I did it. And I'm glad.

A reason I purchased my 2004 911 last Autumn was it's stark simplicity. There's not a square inch of chrome on the body. The exhaust tips are brushed, the wheels are grey, and even the "CARRERA" centered on the rear is picked-out in flat black. All subdued. All except the (to me) oversized, shiny headlamp buckets. Hung on the front of my dark blue car, they were what grabbed one's attention, distracting from the car itself (again, in my opinion). My trusty body and paint man painted body color a detachable hardtop I had obtained and, with left-over paint, created a much happier headlamp effect, again, in my opinion.

Interesting. More pics please!

Looks good. A before and after pic would be nice.

I like it.

Personally, I'm happy with the 996 MK2 style headlamps. But yours came out looking very good. The cars where guys have done similar using film or other masking material typically look pretty cheesy.

I like it

Can you show a pic from a wider angle.

You know not what you ask. This is my first bumbling effort at posting pictures.

Painter did a really nice job. The issue you may battle now is that area is very prone to rocks/chips. You may want to consider a clear film.

Photos don't do the work justice. And I'm ahead of you on the film. Painter, alas, recommends the paint cure for 120+ days before it's applied.

Cool affect; I agree it looks slick.

I think it looks good on your car. There are a few others on here who have done something similar and I think the main factor for whether or not this looks good is if the car is a darker color. It doesn't look nearly as good on cars that are lighter colors.

Very nicely done. Not sure about the light vs dark, would be great to see some light color cars with the painted headlamp surround. Dave Fox, you might want to check online for silvered turn signal bulbs to eliminate the orange reflections. I put some in and really like them. 2003 Carrera 4S Speed Yellow / 1955 356 Continental 1500 Rust Red

Looks a little unbalanced to me almost like they point outboard instead if straight. I'm guessing wide angle lens is impacting the look. Maybe a couple of shots further away and true side view will convince more of us to follow your lead! Nicely done.

Still not sure I feel it, although nicely done. I think the 996.2 headlights looked just fine the way they came from the factory.

Good job, for me i think the original lights look better 996 and proud!

This is the best looking job I've seen yet for those who prefer the round look. In your photographs it looks factory. I think I'd need to see them side by side to make a call.

I think this looks great! Where did you get the cover and would it fit on a MK1?

First, I'm not trying to proselytize the 996 community regarding this modification, merely illustrating it as an alternate method of customizing the 996 headlamp buckets and, concurrently, bringing them in line with every other 911 headlamp, before and since. Second, having said that, I REALLY like the results. On my car. In my opinion. Other's mileage may vary. Third, it looks (even) better in person. The particular dark blue paint on this vehicle varies in appearance depending upon the angle of the light and the buckets are at a different angle than the fenders and trunk lid. Fourth, my body/paint guy prepped the headlamp bucket covers and applied the paint directly to them. There are no separate, applied bits. Thus this method would work equally well on Mk I 996s. Once the paint cures, the buckets are going under a protective plastic film. Fifth, no more photos. I about did myself an injury contriving to post these. And I ain't no photographer. And, finally, did I mention I REALLY like the result?

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Ultimately, that's all that matters!

Maybe it's just me but I like the lights on my 2004. I just had them polished and uv coated and look awesome.

UV coated? Is that a spray or a film? Mine are mildly yellowed, and my understanding is that the polishing takes off the UV coat, which is why I haven't yet had that done.

Personally I like the lights as they are, but damn that came out good. Props to your body and paint guy. Clean clean job!

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Me thinks you are yanking our chain.

Looks fantastic. Great job. I might give it a try one day.

Who is that kneeling in prayer next to your car? And why?

So, your guy just painted over the areas surrounding the lens? Any special prep for that?

The person kneeling in one of the photos is my Good Wife. I require she demonstrate her worshipful attitude toward the Porsche-ah (I'm still practicing pronunciation) every time she climbs into her mini van. Yes, the headlamp buckets were prepped before they were painted. I know not with what. Call: Bill Beal [phone removed], and all will be revealed.

Yer doing a very good job of training her. Next, get her doing an IMSB prayer each time.

I think it looks really good. It's a nice, well-done mod and I'm glad you like it. It's nice to personalize your car and make it the way you want it to be.

I don't know if I was proselytized ? I didn't feel a thing Bob -------------------------------- 01 C4 31 Ford cp chp & ch, 302/350 40 ******, 302/350 38 Ford cp, 327/350 57 Belair 62 356B --long ago

Bob: you only know you've been proselytized for certain if it lasts more than four hours.

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Ha, @ 75 I think I need it but won't mention it to her in case it doesn't work Bob -------------------------------- 01 C4 31 Ford cp chp & ch, 302/350 40 ******, 302/350 38 Ford cp, 327/350 57 Belair 62 356B --long ago

I love the look! Mine's white so it wouldn't work as well, IMO. For dark cars, it's a sweet look. TC

Easily the BEST mod of that type I've seen! VERY nice