ok, i've seen a lot of threads about "how to make your own AE headlights" and stuff like that. I understand the procedure and everything, but since iam 17yrs old, my dad is not happy with me doing that. He thinks if i open the headlights, that there is no way that i can close it like it use to be when they made it in factory, that way i'll have rain drops come in and screw everything up. Did it happen to anyone b4, i really like the look of AE headlights. Please give me some info, did anyone have this problem b4 or is my dad wrong lol, i'll do it anyways, but i just dont want to screw my headlight up for no reason.
thanks guys
huso
thanks guys
huso
Senior Member
As long as you seal them back up properly, there shouldn't be any issues. Many of us have opened up our lights for various reasons and have had no problems.
No problem here...
BTW: if you are true 17 year old, you would never ask before doing something your father told you not to.
BTW: if you are true 17 year old, you would never ask before doing something your father told you not to.
Quote:
BTW: if you are true 17 year old, you would never ask before doing something your father told you not to.
LMAO Originally Posted by upstatemax
No problem here... BTW: if you are true 17 year old, you would never ask before doing something your father told you not to.
lol i know that, but my parents got the car for me i didnt even have my license i had permit. They asked me to choose the car, and it was between 04 civic, altima or maxima. And i was like **** that iam giong with maxima
. So, like my dad he knows how to do whole bunch of stuff, so i just ask him before i do it and he even helps me out.here is an example : lol we made a custom sub box for my maxima, and i think it looks good
here u guys can tell me what u think
Senior Member
sub box looks good. Just make sure you seal them fine and you will have no issues with condensation
Senior Member
Hey man, i was a little iffy too when i decided to do this to my car. I too was 17 when i did it and the guys here are really helpful and descriptive when it comes to this stuff. I bought a milwaukee heat gun from home depot for about 25 bucks and set it on low. Run the heat gun all around and use a flat head to pry it open. Reuse the heat gun if needed.
As for sealing it back up, go out to home depot,pep boys, or where ever and purchase a waterproof silicone sealent. I bought the clear kind and filled the seals. Squeeze the headlight backtogether and heat it. Continually spueeze and heat the headlight.
hope this helps ..good luck
As for sealing it back up, go out to home depot,pep boys, or where ever and purchase a waterproof silicone sealent. I bought the clear kind and filled the seals. Squeeze the headlight backtogether and heat it. Continually spueeze and heat the headlight.
hope this helps ..good luck
Quote:
Are you Asian? My dad thinks he can do anything himself, he's very DIY but he hates me modding my car. He likes stockness. He doesn't realize that it isn't his car.Originally Posted by shift_2kmaxima
So, like my dad he knows how to do whole bunch of stuff, so i just ask him before i do it and he even helps me out.
Quote:
Lucky bastid.Originally Posted by shift_2kmaxima
lol i know that, but my parents got the car for me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MaxBoost925
Are you Asian? My dad thinks he can do anything himself, he's very DIY but he hates me modding my car. He likes stockness. He doesn't realize that it isn't his car.
I am not Asian, my Father is JUST like that...
Quote:
Originally Posted by TXT-1
What does being Asian have to do with anything?
He asked if he was Asian because of how his father was...
If that ? was aimed me.
I am a father, and even though I have a modded 89 GT 302, when my son turns 17 his car also will not be modded. It will be a 1.?L stock engine....
U r a lucky bastard...My first car was a late 80's Celebbrity.
U r a lucky bastard...My first car was a late 80's Celebbrity.
yeah lol i get that a lot,
well iam actually from Bosnia, Europe, and my parents are different than American parents. They'll get me stuff and they're just really nice.
Maxima, i love it, couldnt' get better car, i just wish that was 5spd
well iam actually from Bosnia, Europe, and my parents are different than American parents. They'll get me stuff and they're just really nice.
