CAN I PAINT MY CHROME HEADLIGHT TRIM RINGS BLACK??

[jbripps]

Hi all,

I hope all is well with you. I have an '85 black TARGA with H1 headlights, which I've heard are the best. Anyhow, the trim rings are chrome and about and inch and a half wide. Athough the chrome look is "classic", I would like to paint them black to match the rest of the car. How should I prep them? I can't even seem to get the trim off. What type of paint should I use? Should I bring them to a body shop, or can I do this without being a pro?

Anyone out there want to trade? They are in perfect shape. No scratches at all.

ANY INPUT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANKS SO MUCH.

JON

[Matt Holcomb]

Jon,

My headlight rings were once chrome. Here is a side-by-side comparison.



I'm not sure exactly how it was done, but I'm sure it involved dulling down the chrome to a certain degree. The only downside to painting chromed headlight rings is that, unlike the factory color-coded rings, there are two screws on each each side that are made more visible when the rings are no longer bright, shiny chrome.


Matt Holcomb
1974 911 Carrera 2.7 Euro-spec
1975 Mercedes-Benz 280SE
Dedicated Homepage
Engine Rebuild Homepage
Porsche Owners Gallery Profile
Pelican Gallery Profile

[dtw]

Jon-
I've done this. Paint won't stick to that chrome. Pull the headlights- very straightforward- one screw and a wiring harness connector- and then very carefully disassemble the headlight itself. If this is anything like the H4s I have, this is not going to be the easy part but you gotta do it. I have done it, but don't have photos, sorry.

Anyway, once you've got those trim rings off- have them sandblasted (this will strip the chrome and leave a good "bite" on the surface for painting), then take them to a paint shop for prep and paint. I had all of the above done for $195 a few years ago, with flawless color match to Guards Red.

Good luck! Email if you need help disassembling the lamps.

-d

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Dave
'72 911T to '73 RSR Replica Project

[Wayne 962]

The 'correct' way to do it - there is a cover that goes over the rim that is primered. That way you can paint the cover body color, and still keep your H4s unmolested.

See:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/911M/por_911M_lenses_main.htm

-Wayne

[Jack Olsen]

I had the chrome American rings from my 73 painted with the rest of the car. The primer and prep work on the chrome was different than the regular metal, but I still haven't had any chrome chip through. He did a pretty good job.

In switching to the Euro rings, I got a chrome set, and then also the snap-over rings which are painted in the body color.

If properly done, either way works fine, in my opinion.

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Jack Olsen
My Rennlist page • My Pelican Gallery page • My Porsche Owners Gallery page

[jbripps]

Hey guys,

Thanks so much for your help. What are these "snap over" rings?

Also, Wayne, please note that I have H1's and NOT H4's. Will the trim kit still fit over my chrome rings? Is it possible to buy a kit that fits my lights, without having to buy an entire housing?

I really like the way Matt's lights came out. It is the exact look I am seeking. Do these "trim rings" that go over the chrome acheive the same look as Matt's car? THANKS AGAIN FELLAS. Any further input and pix would be greatly appreciated.

JON