Well, I got anxious when I received Ares Custom clear stripes couple days ago! At first I was planning to do this project over the weekend, but after thinking it thru, I just got too much stuff to be working on it. So I thought I take the time and start working on it tonight!

At first I would just like to say, for anyone that is not used to working on the car or modding anything. I would definitely suggested send it to someone and have it done correctly. This is by far the hardest project I've have done! Thank god I have the help of my friend at the body shop!

First I remove the whole bumper and it was not hard at all. Then once I'm able to remove the headlight and detach the led sidemarker wire, I start heating the headlight! I choose to use heat gun method, because I felt it was a much safer way to open it without destroy any bulb or shell. At first it took forever to just heat up one side of the headlight, I almost give up trying. where I had a hard time just to find the opening. But after several try, I finally find a way to open it. Then the second one was easy, since I find the right side to open. after detach everything, I painted the chrome piece that was attach to the cover black, using the high temp flat black. then After drying them up, I carefully seal them back after attach Ares custom clear stripe of course. I think overall it turn out pretty good, But I wish I had more time to do it slowly and more carefully. There are just few flaws, but nothing you can see it visually. Except one of the stripe had curve up after I attach everything back on, I initinally had heat them up with the heat gun and try to bend it to the correct shape. But unfortunately I missed a little spot and it got flair up a bit. I'm hoping that after sitting the car in the sun tomorrow, that it will settle down and pop back in place. Anyway, here are some pics. It took me about 2 hours just to heat them and opening them. I will take some day time pics tomorrow as well. Enjoy!

p.s. Sorry Hank! I got anxious and start the project early!!

the first pic is when i start removing the front bumper.

 

start removing the headlight unit...

 

I didn't take any pics of the after removing the cover, but here is what it looks like after I paint it and assembly it back on!

 

Here is another view of the other side, I've also add the Ares Super white light bulbs to give that white look. As far for the area underneath the stripe, I tape it and left it chrome to make it stand out more.

 

here is what it look like after led in the dark....

 

here is the flaws that I was talking about, where the stripe curve up a little bit, hopelly it will settle down more after sitting in the sun tomorrow.

 

Here is another final look after everything is assemble back on!

 

I will post some more day time pic tomorrow, I'm soooo tired now!! It's not even funny! Well, let me know what you guys think? and Thanks Ares for coming thru with the custom Stripe and the leds!! I think they look awesome!!

 

Man, the only way you can make up to me is to do my for me or I won't be your friend anymore. Anyways, can't wait to check them out this weekend.

 

Congratulations...nice work. Believe me, after a few minutes in the sun, ARES reflector strip will calm down and you'll have a perfect fit.

 

Man that looks sweet.

Bat™

 

That looks great. Can't wait til I get mine, hopefully soon.

Congrats on a job well done.

 

that looks REALLY nice... wow. nice job man!

 

Hankys_z - Man, the only way you can make up to me is to do my for me or I won't be your friend anymore. Anyways, can't wait to check them out this weekend.

Haa haa. Yes, Hank I will definitely help you out with it, Now I have more ideas on how to open it, It will be a lot ease to have it open correctly! so, am I still your friend? haa haa lol


thanks KSHEP , yeah I really hope it will calm down more after the sun heat it up for a while. Thanks Bat, Vics350, 350ZTwinTurbo and Dave079! Oh trust me, at first I really had a hard time figuring out how to open this sucker, and my ball literally shrunk, knowing I might of screw up the headlight for nothing! haa haa...

 

like kshep said, the strip will eventually go down. yuichi's headlights had the same problem. we were like, "oh sh*t!!!, it might pop out when you hit a bump!" but its been a few months now and i think his are still good. look nice tho. if i hadn't already cleared mine i would try the strip too, but don't wanna re-open it and risk it twice.

 

can you give us an update after you wash your car?

 

they should come down no problem when they get a little warmer.

lookin great. now if I could grow the ***** to put some in

 

Here are some more pics during the day.... so far that curve haven't gone down, but hopefully it will after a few more days, I really don't want to open it up again!