put some leds in there?

btw..are those 18-inch G-Spiders?
Old 11-10-11, 10:06 AM
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4everkidd
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Default Finished product

Well guys i took a gamble and used metalcast purple on the inside of the highbeam houseing to match my brakes. The way that it reflects light is incredible, and not expected.

There is already a DIY for the isx50 but im sure i could write up a simple one, or do a video on youtube.

Here are a couple pictures of the finished product, im sure there will be some mixed reviews but i have recieved nothing but compliments on it so far.
Attached Thumbnails Custom headlights in progress-front.jpg   Custom headlights in progress-calgary-20111109-00169.jpg   Custom headlights in progress-img-20111109-00175.jpg   Custom headlights in progress-calgary-20111109-00177.jpg  
Old 11-10-11, 10:16 AM
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4everkidd
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yes, I will look into doing a DIY for the ISF. I think a video hosted on youtube would be the best bet.

headlight paint was duplicolor high heat engine enamel in low gloss black. the paint is incredibly forgiving and drys with a nice even matte finish so you cant see dust .

the purple was duplicolor metalcast which is essentially a chrome/polish tint spray in numerous colors.

a few tips:
1) take your time
2) once you remove the headlight, remove the plastic mount on the bottom (3 screws)
3) remove the 3 small screws attaching the lense to the housing
4) heat the edge of the headlight with a heatgun on low temp, be very careful slowly pulling the lens away from the body
5) remove and slowly work a butter knife around the edges working the housing away from the lens and pulling up all clips along the way. its like torquing a tire. work your way around evenly
6) once the adhesive begins to firm up (and it will) put the heat gun back to it
7) continue this process until the lens pulls apart from the housing. it only took me twice to remove the lens
8) repeat for the other side
9) once apart there are 3 screws holding the lens to the shroud, as well as 2 screws holding both turn signal housings on. unscrew and remove.
10) paint, 3 light coats with 10 minutes between each coat. no need to sand, use adhesion promoter or clean.
11) once dry reassemble the housing, lens and shrouds
12) once again slowly heat gun the edges, warming up the sealant, apply additional sealant if required. black rtv sealant/gasket maker works best

Last edited by 4everkidd; 03-07-12 at 12:50 PM.
Old 11-10-11, 10:20 AM
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OneSiCkF
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Not sure if I'm feeling the purple color but the light output is pretty unique. What kind of bulbs are you running?
Curious to see your purple calipers too..
Old 11-10-11, 10:30 AM
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4everkidd
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Originally Posted by OneSiCkF
Not sure if I'm feeling the purple color but the light output is pretty unique. What kind of bulbs are you running?
Curious to see your purple calipers too..
I wasn't sure either, but from a standing position it looks pretty menacing. they are stock silvania bulbs.

I'm a big color guy, I love seeing bright orange, lime green and yellow calipers on 911's and Lambo's.

I will get a good pic of the brakes
Attached Thumbnails Custom headlights in progress-img-20110805-00014.jpg  

Last edited by 4everkidd; 11-10-11 at 10:40 AM.
Old 11-10-11, 10:40 AM
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madastep
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ok, i'm kinda wanting some full shots, i feel like i've been teased.... hah

oh, also it looks badass btw..


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