Semi-whistlered headlights are done PICS (56k...go build a house)
06-27-2006, 12:40 PM
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Semi-whistlered headlights are done PICS (56k...go build a house) Well I finished up my semi-Whistlered headlights yesterday afternoon. The reason I say semi-whistlered is because I chose not to paint the black all the way back over the ribbed edges because I think it makes the headlights look too dark for my tastes and wasn't the look I was going for. So just the front edges were done, like the Procarparts version. I know some of you don't like that way, but it makes no difference to me because it's exactly what I was looking for.
I'm not sure I'm happy with the final product though. The look is great and was what I wanted because I took hours to prep and mask them off and the pictures show the detail that went into making sure the edges were clean, sharp, and perfect. However, I didn't find out until I sealed them back up that I guess I should've removed ALL of the old gray sealant in them. Because now the bottom edges of the headlights are black, but you can see through the clear edge of the lens that now shows rough remnants of the old gray sealant. I've noticed this in other people's Whistler headlights as well, but it personally bugs the hell out of me. You can't see it unless you're closer than 4-5 feet, but I know it's there and I'm not happy. It just ruins them for me. I also read not to use too much RTV sealant on the inside, so I went very sparingly and it still oozed to the inside of the assembly. Oh well, here are some finished pics. If you like it, let me know. If you don't, let me know (although I really don't care
).
(The pics are for my resolution screen, so if they're too big for you, change your resolution!
)
I'm not sure I'm happy with the final product though. The look is great and was what I wanted because I took hours to prep and mask them off and the pictures show the detail that went into making sure the edges were clean, sharp, and perfect. However, I didn't find out until I sealed them back up that I guess I should've removed ALL of the old gray sealant in them. Because now the bottom edges of the headlights are black, but you can see through the clear edge of the lens that now shows rough remnants of the old gray sealant. I've noticed this in other people's Whistler headlights as well, but it personally bugs the hell out of me. You can't see it unless you're closer than 4-5 feet, but I know it's there and I'm not happy. It just ruins them for me. I also read not to use too much RTV sealant on the inside, so I went very sparingly and it still oozed to the inside of the assembly. Oh well, here are some finished pics. If you like it, let me know. If you don't, let me know (although I really don't care
). (The pics are for my resolution screen, so if they're too big for you, change your resolution!
) 
06-27-2006, 12:55 PM
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Originally Posted by snketr
Me likes. I need to find time to do mine. One of those mods I've wanted to do for a long time.
Finally sacked up the other night and thought, "I have the day off tomorrow, I'm going to Whistler my headlights!". So I went and bought the stuff and did it.Just take your time and remember to get every single bit of that old gray sealant off the lens before you put it back on.
06-27-2006, 12:57 PM
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Do you guys think the crappy old sealant is too noticable? I know it's harder to see in the pics, but look for the rough gray edges under the black on the bottom of the headlights (especially in the first pic of them on the car). There's also a huge seam of it on the driver's side headlight under the entire right half of the lens.
It looks worse in real life. Part of me is thinking that as soon as Procarparts.com gets theirs back in stock, I'll be buying them.
It looks worse in real life. Part of me is thinking that as soon as Procarparts.com gets theirs back in stock, I'll be buying them.
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06-27-2006, 02:07 PM
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Looks good. Sorry to hijack, but does anyone know if those little "nipples" on the lenses serve a function? Are they just from the molding process (i.e. can be sanded off) or do they do something of value?
Just something I've always wondered about.
-Mike
Just something I've always wondered about.
-Mike
06-27-2006, 02:20 PM
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Scotty, looks GREAT!!! The sealant is HARDLY noticeable in the headlight closeup. Looks like a touch of moisture. Very nice choice (semi-Whistler'd)
Chupr, if I remember right those are designed by the factories to allow clearance for cooling purposes IF you add aftermarket covers. Anyone else heard that? If you're not going to add like GTS or something covers, sand away!
Duff
Chupr, if I remember right those are designed by the factories to allow clearance for cooling purposes IF you add aftermarket covers. Anyone else heard that? If you're not going to add like GTS or something covers, sand away!
Duff
06-27-2006, 02:27 PM
#12
I didn't notice the sealant. I pulled all mine off as I was afraid mine would not seal tight enough with the grey stuff on there. I also did not paint where the silicone goes as I was afraid that might peel off eventually and seperate the silcone from the lens.
They look nice but I like mine better with the ridges painted but then again I have a much darker color. Nice work Scotty!
They look nice but I like mine better with the ridges painted but then again I have a much darker color. Nice work Scotty!
06-27-2006, 05:28 PM
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Thanks for the reassurance guys. I appreciate all the positive feedback and I think I've learned today to overlook the the sealant deal. If I ever have $150 to throw away (yeah right), I'll put it towards the Procarparts ones, but until then these will work just fine.Now to get the CME painted and on and order my SS spoiler and chrome ZR1s.
