TwoSaints

So, today I decided to black out my headlights, I haven't seen it so I figured i would do a write up.


Start by removing your bumper, there are a couple of clips on the bottom and the top of the bumper. also some 4 screws. 2 underneath the bumper, and two holding the bumper to the fender.



Then start removing the bolts holding the headlights:











Pull out the headlight assembly, if you run into any problems move the bar right under the headlight, it slides right out.



Remove all the plugs with the lights attached to them.



At this point, you can replace the ugly parking lights with some autozone blue ones.



Your car should look like this now, if you did the above steps "bilaterally"



Now, preheat your oven to 200 degrees, and place the assembly in the oven for 10-12 minutes.



Then take it out and slowly pull off the lens after you have bent back the 5 or 6 clips that surround it. It takes some persuasion, so don't be afraid to use a little muscle.



it should look like this now.



unclip the two pieces that are together, there should be two screws. Also, take out the lens of the turn signal. It snaps right off...



Take some sand paper to the chromed finish and find somewhere to paint it, preferably not where I did



first coat:



and keep applying to your satisfaction...



Put the lights back in the oven (assebled), using the above settings. After that is done, you can manually manipulate the lens so that it fits.

Let it cool, then place it back on your EP3 using the reverse order of sequence outlined above.



Now, the bumper. Make sure you put all the fittings just like you found it. The Viola, you should have your new and IMO improved 04 lights.



I didn't really like the way it looked stock, so I took a gamble on it. I love the way it looks. Next week, im gonna be doing this to the chrome on the back lights...

-Rob

Thanx to Jorran for the big helping hand...

Heres a pic with the lights on.



and off...




Modified by EP-Three at 9:57 PM 6/6/2004


Modified by EP-Three at 10:07 PM 6/6/2004


Modified by EP-Three at 4:31 AM 6/7/2004


Modified by EP-Three at 2:28 PM 6/7/2004

kikiboi

it looks a lot better, i still hate the bugged out looked on the 04 lights but still that looks pretty good.

oen8neo

Looks good man...How long did it take?
Youdidn't use anything to reseal the housings except reheating it?
Let us know if you experience any fogging or moisture inside the light

Kal

Looks beautiful and great write up. I don't recommend you stay with the blue parking lights because it is considered illegal by the DOT and you might get a Fix it ticket. I have heard stories were ppl were arrested for using blue lights since they mimick the blue signals on cop cars.

Why didn't you apply some new silicon or something?

civicvtec1ps

Yea. Looks good.

TwoSaints

Well, if I have moisture problems I will get some new silicon. It took about 2-3 hrs with trying to fix little mistakes and what not.

the JigGa mAn

first 04 ive seen with the black headlights...and i like it..looks good man...good job

JUN JDM

nice

G.

Great 'How-To' sir . Mind if I put a link to this from our forum over in blighty?

AP Kreuzer

well done.

fsugatorbait

lights look great, nice DIY.

TwoSaints

Sure (G.), and thanx for all the comments guys.

Ep3 No.2

nice...
first 04 with blacked out headlights i seen.

keep us updated if theres any condensation

civic_tuner

look cool, now hurry and do the tails.

HUBB

looks good

HUBB

i should do this to my moms ep...black + black housings=

Jimmer

Good write up!!

TwoSaints

THanx for the feedback guys. I'm curious to see how its gonna look when I black out the tail lights. I'll have the write up in a week or so.

Ya@inlinePRO

nice write up! is that the mugen grill?

TwoSaints

yeah its the mugen grill

00-ITR-373

I know it's been posted here a ton already, but thanks! It looks great. Nice to see it done and with great pics.

Definately post the results of the back.

krazichinaman

Could you take a pic of your parking lights too?

ecsahs3

that looks great. i never thought the 04 lights could look that good.

Seedc2

iTrader: (1)

very clean job. I wonder how the black paint turns out in the long run?

TwoSaints

Yeah i'll take pictures of the parking lights when I do the back lights. IMO with the blue in there it looks ten times better. I really like how the turn signals came out. I didn't replace that ugly lens that covers it, so thats why it looks like that.