i'm 100% serious. No joke. I'll bet that the dealership probably charges over $400 to change the bulbs in labor but i'm not sure. I know that the bulbs are also about $300 for a set of 2 if i can remember correctly.

 

if you are running stock rims, you can just turn your steering wheel towards the passenger side and start unloosening then fender lining. You won't have to jack up the car and take off the wheel. took me 10 minutes.

 

the only other way is to take off your bumper and undo your slash guard. i could be wrong but that might be the only other option to get to your headlights.

 

btw, 03-05 headlights aren't a true projector. Just a half type. The 06 and up headlights are true projectors.

 

Sure buddy, I don't have superblack metallic, but I have regular gloss or flat =P
Gotta give Juan credit for this idea. If you took the housing apart, u'll notice a lil "hole" in the stock 03-05 housing that lets a bit of amber light shine through. I think it's apparent in the pic, but next round I'm going to eliminate the strip totally and retrofit LEDs to really immitate 06's!
Got a pic of how you painted them? Maybe I can help you out You just have to be careful not to paint the reflector/projector portion and the high-beam portion. If that was done then yes, light output would be absolutely terrible!
Here's what I suggest you do if this ever happens (which is a PITA btw) Dedicate a few hours for this one if this is your first attempt!
1. Remove front bumper (6 pop-off screws on top, 1 screw on both sides of fender, and a buncha screws on the bottom plastic panel)
2. Remove each headlight
3. Removing HID lightbulb: there is a screw holding the bulb in and 2 prongs, you have to unscrew the nut and then reach back and squeeze the 2 prongs to get the bulb free (its a B$^#@CTH the first time you tackle the problem)

Technically you don't need a jack, but it'll help get the bottom screws off. You don't need to take off your wheel either, just turn them from side to side when reaching for that one fender bolt. OR... just come out to a dam meet suucka! =P
You shoulda seen what happened to attempt #1.... Let's say that sucker's in the dumpster by now!

 

I gotta give you props my man... you did an awesome job! Good work!

PS Next time you are around Car Toyz I def want to swing by and take a look maybe get the guys to do something simular I dont want to jack your idea totally but I love the side marker change.

 

i'll pick up some color match just heard people having trouble doing the 06's

 

Update!!!

Resealing job:


Closeup of Paint Quality after drying process:

If you notice, most headlights that have been painted and put together in the same day have this toxic chemical chameleon haze under the lenses. Setting the proper "dry time" will eliminate it creating a more crisper look.

 

Wow I miss those headlights!

 

Damn those are gonna look nice on my car

 

I've got an extra Z headlamp laying around at work still that i was gunna expierement on with a few different things, i just havent gotten to it yet. i guess its about time i do with all of these requests. PM me for pricing if interested in having this done (i can have tail lamps professionally sprayed in a booth as well, none of that rattle can bs here.)

suggestion for next time: scuff the reflective plastic part with a grey 3M scotch brite pad (can be found at advanced auto,autozone,pepboys, etc.) to allow better adhesion of the paint and reduce the initial puddling of paint you probably encountered on the first couple coats. this will also reduce the risk of any cracking and peeling of the finish over time due to change in temperatures, etc.

 

nice... I want to do my whole headlight like that but it's gonna kill the light out put. I need to find some 06 headlights. and quick too, mine look like a bathroom mirror after a good hot shower with one of those girls from the craigslist ad.

 

^ it needs a reseal job!

 

AHN PAINT MY LIGHTS!!

 

Im not sure if its that or the micro cracks it has in the lense. Do you think if if do this will that fog and stuff come back!

 

bump!

 

ahn bake me some cookies!
Btw hdlights look good, nice job.

 

hey abuio... question! did the upper part of the headlight have a little prob with paint sticking to it?

 

I'm good with chocolate chip. If you drop by, I could hook you up with some free apple pies or a Mcflurry! Now stop slacking and get that system working oh yes, and you need some *bling bling* rims before that kit suuucka!
No problems whatsoever. Make sure you test the paint before spraying. Low viscosity paint sometimes dribbles off on 90 degree inclines and you end up with thin spots. Also, if you reseal the headlight, theoretically it shouldn't come back; but I've seen headlights that have fogged up again for other reasons even after resealing.