Mazda Miata - Headlamp Baking and Painting

[@calichris650]

Watched this video a few times and I was able to successfully do this mod to my 99. Looks great with new HIDs and Clear signal bulbs rather than the boring Orange reflector. Great guide video, 220 degrees for about 20-25 min hot/easy enough to pull apart after undoing clips. Thanks!

[@boughtamiata]

Hey, I'm glad it helped you out on your 99! Thanks for coming back and letting me know it worked it for you.

[@wils_builds]

Nice headlights! They came out really good!

[@jordantrent7600]

Definitely worked when I put my headlight in the oven

[@boughtamiata]

@andrew0901280: I did upgrade to HIDs and they work great, provided that you take the time to level them. The beam pattern is so focused and sharp, that it's easy to make them too high so they don't hit the road, or so low, that it is not useful at spead. I currently have them off the car, because I'm doing some other work right now.

[@boughtamiata]

@jimmydmai - I don't think applying heat to an already dirty lens will hurt it any more than already done. You'd probably do more damage if you sloshed water around and allowed the small rocks to scratch the inside of the lens, plus leaving water spots and leaving mud in crevices. Don't take may word for it, but I'd heat it up, separate, then gently run water to remove the mud. Any scratches, I'd use headlight polisher on the inside, the polishing kits work GREAT.

[@boughtamiata]

@jimmydmai - Hi! People have put the headlamp back together without silicone, but it really depends on how much of the original adhesive is left. I've added an extra bead of silicone anyway, so I don't take any chances. Remember, if it's difficult to pull apart or put back together, just heat it for a few more minutes. Using black silicone looks best. A small bead on the seam will do. Use a damp paper towel, put it over your finger, then run it along the seam. Gives a nice, clean look!

[@boughtamiata]

Anyone else watching this, I've added a note to the video, USE HIGH TEMP PAINT. Paint failure started geting occurring about a month in.

[@Dynomite92beaster]

about that how about a glossy color any recommendations on that?

[@boughtamiata]

You do wnat to remove the bumper. It really only takes 15 minutes, and is very easy to do. You could pull it off by yourself, but having a second pair of hands makes it really easy to ensure no paint gets scratched. Very easy to see remove, just screws at top, plastic pop rivets and screws around fender liner, 3 trapezoid pop tabs inside mouth at bottom, license plate holder screws and 2 phillips head screws holding down plastic rectangular pieces at the upper celing in the mouth.

[@jimmydmai]

thank you for the fast reply boughtamiata :) Since there is mud/dirt inside the lens, im not sure if its safe to bake it. I tried using a heatgun around it but it didnt work. I dont want to risk having the mud/dirt dry and stick to lens. Do you think its safe to spray water and soap into the housing and lens to flush out all the dirt?

[@boughtamiata]

@PurSiveDesu The temp is mentioned at 1:50 - and in the paragraph for the video.

[@kippo]

thanks for posting this, i've been wanting to do this mod for a long time. Am i going to have to losen or remove the bumper to remove the headlights? i have an 03'

[@jimmydmai]

hi im trying to take the lens off mine to wash because dirt got inside due to a vehicle collision. I already remove the two screws up top. I notice that the lens is attach very tight to the housing. After baking it and removing it, do i have to use silicone to attach it back or itll do fine without it? please help :) thank you

[@joederue2392]

Will this work on a 2000

[@SH1051]

Will work exactly the same, but you'll need to check on the different screws obviously. The NB1 is a little less complicated actually.

[@boughtamiata]

It's exactly 70mm from the inner edges of the painted housing.

[@PurSiveDesu]

whats the temp setting on the oven? u didnt mention that at all btw.