Maxima, i love it, couldnt' get better car, i just wish that was 5spd
Awww man you're lucky you don't have to pay for the car like i do
My parents said they'll get me any car I want under $20K then my parents snuck in the "Ok so you're going to use all $2,300 in your bank account for the down payment and pay us back with 6% interest every month till the car's paid off, insurance will be under our names you'll pay for that as well as your gas since you just had to get a v6 car" when we were signing for the car lol
anyways just use a sealent in the end so your dad wont be so worried, im going to clear my turn signals and put in an amber LED and white LED parking light and some Umnitza DDE's once i get the money and time to do it
My parents said they'll get me any car I want under $20K then my parents snuck in the "Ok so you're going to use all $2,300 in your bank account for the down payment and pay us back with 6% interest every month till the car's paid off, insurance will be under our names you'll pay for that as well as your gas since you just had to get a v6 car" when we were signing for the car lol
anyways just use a sealent in the end so your dad wont be so worried, im going to clear my turn signals and put in an amber LED and white LED parking light and some Umnitza DDE's once i get the money and time to do it
My max was gifted as an early college graduation present to me. I know i'm one lucky bastid... but I presented a good argument to the old man since he was planning on getting a new car anyways, and I DEFINITELY didn't want him to trade in the Max.
I have to sneak in all my mods because my parents told me that I couldn't "do anything to the car"... haha yeah right! I'm still surprised that they didnt find some of the headlight glue in the oven that I never cleaned up... lol!
But hey they know I take care of my car, just like I did with my '95 SE.
I have to sneak in all my mods because my parents told me that I couldn't "do anything to the car"... haha yeah right! I'm still surprised that they didnt find some of the headlight glue in the oven that I never cleaned up... lol!
But hey they know I take care of my car, just like I did with my '95 SE.
Yea... I'm paying for my 2000 max... but my dad is a nissan mechanic... and thinks that some of the stuff that I'm doing is stupid. But anyways... I was wanting to do this headlight mod too... but he seems to think that I'm going to crack the plastic while trying to pry the lens off. Anyone had this happen? Also... On the 2000 headlights, is the only part that gets painted generally that chrome piece? I would love to see a walkthrough for 2000 headlights with more pictures. The how-to's didn't have many pictures of the actual process. Thanks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdmaxima89
Yea... I'm paying for my 2000 max... but my dad is a nissan mechanic... and thinks that some of the stuff that I'm doing is stupid. But anyways... I was wanting to do this headlight mod too... but he seems to think that I'm going to crack the plastic while trying to pry the lens off. Anyone had this happen? Also... On the 2000 headlights, is the only part that gets painted generally that chrome piece? I would love to see a walkthrough for 2000 headlights with more pictures. The how-to's didn't have many pictures of the actual process. Thanks.
You dont have to paint over the chrome, it simply rubs off with PlastX. Under the chrome is the black plastic.
I did not crack my lens...
It really does not need to be anymore detailed then this: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2190617/3
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdmaxima89
Thanks! That site helps a bunch... I never saw that link when I was searching!
Ohhh couple of things, I would put the temp more like 275*, 250* did not seem to be hot enough for the glue.
As I said before, instead of water to remove the chrome, use Meguiares PlastX. It is much easier and quicker.
Senior Member
print out the how-to and yall do it together, kind of a bonding thing.
i was afraid of messing up mine, so i bought another seat and aeéd them. so just incase i messed up i still had mine. u could do that, theres always some on sale here cheap. or maybe a set thats already done. im gonna sell the second set i made but not till the end of summer. its really not hard to do. just take ur time.
i was afraid of messing up mine, so i bought another seat and aeéd them. so just incase i messed up i still had mine. u could do that, theres always some on sale here cheap. or maybe a set thats already done. im gonna sell the second set i made but not till the end of summer. its really not hard to do. just take ur time.
hey that cardomain website,, is tite,
I've never seen information on HOW TO make your own AE headlights.
but i have couple questions.
1st What kind of glue did u use, when u were done to put the headlight back? or did u use any?
2nd What do u mean dont let water get into the lens thing, where is that at?
thx
I've never seen information on HOW TO make your own AE headlights.
but i have couple questions.
1st What kind of glue did u use, when u were done to put the headlight back? or did u use any?
2nd What do u mean dont let water get into the lens thing, where is that at?
thx
Quote:
2nd What do u mean dont let water get into the lens thing, where is that at?
thx
Originally Posted by shift_2kmaxima
1st What kind of glue did u use, when u were done to put the headlight back? or did u use any?2nd What do u mean dont let water get into the lens thing, where is that at?
thx
I just re-used the factory stuff, there was a ton of it in there. I dont have any water problems yet.
