Eyelids


      The metal covering the top portion of the headlight shown below, giving it a slightly closed look, is not metal at all.

                 

                        

      In fact, it is not stock either.  It is a plastic fabrication (hand laid paintable fiberglass) called an Eyelid and offers the vehicle a slightly different look without interfering with night vision.

                   

      At left is the wide eyed look of a stock headlight on a 2005 Tacoma.  Some say the Eyelids give the vehicle a bit of a mean look, but I prefer to feel that it less of a dear-in-the-headlight look and more of an in-control look.  Regardless, it is a subtle change that definitely changes the vehicle's appearance.

              

      I purchased the Eyelids from an eBay Seller ($47 with shipping).  The price is a bit hefty for what you get, but it is not a mass market item and each set needs to be specially made.  The price helps ward off a me-too fad so that the custom look sought after stays with the vehicle over time.

                                       

                            

      The Eyelids are shipped in a black material (shown above) and must be painted (and preferably Clear Coated) before installation.  I purchased an 11 oz. spray can of Silver Streak Mica ($24.95) and an 11 oz. spray can of Clear Coat ($10.95) from www.ExpressPaint.com.  With shipping the order came to $44.40.  The paint matched perfectly and the Clear Coat helped protect and obtain a shiny surface.

              

      Installation is easy.  Simply peel off the protective paper from the double-sided tape and secure them in place.

                    

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