Cleared Corners Plus

[mykie]

I've always wanted to do the clear corner mod, but didn't JUST want to do just that. My silver Alero needed something besides just clear corners...My inspiration actually comes from a Mustang I saw, but looking around, I think someone else did almost the same thing here.

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0935a.sized.jpg
The headlights we all know and love. Yes, I know they're dirty.

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0936a.sized.jpg
Okay, so they don't fit in my dinky little oven, so I borrowed my mom's $6000 Viking oven. THAT sure brought on some wierd looks...

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0937a.sized.jpg
Using a Krylon ShortCuts black paint pen, I outlined the borders and filled them in. When that dried, I filled in any spots I missed or smudged (oops) with Kylon ShortCuts touchup paint and a paint brush.

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0938a.sized.jpg
At first, I was going to tape off the bezel with 3M Blue masking tape...BIG MISTAKE, on the lower edge, you'll see where some of the chrome paint flaked off with the tape. I was just testing to make sure this didn't happen...I guess I shouldn't have tested in such an obvious location.

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0939a.sized.jpg
I was surprised at the consistency of the paint pen application, much smoother than using the brush.

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0940a.sized.jpg
Thank goodness the outer bezel does a good enough job masking the little flubs I made along the way!

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0941a.sized.jpg
OMG it's so hot. As recommended in the thread about corner clearing, I used several rubber bands to "bake" the headlight assembly back together...I put more silcone in with the existing silicone, and hoped for the best.

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0943a.sized.jpg
Final product installed with my LED blinker and sidemarkers! Whew! After about 4-6 hours of often-interrupted work, I'm ready for bed!

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0945a.sized.jpg
One last shot to take in the morning light.

See the high-resolution pics here. (http://www.insomnimania.org/modules.php?set_albumName=album07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php)

Still to do:
- A mod that removes dirt from the outside of my car (anyone know one? I'm stumped) :P
- Solid-state relays so that my LED blinkers aren't always in hyper-blink mode.
- MORE LEDs!!!

[gutlesschimp]

I like it

[cherrington17]

nice to see another LED fan.

:thumb: nice job.

[alerocar01]

looking good

[King Asoka]

sharp!

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

Originally posted by King Asoka@Apr 10 2006, 01:40 PM
sharpie!
Quoted post

fixed...lol

Looks good dude! :beerchug:

[NoSweat83]

Looks good!

[johny_boy32]

i love it...it would look even better on a black car...hmmm.

[mykie]

Thanks, for the kind words, folks!

One question I have is about the hyper-blinking of the LEDs...I was looking at the electronic flashers on this page (http://www.superbrightleds.com/tail-brake-turn.html) and thinking this seems like a much more graceful solution than putting those resistors inline. Are these electronic flasher units compatible with our cars, or are the resistors pretty much the only way to go?

[Eh_nigma]

Excellent Job. Even after seeing it on my car for the last year or so, it's always a nice look - and you definately did a very good job of clear cornering them!

[Eh_nigma]

Originally posted by mykie@Apr 10 2006, 02:54 PM
Thanks, for the kind words, folks!

One question I have is about the hyper-blinking of the LEDs...I was looking at the electronic flashers on this page (http://www.superbrightleds.com/tail-brake-turn.html) and thinking this seems like a much more graceful solution than putting those resistors inline. Are these electronic flasher units compatible with our cars, or are the resistors pretty much the only way to go?
Quoted post



The resistors are one of a couple things you can use - as well as the parts shown on the link you gave. Personally though, the resisters I think are the easiest and more cost effective method. Hope this helps.

[ddba12]

Wow i wish I saw this beafore I did mine. . . Looks sweet!

[battistoni21]

that looks pimp man, im going to be clear cornering mine here soon, i think i might do the same thing that you done... good job!

[comanche]

I'll probaby do the same as well... looks great

I'll probably do the same as well... looks great

[doubleN0alero]

looks nice man...keep on modding

[littlebandito]

Holy priceless vinetian blinds batman, is that done with sharpie and a ruler? BRILLIANT!!

[jabartram]

where do you get the krylon short cuts paint pens?

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

Originally posted by littlebandito@Apr 13 2006, 04:13 PM
Holy priceless vinetian blinds batman, is that done with sharpie and a ruler? BRILLIANT!!
Quoted post

um...paint pen. the lines are a part of the lens. I take it you've never looked at your headlights up close?

[mykie]

Originally posted by jabartram@Apr 17 2006, 09:52 AM

where do you get the krylon short cuts paint pens?
Quoted post


In the paint section of Fred Meyer, a Kroger-owned store here in the Pacific Northwest. I'm sure you can get these kinds of things at any place that sells paint, like Home Depot, etc.

[littlebandito]

Originally posted by AlbinoMonkeyRat+Apr 17 2006, 12:48 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AlbinoMonkeyRat @ Apr 17 2006, 12:48 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-littlebandito@Apr 13 2006, 04:13 PM
Holy priceless vinetian blinds batman, is that done with sharpie and a ruler?Â;-) BRILLIANT!!
Quoted post

um...paint pen. the lines are a part of the lens. I take it you've never looked at your headlights up close?
Quoted post
[/b][/quote]


Uh...no

[YALEROYNOT]

I've always wanted to do the clear corner mod, but didn't JUST want to do just that. My silver Alero needed something besides just clear corners...My inspiration actually comes from a Mustang I saw, but looking around, I think someone else did almost the same thing here.

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0935a.sized.jpg
The headlights we all know and love. Yes, I know they're dirty.

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0936a.sized.jpg
Okay, so they don't fit in my dinky little oven, so I borrowed my mom's $6000 Viking oven. THAT sure brought on some wierd looks...

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0937a.sized.jpg
Using a Krylon ShortCuts black paint pen, I outlined the borders and filled them in. When that dried, I filled in any spots I missed or smudged (oops) with Kylon ShortCuts touchup paint and a paint brush.

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0938a.sized.jpg
At first, I was going to tape off the bezel with 3M Blue masking tape...BIG MISTAKE, on the lower edge, you'll see where some of the chrome paint flaked off with the tape. I was just testing to make sure this didn't happen...I guess I shouldn't have tested in such an obvious location.

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0939a.sized.jpg
I was surprised at the consistency of the paint pen application, much smoother than using the brush.

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0940a.sized.jpg
Thank goodness the outer bezel does a good enough job masking the little flubs I made along the way!

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0941a.sized.jpg
OMG it's so hot. As recommended in the thread about corner clearing, I used several rubber bands to "bake" the headlight assembly back together...I put more silcone in with the existing silicone, and hoped for the best.

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0943a.sized.jpg
Final product installed with my LED blinker and sidemarkers! Whew! After about 4-6 hours of often-interrupted work, I'm ready for bed!

http://www.insomnimania.org/gallery/albums/album07/IMG_0945a.sized.jpg
One last shot to take in the morning light.

See the high-resolution pics here. (http://www.insomnimania.org/modules.php?set_albumName=album07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php)

Still to do:
- A mod that removes dirt from the outside of my car (anyone know one? I'm stumped) :P
- Solid-state relays so that my LED blinkers aren't always in hyper-blink mode.
- MORE LEDs!!!

what temp did you set the oven on and how long did you leave it in?

[Oldsnut]

Don't bother, it can be done with a hair dryer a lot easier and not as messy.

[cherrington17]

i set my oven to "low" and can fit the whole thing in there. 10 mins and you can just pull it apart very easily.

[Jferg2223]

cleared my corners today and did the same thing with my lights i think that black looks pimp pimp.