How to Build a Crazy Set of Headlights at Home!

[@erics6088]

I have the same chrome monstrosities on my car! Thanks for the info on how to do this properly. I've seen a few other how-to's on this that sketched me out because they didn't seem like they actually KNEW wtf they were doing (some were baking them at 210 + for 20 mins). You're definitely a lot more credible. Nicely done.

[@Smeedia]

Holy hell you'll melt the bucket at that high of a temp for that long!

[@w3rk3r]

Glad I lurked through your channel for this one, my headlights are blacked out already but doing homework on how to swap out the plastic lens for a glass without having to open the whole housing up. Unfortunately there’s no way around I guess

[@bradgreen987]

It's amazing how altering the factory headlights to LEDs, etc makes the car look so much better and modern. HIDs are old news

[@Smeedia]

Agreed! LED IS THE FUTURE!

[@Matrixcolors]

You can use oven cleaner to strip the chrome off so you know for sure the paint will stick. Use a 5 gallon bucket and let it sit in the cleaner for 5-10 minutes

[@Smeedia]

Not a bad idea, would heavw to be super through with cleaning to get any chemical residue off though 🙏

[@MrAudi220]

Very nicely done,gives it a whole new look.I polished my headlights 2 weeks ago and was thinking of painting them on the inside.I used to take apart headlights on a regular bases as a volvo mechanic to change the 2 plastic regulators, mostly on 440's and first gen s40/v40's, they still had glas headlight covers with a rubber seal and where held by 6 iron clips, so very easy.I once took apart my plastic cover audi a3 headlights, well my previous a3 and it was like the headlight in your video,with a sticky seal.I put led stips in them back then(+-10 years ago) when cars began to come ou with DRl.After that most people thought i had a new car model. :-) but it is fun to take apart a headlight and modifying it, tricky but fun.

[@Smeedia]

Headlight building is fun, have to be very gentle with them but fun to build. And ive done are sets with the iron clips, dont see them too often anymore 😅🔥

[@MrAudi220]

Smeedia 😀yeah those iron clipped headlights design got replaced in 2001 with the second gen s40/v40.And with that new headlight design they improved the regulators, we didn't need to replace them anymore.👍Oh and totally forgot to comment on the BRZ😅Nice to hear the problem got fixed, now the fun part begins😉👍✌️👉

[@pw85___]

I have projector-fitted STi OEM's on my 05' wrx. Those look great, but pale in comparison to my 16' STi lamps. Not even close at all. It's a shame I haven't driven that car at night to really see how they perform. But yes, LED is absolutely the future. Especially when you swap your fogs for Diode SS3 yellows...🌞🔦

[@Smeedia]

Ive got thr morimoto fogs and have always lived them, LED is the way 🔥🙏

[@Hellsoutcasts]

This is like the most perfectly timed video ever, I was just wanting to do something with my narrow bodies headlights. Appreciate all the info man.

[@Smeedia]

Anytime! And glad it helped! Tried tk cover the bulk majority of thr info since all the other videos gloss over it all 😅

[@Hellsoutcasts]

@@Smeedia 🤣 Don't you love that? 30 seconds into the video "Alright guys while off camera I went ahead swapped the engine in, did all the wiring, installed the turbo, replaced the transmission, and got it all tuned. Really simple just follow the steps I said in the beginning if the video."

[@Smeedia]

Lmao for real!!! 🤣 only time I do that is if it's an install we've done before. Anything thats new or fresh I try to cover as much as possible 🔥🙌

[@YoungGearld]

Tanner is the Alton Brown of headlights. Good Beams LOL. Headlight looks sick.

[@Smeedia]

Haha thank you! And they're always fun to build 🔥😁

[@Qazxswer68]

Agreed! Lol good ol AB♥️

[@daverettberg966]

When you're removing the headlight sealant any tips? Do you have to get all of it out before adding the new?

[@Smeedia]

If the sealant still looks to be clean and usable you can leave most of it. Normally I would add s thin layer of additional sealant though 🙏

[@daverettberg966]

@@Smeedia awesome. I bought a set of jdm 07 sti headlights and I'm switching over the silver reflectors to my usdm ones since they're hid.

