painting headlight trim

Removing all the silver from my car. Down to the silver trim on the headlights. Anyone figure out how to paint them?

My only concern is that once painted it will easily pit and get chipped so it will have to be repainted once in a while. It doesn't hurt to give it a try as I don't think the parts cost much.

I'm wanting to paint the back of the silver edge to prevent chipping. Don't know if its possible or not. But I do know that the parts are not cheap.

Are you talking about the plastic rim around the outside, or the silver inside the lens? Painting the outside trim I would think would be a simple matter of removing the headlamps (easy to do) and masking off the lens. Painting the inside reflector has been done by someone here, but I can't find the thread at the moment. It is a bit harder to do.

I'm wanting to remove the silver paint on the back side of the lens & paint it black. That's probably the only way it will look right. Part of the existing silver is concealed by the headlight housing.

I don't know if it will help, but you might want to take a look at the following threads, and maybe contact those who have taken them apart before for advice: http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-boxster-modifications/26742-opening-headlights-removing-lens.html http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-boxster-modifications/22105-painted-headlights.html http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-boxster-modifications/5651-opening-up-headlights.html

Thanks for the info KS-CS. But what i'm wanting to paint is the ridged ring around the circumference of the light. Don't think it's been done. BTW the exhaust you sold me is GREAT!!

Glad you're still enjoying it. I miss it on the track - definitely helped the low to mid-range acceleration. If you do figure out the headlight thing, be sure and share some pics of what you did - Have you thought about applying an exterior decal/coverup like this? --> Carbon Fiber Headlight Covers - 2011 Porsche Body Kit

Did you see the announcement and press photos for the new 911 Speedster? The headlight rings are painted black as well! http://www.porsche.com/usa/aboutpor.../aboutporsche/pressreleases/pcna/?lang=none&pool=international-de&id=2010-09-21

That's the look i'm shooting for Pete. Thanks for the links ks-cs.

Think I'm going to go with the fiberglass covers. Only problem is what color. I put some black vinyl on one of my headlights to see what black looks like & found a pic of red. What color do y'all think would go best.

no question about it, IMO it is black!

that's what i'm thinking too.

I agree. The black looks way better.

I like the black it stands out nicely!

here's a few more pics. I'll leave the vinyl on til i get back from vacation.

I like the black. I used a product (I believe it was named) Blackout tape. It lasted 8 years on the front grill of my A4 to cover the chrome trim. Might be an option for a semi-permanent solution that doesn't involve painting and is reversible.

I have painted the inner housings on my cayman black and was actually looking to get a new car. No point in having the headlights go with a sale or trade if you were interested in them as a trade with some cash since you're wanting to get rid of all the silver. Let me know if you're interested

What are "the fiberglass covers"? Im looking to black out my silver surrounds as well. I can do it with tape, but would rather not. Thanks.

I make a fitted vinyl headlight ring kit for the gen 1 / 987. No trimming required. 65 bucks for the kit. (both lights and an application squeegee) If anyone has a 986 or 987.2 in San Diego, let me know. I'll make some new kits. install video: (headlight does not need to be removed for this)

Do you also make a clear headlight cover? and if so, can you put the black ring on top of the clear headlight cover? Just asking cause i heard the clear headlight covers help the headlight from fading and getting that nasty old, worn look.

Do you have to pull out your headlights to do this?

Yes, vinyl does stick to clear bra / paint protection film. There is two ways of doing the paint protection film though. You can sheet out the headlight and trim along the outside of the headlight with a razor blade for full coverage, or you can use a pre-cut kit that will sit a little bit on the inside of the headlight leaving a lip. If you have a full covered headlight, the vinyl ring will apply nicely right on top because the ring is a perfect fit to the very edge of the light. If you have a pre cut clear bra kit on the headlight with the extra lip, it may cause difficulties and a less desirable look with the vinyl rings. No! I had that headlight out to make the template. I installed the other one while on the car, and it is much easier because the headlight doesn't move around while you are trying to work on it.

My "temporary" sign vinyl has been on for over a year now and it still looks brand new. Can't come up with a good reason to go to the fiberglass rings. Probably looks better this way anyway.

OK what are the fiberglass rings? Im trying to compare this subject matter to the vinyl. Regarding the vinyl, how do I get my hands on it if I decide? Is the vinyl flat black or gloss? Thanks.

Fiber glass rings are a trim that gives the same look from a few steps back. It is a physical piece sitting on top you can feel the edge. The vinyl rings are very thin, made to look like paint. available here: Porsche Stripes | Porsche Graphics | Porsche Decals | Porsche Vinyl | Porsche Stickers see the installation video for details.

Anyone with a link to the fiberglass rings. Just trying to compare options.

this is all I could find on google: NR Auto Type A Headlight Covers Porsche Cayman 06+

Still looking for a 986 Boxster and Gen 2 Cayman headlight so I can develop fitted headlight trim as I did with the gen 1. Anyone local (San Diego) interested, send me a PM.

If you're not able to find a local 987.2 in a reasonable amount of time, I'll pop a headlight out and ship it to you if you want. Happy to help a vendor out. Plus, my car won't be leaving the garage for another 3 months anyway.

Any images of flat black on a black CS? Has anyone done this? I would like to add black, but am trying to figure out between the gloss and flat. I currently only have the front hood crest in flat, but it intrigues me. Any opinions appreciated.

Hi,I'm about 10 years late, but picked up my 98 Boxster the other day. I bought some projector headlights and they have the black trim that I would like to change to sliver, kind of the opposite of your video. I have no idea if you are still a PORSCHE person, or if or do the vinyl or if you have become the vinyl king of the Bay Area. If this is doable, I'll send a photo of the new headlights for confirmation. Many thanks Ray Raskin, Ellenville, NY