And, it is the signal reflector, you dont want to rub off the chrome in there.
Your headlight will look like this when done:
yeah that looks really good, A+ lol
i cant wait to do my, does it matter what kind of weather is it outside, because, how long does it take the gllue to dry? does it have to be done during summer or something?
thx
huso
i cant wait to do my, does it matter what kind of weather is it outside, because, how long does it take the gllue to dry? does it have to be done during summer or something?
thx
huso
You can do it at any time. The glue is good to go as soon at the headlights cool down.
I'm not messing with this until Saturday... but I assume there is a distinct line or curve between the part that we are changing color... and the signal reflector? I am still considering just spray painting these like in other threads. Any pros or cons? Suggestions on paint? Flat black, gloss black? Also...did any of you use a bead of silicone as well as the factory glue? Thanks.
Hey guys,
Its good to know that my write-up was helpful.
Jdmaxima89: There is no distinct line...you just have to rub off the chrome around the signal reflector. Just try not to drip water into the chrome part of the signal reflector. And I personally think its better to just rub off the chrome rather than spray painting it because when you rub off the chrome you'll see that what's left is just glossy black plastic.
Like Upstatemax said..its easier to use PlastX..I just used water and it worked fine but it just took a little bit more time. I didn't want to use anything but water because I was afraid that chemicals might leave marks on the black plastic. Obviously, Upstatemax proved that to be false.
Upstatemax: I heated the headlights at 250 degrees because I didn't want to melt anything and plus when you heat it at a high temperature..its going to be too hot to handle when you pull it out of the oven. I put the headlight in the oven twice 1) 250 degrees to loosen the glue 2) 250 degrees to pop the headlight apart.
Its good to know that my write-up was helpful.
Jdmaxima89: There is no distinct line...you just have to rub off the chrome around the signal reflector. Just try not to drip water into the chrome part of the signal reflector. And I personally think its better to just rub off the chrome rather than spray painting it because when you rub off the chrome you'll see that what's left is just glossy black plastic.
Like Upstatemax said..its easier to use PlastX..I just used water and it worked fine but it just took a little bit more time. I didn't want to use anything but water because I was afraid that chemicals might leave marks on the black plastic. Obviously, Upstatemax proved that to be false.
Upstatemax: I heated the headlights at 250 degrees because I didn't want to melt anything and plus when you heat it at a high temperature..its going to be too hot to handle when you pull it out of the oven. I put the headlight in the oven twice 1) 250 degrees to loosen the glue 2) 250 degrees to pop the headlight apart.
Junior Member
A little off topic.. but the hid conversion write-up is almost impossible to find. I am looking to obtaining a set of HIDS (legit) no broken tabs or anything. But not sure if I'd lose any of the normal function if I switch to hid. Could i get some feedback on this, and also hid conversion writeup if anyone has it. Greatly appreciate it.
does anyone live in Indiana, that has done this AE headlight thing?
it would be helpful if i had someone to help me out.
let me know
huso
it would be helpful if i had someone to help me out.
let me know
huso
does anyone live in Indiana, that has done this AE headlight thing?
it would be helpful if i had someone to help me out.
let me know
huso
it would be helpful if i had someone to help me out.
let me know
huso
I am 18 now and have been through 3 cars... 2 of which I paid for myself the first was money left when my uncle died... my first car, was a 1997 Honda Civic EX Automatic, my mom picked it up, sold that 2 years later for a 1993 Ford Probe GT, cost me $2000k and now this 02 Maxima for $14k which I am paying off myself... but yes, use some sealent and it should work fine for you. Just make sure you do it right, you only reallly have 1 shot, so try not to screw it up.
I am 18 now and have been through 3 cars... 2 of which I paid for myself the first was money left when my uncle died... my first car, was a 1997 Honda Civic EX Automatic, my mom picked it up, sold that 2 years later for a 1993 Ford Probe GT, cost me $2000k and now this 02 Maxima for $14k which I am paying off myself... but yes, use some sealent and it should work fine for you. Just make sure you do it right, you only reallly have 1 shot, so try not to screw it up.
