Headlamp Mods - Diminished Light

[FRSFirestorm]

Sorry guys if I'm asking something obvious. I'm new to these type mods.

For those that have done current FRS lamps or other vehicles. If you smoke or paint stock unit chrome reflectors does it diminish the headlight performance. Not as bright? I'm thinking it has to.

[SkAsphalt]

Yes it does

Shine a light on metal or a mirror

now shine that light on a black blanket

[RZ86]

You'd probably want to do the HID conversion once you smoke or black the stock head lamps.

[CaptainSlow]

Painting the actual (functional) light reflector parts of the headlight will diminish light output, or make the beam less functional. "Smoking" or tinting the clear housing of the headlight will do the same thing. There are bits around the reflectors that are chrome that have no effect on the light output (probably chrome/polished because of ease of manufacture - easier to chrome everything than only the important parts) that can be painted without any issues. You would have to look at the headlight itself to be able to figure out which are necessary to the function of the light and which are not.



Looks like the bottom shelf area would be OK, along with the top and sides of the projector housing. I'd stay away from the trapezoidal area by the high beams. I'm not sure if the ring around the projector does anything...I can't see how it would, but it might

[FRSFirestorm]

Originally Posted by CaptainSlow

Painting the actual (functional) light reflector parts of the headlight will diminish light output, or make the beam less functional. "Smoking" or tinting the clear housing of the headlight will do the same thing. There are bits around the reflectors that are chrome that have no effect on the light output (probably chrome/polished because of ease of manufacture - easier to chrome everything than only the important parts) that can be painted without any issues. You would have to look at the headlight itself to be able to figure out which are necessary to the function of the light and which are not.



Looks like the bottom shelf area would be OK, along with the top and sides of the projector housing. I'd stay away from the trapezoidal area by the high beams. I'm not sure if the ring around the projector does anything...I can't see how it would, but it might

I don't like all the chrome , I'm with you. Just blacking some areas out without affecting the light output would be a compromise. Same thing on the tail lights and may be what I'll do. Course it would be easier to buy some as they come out but damn they are expensive!