Question about Headlights (Round 2)

[gingerdude]

Okay so I'm thinking of switching to the black "factory" headlight housings, not the tinted ones, but the painted ones.

Just have a few quick questions:

1) Will it reduce light output? It looks like the reflector itself isn't painted, but I was hoping someone has used them and knows for sure.

2) Will I get pulled over with them?

3) Will they fade and leak like the factory clear ones?

4) Does anyone have a pair they can sell?

 

[FordMan77]

I've never used them myself but from what I've read any "blackout" treatment to a stock light will reduce output. The stock lights already suck for light output even when clear. As far as getting pulled over, I doubt it. Will they leak? Maybe. Depends on how well they are sealed. When I got new headlights and corners I ran a bead of clear silicone around all of them before I installed them since I know they all leak eventually. So far, no issues. Just my .02.

Honestly when I get new lights I'll be getting retros by Classy Pontiac and calling it a day. Will likely be the last set I'll ever need and be properly built.

 

[gingerdude]

Well I wasn't thinking blackout as in darkening the lenses themselves. I meant the headlights with the black housings. I was hoping it wouldn't decrease output too much...

Like these:

Amazon.com: Pontiac Grand Prix Replacement Headlights w/ Amber Corner Signal Lights Driver/Passenger Combo Black: Automotive

Not like these:

Amazon.com: Pontiac Grand Prix Black Smoked Headlights Headlamps Driver Left + Passenger Right Replacement Pair: Automotive

 

[The Guz]

They have a smaller chrome reflector and this less light output.

If you wish to have the similar light output as stock then paint some OEM style versions the same. It’s what I did at one point and light output did not change.

 

[gingerdude]

Excellent. Exactly what I was trying to figure out. Alright I will investigate if I can paint mine somehow.

 

[BuckeyeGTP]

I installed them 2 months ago with Phillips +30% bulbs and light output is shockingly great . No leaking or condensation yet and no police interest yet . I bought the housings with clear marker lens and put amber 194 bulbs in them . Love the look on my dark cherry car too . $90 from EBay + $15 for low beams from Rural King. Couldn't be happier for $105

 

[gingerdude]

Nice. Do you happen to have a link to the headlights you purchased on eBay?

 

[The Guz]

This should give you a better idea of what I mean about the rear chrome reflector.

Ebay

Painted OEM

 

[gingerdude]

Good image. I didn't notice that before but I see it now. Thanks for the pics.