Senior Member
Quote:
My parents said they'll get me any car I want under $20K then my parents snuck in the "Ok so you're going to use all $2,300 in your bank account for the down payment and pay us back with 6% interest every month till the car's paid off, insurance will be under our names you'll pay for that as well as your gas since you just had to get a v6 car" when we were signing for the car lol
anyways just use a sealent in the end so your dad wont be so worried, im going to clear my turn signals and put in an amber LED and white LED parking light and some Umnitza DDE's once i get the money and time to do it
aw, that sucks... im only 16, i got an Auto AE Max with 23K Miles for my birthday...Originally Posted by DesiGLE
Awww man you're lucky you don't have to pay for the car like i doMy parents said they'll get me any car I want under $20K then my parents snuck in the "Ok so you're going to use all $2,300 in your bank account for the down payment and pay us back with 6% interest every month till the car's paid off, insurance will be under our names you'll pay for that as well as your gas since you just had to get a v6 car" when we were signing for the car lol
anyways just use a sealent in the end so your dad wont be so worried, im going to clear my turn signals and put in an amber LED and white LED parking light and some Umnitza DDE's once i get the money and time to do it
Oh man... you guys are going to give me hell for asking this. I'm doing this mod tonight... and I've never taken the headlights out before.... Is there anything special I need to know for a 2000 max? As far as I know... there is only 3 screws holding it in... but it is probably more involved than that. I searched... but I couldn't find anything because most people have taken these threads down due to thieves. If someone wants to email me rather than telling me in here... it's jdmaxima89@yahoo.com Greatly appreciate any advice you have!
Quote:
it would be helpful if i had someone to help me out.
let me know
huso
it's unbelievably easy...despite what my profile says, i'm 17 as well and all you have to do is bake it at a low temp (around 200-220F) for ~15 minutes and make sure you put something underneath it (ie: wet towel)...after that, it's just a matter of separating the clear lens from the housing....i was scared as hell when i was doing it and i even got caught up on getting it separated, but the second one was extremely easy....Originally Posted by shift_2kmaxima
does anyone live in Indiana, that has done this AE headlight thing?it would be helpful if i had someone to help me out.
let me know
huso
here's a write up on how to clear the HIDs, but the process is the same for separating the 00-01 headlights....after you have them separated, just rub the chrome finish off with some rubbing alcohol and you're done..
haha hey, jdmaxima89 take some pics when u r done, and tell me if it was hard or not lol. i'll do mine 2morrow afternoon. I hope everything goes well. Whats the cheapest price on ebay or anywhere for one 00-01 maxima headlight, if i **** something up lol
huso
huso
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdmaxima89
Oh man... you guys are going to give me hell for asking this. I'm doing this mod tonight... and I've never taken the headlights out before.... Is there anything special I need to know for a 2000 max? As far as I know... there is only 3 screws holding it in... but it is probably more involved than that. I searched... but I couldn't find anything because most people have taken these threads down due to thieves. If someone wants to email me rather than telling me in here... it's jdmaxima89@yahoo.com Greatly appreciate any advice you have!
No advice at all!?!?!?
go to
http://vqpower.com
i think they show u step by step how to do it.
iam not sure, but i belive i've seen it on there b4
good luck, let me know how it goes ok
dont forget to take pics
and good luck lol
huso
http://vqpower.com
i think they show u step by step how to do it.
iam not sure, but i belive i've seen it on there b4
good luck, let me know how it goes ok
dont forget to take pics
and good luck lol
huso
Well... I will post some before and after pictures probably tomorrow... but I just finished the AE headlight mod. It took about 4 hours to complete... and a lot of patience. It's not 100% finished... because I'm waiting for the silicone sealant on the seals to dry before I put them back in my car. I used rags with warm water to rub the chrome off... and I wish I would have had some kind of cleaner to make it go quicker... but oh well. I can say... that I do like the color better just from rubbing the chrome off than I would have by painting it. Not much more to say... but I probably wouldn't do this mod again... although it looks great... it was just on the barrier of my patience level... not to mention that I'm not sure how well the headlights are sealed now... even with the sealant. But... I got it taken care of, and I appreciate everyones advice!