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So, as you know, I performed a headlight conversion some time ago, installing the four round headlights into my post-'86 Volvo and then upgrading the installation with ECE codes.
Many of you guys have embarked on similar quests to improve the lighting in the post-1986 US-spec cars, and those of you who have done custom modifications have always had to be creative in making the headlights look good. There's no drop-in solution for filling the space surrounding the ECE code headlights.
Well, I solved this problem by modifying the original headlight surrounds for the quad headlights. Initially, I left them with their original colors, a chrome-like stripe around the border. A few months later, I decided to spraypaint them matte black. For about a year, that's how they've been, but I've never quite been satisfied with them. A few weeks ago, I finally forced myself to find a can spray paint and spend an afternoon painting them blue, in hopes of matching the paintjob. Here's how it came out:
Now with blue surrounds!
(The car got a good washing last Saturday, and I couldn't resist taking it out for a photo session to showcase both the new headlight look and the wonderfully clean Coronas!)
I had originally considered getting a professional shop to do it, but this route is a lot more cost-effective. It was about $15 for a can of primer, blue paint, and gloss. I exhausted the latter two during the spraying.
I'm still not satisfied. The car looks good like this (I've already got one complement from another 240 owner), but it's still not perfectly stock-looking. It needs a chrome strip across the top of the surrounds--matching perfectly with the chrome on the corner signals. I guess I'll look into some sort of stick-on chrome or something that could work in the limited space I have.
Anyway, I figured you guys might like to take a look at the updated pictures of my car. If you're anything like me, photos of a custom 240 are always worth the time to view them!
--
'89 244 GL -- 122,200 miles (see profile for info on car)
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Very nice. Much better.
OK I want to add my two cents !!!! LOL
I agree with StrongPimpHand; put the clear corners back.
And I agree with BC to then paint the chrome at top of corners but not black. Blue, the same as the body and headlight surrounds.
Maybe you should have posted this in Opinions. Well, maybe not!
--
83 245GL, 84 244GL, 85 245DL.
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I wish I could put clear lenses back, even if just to try them out for just a few pictures. Unfortunately I decided to carry them around in my trunk (while I was transitioning often between college and home), and my subwoofer came loose and fell on them. I think both are broken beyond any repair attempts.
I'm going to keep the ambertruck lenses until one breaks, then I'll have to decide if I want to replace it or if I want to return to clear lenses.
I will admit, their effect was a lot more pronounced with the original giant headlights. They still match the amber Euro side markers I've got, but that's the only reason I'm hesitant to ditch them. I'm tending towards a yellow/blue scheme here.
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'89 244 GL -- 122,200 miles (see profile for info on car)
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put the clear corner lenses back on.
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Enem v15 cam, adj. cam gear, new head, trans cooler, stainless brake lines, electric fan, fully braced, IpD sways, poly bushes, Bils, boxed front & rear arms, lowering springs, 16' Perfos, 25/32mm adapters, powder coated stuff, zero miled, & more
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I love the truck lights! Maybe I should get a set, and cut them in half along with some clear ones, and make euro-look amber/clear lenses? No?
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: 92 244-M47-207K ::: 90 745GL-M47-268K ::: 88 245DL-AW70-230K ::: 88 244 SOLD! 87 244 SOLD! Still looking for a bright red or black 244 with sunroof...
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You can just get some clear/amber Euro signal lenses from FCP (Ask Nick directly).... not sure if the holes line up, but I think they do.
-Ryan
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Athens, Ohio -- 1990 245, 125k, M47, E-codes -- 1991 745, 278k (girlfriend-mobile)
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HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA.
That will save you some $ and make you a real hit with every cheap 240 owner.
Shoot, lets start a business and we'll call it Almost Euro.
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Enem v15 cam, adj. cam gear, new head, trans cooler, stainless brake lines, electric fan, fully braced, IpD sways, poly bushes, Bils, boxed front & rear arms, lowering springs, 16' Perfos, 25/32mm adapters, powder coated stuff, zero miled, & more
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Nice-looking brick, good work.
You're considering a chrome strip across the top of the headlight surrounds?
In the pic it appears that the the top line of the grille is black, like the headlight surrounds. Is the grille top lined up with the surround top line? If so, why not make the top of the corner lights black, too? T'would make the top line black all across.
Just an idea.
Regards,
Bob
:>)
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I like it!
Mine is below. I almost like yours better than my own.
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DAMHIK: Don't Ask Me How I Know - - - Sven: '89 245, IPD sways, electric rad. fan conversion, e-codes, 28+ mpg - auto tranny. 500 mi/week commute. '89 245 #2 (wifemobile). '90 244 (spare, runs).
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Both cars look pretty neat there, nice custom look. I've got the huge massive single headlights euro style, thinkin maybe eyelids for it. The front grill and lights really make a cars expression. Nice write up and pics for the conversion.
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