[@SaW216216]

Amazing video! Tons of information! I will definitely take this stuff into account but why you didn't explain about soldering?

[@Smeedia]

Ive talked about soldering in past videos and shown how to solder so glazed over it 🙏

[@SaW216216]

@@Smeedia I so appreciate you kindness and responsiveness) I will watch it)

[@dukttapeinc7739]

You should do a video on the VA chassis headlights for those who didn't buy a WRX with the LED headlights and black housings

[@Smeedia]

When I do my STi ones ill do a similar video 🙏😁

[@dukttapeinc7739]

@@Smeedia Awsome! I've got a '20 WRX so that will help me a bunch when I get around to upgrading my Halogen set of headlights

[@ajw828]

C'mon Lawrence git 'r dun on the BRZ! Love the honeycomb lens on the headlights, very nice touch!

[@Smeedia]

He did get the car running! 🙏🔥 after video this afternoon covering what happened 😁

[@ajw828]

Smeedia yes!!! That’s awesome news!!! Can’t wait to hear the details.

[@jasonplouffe7370]

Ordered my hoodie yesterday!

[@Smeedia]

Eyyy appreciate the support my man! Got em all packed and shipped so should be headed to you soon 😁🔥

[@fillblyashuk1858]

Is this the same process for the limited model with the adjustable hid lights?

[@Smeedia]

Youll have a motor you have to disconnect and an extra electrical plug but yes 🙏

[@eschlenz]

Awesome tutorial. I literally just installed my headlights from Circuit Demon yesterday. I'll for sure DIY it next time.

[@Smeedia]

Circuit demon makes some good ones! They're pricey AF though 😅

[@eschlenz]

@@Smeedia no joke. 1500 bucks. I'm happy with them, but could have saved a heap of money had I gone diy.

[@TYLER503DURDEN]

Is it possible to buy just the lenses with the honeycomb etching and if so what would be a place you recommend? Thanks

[@Smeedia]

Yes, some retrofit shops do stock them. I beilive circuit demon carries them 🙏🔥

[@diemf50]

Gonna diy my headlights. Quick question, and kinda dumb question but are tail lights the same process?

[@Smeedia]

No, tail lights need to be cut open and plastic welded shut 🙏

[@diemf50]

Got it thank you sir

[@calebfleming1607]

@@Smeedia did you used to do any tail lights as well?

[@Smeedia]

I still do them but charge a lot more because they're more difficult

[@Xevell]

Great! Something I would like to do as well! Any tips for the wiring? I am not very wiring savvy. I was looking forward for the wiring but it was time lapsed!

[@Smeedia]

Its all fairly plug and play just have to attach the power and ground 😁

[@icysti9086]

Would this be the same process with the HID headlights?

[@Smeedia]

Yessir

[@bnl522]

Have you ever had issues painting the shroud black on 2015+ WRX/STI Limited headlights? I'm thinking of doing it but I've heard it can cause the lens to bubble/melt a spot on the shroud

[@Smeedia]

There's 1 spot that reflects light that will cause it to burn thr paint over time, some people use a small amount of aluminum foil behind the lens to bounce thr light elsewhere

[@bnl522]

@@Smeedia Thanks man!!

[@bad_puppy_6740]

Is there a clear wrap for the headlights (and taillights) to prevent yellowing, scratches and stone chips?

[@Smeedia]

You can use a clear bra type of film, the yellowing and scratched can be fixed by wet sanding and re clearing coating. Can be done at home as well 🙏🔥

[@PancakePigeon]

What grit did you use for the sandpaper?

