Audi Junkie

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Audi Junkie

Boxster forum is as dead as doornails, so I figured I throw this out for the dogs here.

I'm early in the sorting-out phase of my 2002, not wanting to spend money on anything frivilious, but the lamps haunted me.

I got some 3M Black reflective tape, which reflects white, and did the best placement and trimming I could do. Be merciful.



It has a light diamond texture, which actually looks nice.

Thin as paper, it looks like it belongs there.

Tape appears lighter than it is, pitch black.

Tiny crease from a fold, I ran out of pristine material. Now I have more and can re-do it, although it's difficult to see in person.



With a flash, it lights up white...


Plenty of yellow light for the turn signal come through. (I think the white backing of the tape reflects some extra amberlight back through)





w/flash

C4CRNA

and you think that looks better?

robo_porsche

Hmmm, if you want to get rid of the orange piece completely, why don't you just tape that part completely, remove the lightbulbs and then mount some small diode flashing lights in the grills? I think that would look a lot better and the cost is small as well.

Maybe it would look nice if you also taped the surrounding areas around the headlight and foglight? I think so, but it is easy to try out the best option...

Robert

ivangene

cool idea - there are quite a few threads on this forum of guys changing headlight shape with shading materials - to each his own - at least you did something and shared it

too bad the boob in post 2 was harsh on the results -

WTG

It's F'n ugly *** hell though
LOL - Kidding!!

Torontoworker

Just get a set of clear one's if it bothers you so much? If you look around on Craigslist or ebay you can always find someone selling a set. (Or buy OEM clear off Pelican type sites)

ivangene

wow guys - I think the point of the thread was he over came his dislike with a solution OTHER than replacing them

I for one am trying for the first time in my life to be supportive!!

help me out

welcome the boxster dude to the 996 forum, he says he bored over there - its not like he bought a GT2 wing and put it on his boxster

rpm's S2

I think you need to love your Porsche as it came. Just about every mod I have ever seen for 986/996 headlights looks either lame or rice.

If you are driving it fast enough no one should see your headlights...

Dennis C

I've seen a few threads where people use dark window tinting material to cover up part of the headlights. This seems like it might be a reasonably priced option, especially for a dark-colored car.

Personally, I like the look of the 996/986 headlights in their pure, unmolested form.

Torontoworker

I guess we have learned something here: Do what you want and don't ask for other peoples opinions unless you can handle their input good or bad. The OP isn't upset about this are they? The concept isn't the issue - it's the material - tape. In my environment it would last a few weeks at best. Tearing out the orange from the inside only works on 2000 or 2001 models - 1999's as I found out have the orange impregnated right into the outer acrylic. You can change the little triangle sections on the corner of the lamps to clear or smoke but your still stuck with the orange section on the main section of the bottom lip because there is no way to remove the orange. I 'get' the fact that he doesn't like them - I didn't either - but 'masking' it either this way or by buying the oval stick on (yup - tape again) template product still in my opinion, isn't an optimum look.

The other issue is that masking the signal light reduces it's visibility to on coming drivers and *may* violate vehicle safety codes in your state or province. Just saying.

jumper5836

Personally I'd replace them with something like this.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/1998-2004-Por...item27c03dd465

Sue Esponte

It's not really my cup of tea but it's not offensive either. I much prefer it to the LEDs (sorry jumper) which I do like on new cars but, as mods, I often find make older cars just look older.

Most importantly, if you like it then that's all that matters and there are a lot of people looking for a simple clear corner-like mod like this to change/alter the appearance of their headlights. I guess I fall into Dennis' camp when it comes to the headlights. And, after so many years it always surprises me that it's still an issue with so many people.

Btw, welcome to the 996 forum! Hang around for a while and ignore the grumps among us (me included...sometimes).

-Eric

Turkertwo

To each his own but I Like the stock 996 headlights. There are 996 components that can stand an upgrade/update/replacement, but to my mind the headlights don't make that (fairly long) list. The 996's headlights were on the last Porsche to win LeMans outright. That makes them good enough for my ride.

jumper5836

I am not complety sure I like the leds ligthed up but for yellow turn signals it's ok.
I don't really think it make the car look older though. There is the OEM clear lights that are available as well but the are 750 a light.

Here is another some other photos if them.

VGM911

I was just thinking the same thing!