Headlight Vinyl Installation Instructions

Note: Due to the compound curve of the headlight, this is a difficult application!
Application is best done in warmer weather (65-85º F and NOT in direct sunlight) which helps make the vinyl more pliable.  If you have waxed over the headlamps you MUST remove it before installation.
See our enclosed General Vinyl Installation Instructions for more information.
 

This is what the vinyl looks like trimmed to shape. You will receive them as shown above - trimmed to shape & size and ready for installation.

The vinyl will cover most of the silver-chrome area between the turn signal and headlight.  No light from either the turn signal or headlight is blocked!
 

Step 1 You will need to line the vinyl up with the silver-chrome area of the headlamp.  Take your time.  Hold it in place and adjust & align it for a moment without the masking tape so you can familiarize yourself with where it needs to go. I only taped it like this after I had it exactly where I wanted it.
 

Step 2 As you can see in the photo above, the bottom of the vinyl looks like it is going to overlap the black rubber gasket around the headlamp - this is ok.  Once the vinyl is applied and follows the curves of the headlamp, it will have a better fit.
Try to align it to the mold lines in the headlamp, and to the silver-chrome areas as well.

Step 3  This photo shows the overlap at the top as well. This is normal.  Some of the vinyl at the top will get tucked under the rubber gasket as seen in later steps. Try to press in firmly into place to get a better idea of the fit.
 

Step 4  Once you are certain that you have the vinyl aligned properly and that your masking tape “hinge” is in place across the narrow part of the vinyl, you are ready to peel the upper portion. Gently peel it down to the masking tape.
 

Step 5  Here I have started to rip the backing away.  I suggest you use a scissors, razor blade or sharp knife to cut through the backing, as ripping can sometimes lead to tiny bits and pieces of the backing material getting permanently installed under the vinyl.  Leave the ripping to us professionals! :)
 

Step 6  Here’s the “action” shot that goes with the last step.  Make sure that the thin, curly ends of the vinyl do not come in contact with the headlamp yet. You may find that a second person to keep the vinyl from rolling over onto itself or sticking on the headlamp is very helpful.

Step 7  Here, I am starting to burnish the vinyl into place using my finger and applying medium to heavy pressure. Press in a back and forth motion while working upwards. When you get to the point where the vinyl “wings” out to either side, stop your upward motion of applying the vinyl. My other hand would normally be holding the rest of the vinyl up, and not a camera!
 

Step 8  The arrows indicate where you need to start rubbing the vinyl into place.  Don’t worry about the last 2” of the tips just yet.  Let them hang around for a bit while you work from the bottom of the “wing” upwards until the bottom half of the “wing” is sticking to the headlamp. Again - leave the last couple inches of the “wing” un-applied at this time.

Step 9  Time to work on the turn signal side.  Again, work from the bottom around the curve where the 3 arrows are pointing.  Notice the single top arrow shows that there is some overlap.  This is ok and most will get tucked under the rubber gasket.  As with the last step, it’s best to leave the last 1”-2” of the “wing” tip un-applied.  As you work the vinyl into place you should be able to see if you are getting any larger wrinkles or buckling.  If you do, you can still gently, but quickly, pull the section of the vinyl up and re-burnish it.
 

Step 10  Here I am using the squeegee to firmly apply the vinyl and press it under the rubber gasket while prying the gasket up with my other hand.
How did I take the picture then?!
Just prior to when the photo was taken, I had worked the “wing” on the right down onto the headlamp.  Gently  grasp the end of the “wing” with one hand and rub it into place with a finger first.  Try to place it so when it is installed it is just under the gasket.  Once it’s in place, go over it with a squeegee and work up & under the gasket while moving towards the other end of the headlamp.
  Some of the vinyl at the top may be too big to fully fit under the gasket - especially towards the outside end as the gasket gets tighter in this area.  This is ok, and can be trimmed later.
 

Step 11  It’s time to peel the backing off of the lower “wings” section and apply it in the same manner as the top was applied, this time working downwards.  The bottom part is easier to apply since it is smaller. Again, work from the middle down to where it “wings” out, then work the wings down on either side.  Pull up the gasket and squeegee any vinyl under it that reaches that far.
 

Step 12  Go over the entire piece with a squeegee or similar tool and apply firm pressure throughout. Again, if there is excess vinyl at the top of the headlamp it can be trimmed later.  Wait until after you peel the masking off to trim it.

Step 13  You can now carefully start to peel the masking off. I worked from the inside tip towards the opposite end. Peel slowly, especially where there may be excess vinyl.  Once completely peeled you can trim of excess with a hobby knife, razor blade or equivalent.  Be sure to trim it as far under the black gasket as possible. Tuck and burnish any vinyl that is still not adhered after trimming.  At the bottom of the headlamp, burnish the vinyl down & over the indentation for the screw.
Due to the curve of the headlight, you will most likely get bubbles near the top of the vinyl.  I get them when I install these covers..

Step 14  Pop any large bubbles on one side with a very sharp hobby knife, needle or pin and push the air out from the other side.
Leave the smaller ones. They will eventually migrate out on their own.

If all went ok, you’re done!  Sit back and enjoy. You’ve just installed one of the more difficult pieces of vinyl there is to apply.