[@Smeedia]

1000 grit 🙏 just enough ti scuff it up to give the paint something to grab onto

[@TP16Diecast]

Been waiting for this video!! Very informative 🙏 I've looked into the subiespeed lights for a few months but could never pull the trigger because of all the reviews you read about leaking. Definitely going to go this route 👍 cheaper and you'll appreciate them more

[@Smeedia]

For sure, plus it's more fun to buuld them than just buying a subiespeed set 🔥😁

[@joez.9932]

How much would it run for 04 sti headlights ? nothing that fancy, just blackout housing 🙏🙏

[@Smeedia]

For blaxk outs only i charge $300 🙏

[@shaggyguzman6692]

Bro this is my dream build same model

[@Smeedia]

You can do it now! 😁🔥

[@Fix_it_Garage]

That headlight build was perfect. I'll probably watch this many many times. I want to do this to mine! I feel like blacked out insides with some purple deamon eyes will fit the look perfect. The detail you went into was amazing! Maybe I should have you do mine 🤣🤣🤣 👏👏

[@Smeedia]

Haha I do sets here and there, wanted to make sure I could get ad much info in it as possible 🔥🙏

[@Fix_it_Garage]

@@Smeedia yours had more detail than many others that I've watched for other cars I've had. I feel like I could actually do these 🤣🤣 my the step where you used a spare lens to pop out the old lens is it a lot harder if you don't have a spare one laying around

[@Smeedia]

True, you can use a pick or something small to move the tabs also to get the old one out. Just be very gentle!

[@Fix_it_Garage]

Thanks for the advice. Ill work the the gentle part. 🤣🤣 hopefully I can get it figured out before I bring the car up for you to see hahaha

[@robhall1757]

hello what is the light bulb number for high beams and head lights that fit WRX STI 2020 ??

[@Smeedia]

Yes, they use the same high beam bulb size

[@robhall1757]

@@Smeedia OK what IS the size number i have been trying to get that.. isit 9005 or 9006

[@azslogan]

Looks awesome. Great tutorial.

[@Smeedia]

Glad you like them! 😉🔥

[@DJSAS]

so how much do you charge to do this mate

[@Smeedia]

All depends on the car and modifications that are being done 🙏

[@DJSAS]

@@Smeedia True

[@DJSAS]

I agree the Cops would love it if we drive with it on haha Cops over here will pull us over just for a look. Then throw the book haha

[@DJSAS]

Again top video b Brother

[@Smeedia]

Theyre pretty strict here as well 😅

[@donchasv6500]

Really amazing video man looks incredible 😏 now I want something like that 😂

[@Smeedia]

Thank you! You've got. Walk through to do it now 😉😁

[@dru-music]

Do you build sti headlights? I really like the circuit demon lights but they want an arm and a leg for those. If you do build sti lights what are your builds and price points ??

[@Smeedia]

I do build for people, price vary on the car and what you want done, what were you looking to do?

[@dru-music]

@@Smeedia i like the demon eyes rgb projectors, and X style halos, and rgb C light upgrade, on 2015 sti.

[@Smeedia]

Not quite sure what X style halos are but for 2015+ Blackout/Reseal/Demon Eye/Clight install i charge $450 labor + parts generally can get them done in 1 day

[@dru-music]

@@Smeedia that's not bad, look up x style halos they are cool, I'm guessing it would be about 500 in parts which is why these lights are priced from 1000-1250

[@Smeedia]

Everything it shows me are normal halos 🤔

[@tommanning7337]

Looks great!!!!! 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@Smeedia]

Thanks Tom! 😁🔥

[@Kradle]

Do the morimoto 2stroke LED's give you hi AND low functionality? Or are they running at max power all the time?

[@Smeedia]

Depends on the bulb type 🙏

[@Kradle]

@@Smeedia Makes sense. They look sick

[@do_italldayeveryday820]

How much you charge for doing this? I am missing de domi 😭😭😭

[@Smeedia]

Labor for this set up is about $360 + parts 🙏

[@JCpNK]

So does that mean the BRZ is back up and running and now you have time to play with headlights???

[@Smeedia]

The BRZ is about 95% done 🙏 but it is back up and running now. Do headlights here and there for some people 🔥

[@toyota2024]

How can I get a couple of lights like that?

[@Smeedia]

Ahoot me an email 🙌 [e-mail]

[@TheCarNerd2897]

Hey man it's the guy that was talking about getting a spped6 so in the end I got a 2.5l i5 2012 vw golf and its peppy and love it question is should I mod it?

[@Smeedia]

Sounds fun! What do you want to be able to do with the car? 😁🔥

[@TheCarNerd2897]

@@Smeedia intake manifold, short ram, custom exhaust fabricated then tune tune tune and once I save up for a year since I just turned 17 I can have enough for a turbo build hope is 300 or more and hurt v8 feelings

[@TheCarNerd2897]

@@Smeedia oh yeah sway bars wheels tires suspension everything

[@Smeedia]

I would start on suspension and chassis rigidity, do a few basic bolt ones like a cat back and intake then focus on getting the car ready for a turbo set up. Kinda like what I did with the BRZ 🙏😁

[@TheCarNerd2897]

@@Smeedia Thank you so much i appreciate it

[@jredmartinz]

Serious comment though, I have a set of gr tail light for my hatch. I hate that the taillights on my actual hatch are fake, got any tips on modding them so they're functional?

[@Smeedia]

Most people leave the LEDs and put red vinyl over them. Tail lights need to ve cut open and plastic welded shut to modify

[@DJSAS]

very cool video my bro cheers

[@Smeedia]

Thanks my man 🙏 hopefully it helps others out with some of their DIY Builds 🔥🙏

[@DJSAS]

@@Smeedia Still would love you to do the upper cylinder clean with that can of magic valve cleaner haha. A lot of people will like that from someone who's knows what they are doing and You Do My friend Peace.

[@BuckingFeast]

Is it legal to run different colour headlights? I got a ticket last week for "blue headlights" with my stock headlights 🤣

[@Smeedia]

Cannot have blue or red 😅 theyre stock and you got a ticket?!

[@BuckingFeast]

@@Smeedia Yeah man! And an "improper muffler" for my invidia q300 🤷‍♂️

[@Smeedia]

Cop was having a bad day I guess 😖

[@8145dwerdna]

If you've ever got any issue with paint sticking to plastic or chrome, bulldog adhesion promoter ftw!

[@Smeedia]

I'll have to look into it! 🙏🔥

[@jredmartinz]

Microwaving it isn't a good idea right?

[@Smeedia]

Haven't tried, but if you do lemme know what happens 😅

[@eaglesix4785]

Dope 💯🔥🔥

[@Smeedia]

🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@eaglesix4785]

How much it'll cost brother? Might swing through 😁😁

[@Smeedia]

What all do you want done 🙏

[@eaglesix4785]

Pretty much the same.

[@Smeedia]

For that its $350+ parts around $650 total 🙏

[@sssnake2332]

Nice, I plan on doing something similar. I recently got a 2011 STI so I'll be leaving the HIDs in for the low beams and adding demon eyes (HID shouldn't be too hot for them, I hope) and maybe halos while I'm at it, and painting housing and reflector black like you did. I have DRL's disabled and rarely use high beams, so leaving those as halogen for now, eventually 2-stroke LED for them. Also anxious to convert the running light + blinker to this: www.fastwrx.com/collections/exterior-lighting/products/color-changing-led-turn-signal-bulbs-2008-impreza-all I don't care if people think it's "too ricey"...I like it and that's all that matters. :D

[@Smeedia]

As long as you live the set up that's all that matters! 🔥😁

[@pw85___]

Not gonna lie, you and a couple other channels are giving me the itch to start making videos..... Just unclear what to make them about since there are already 17 bazillion Subie channels..

[@Smeedia]

When I started making videos the videos were primarily for me to document my STI and do detailed installs. Never had any expectations or plans for the channel to gain traction. Just film what you enjoy doing 🔥🙏

[@pw85___]

@@Smeedia i definitely will! 💪🏾

[@Grooove_e]

Any chance you'd do a set of headlights for my Bugeye? I could DM you on insta for deets

[@Smeedia]

Ive done a a lot of bug eyes. Iv even tossing the idea around of adding headlight building to the website for people 🤔

[@calebfleming1607]

@@Smeedia you should! I'll do them myself for the lesser projects but I'd pay a pretty penny to have them done for some of my nicer stuff!

[@jkljkl218]

I might do my headlights, all the clips r broken cause of deeeeeers

[@Smeedia]

Ooooof, if you use the vice grips ans really seal them the clips don't always matter

[@jkljkl218]

@@Smeedia Fingers crossed hahaha, They wiggle when I drive