AndrewK996

A few years ago when I got my car, I started looking for good headlight modification options for my 996 that would give it more of a classic round headlight look. I found the same options as many of you probably have, ugly headlight covers which make the car look worse (imo) or a 997 front end conversion which can cost up to $10k. After seeing the options, I decided to try and make my own headlight covers that would recreate the classic look in a believeable way. Little did I know I would be embarking on a 2 year long process requiring me to work with a 3d designer, destroy a set of headlights, create numerous prototypes, and learn about manufacturing.

Now, I can finally say I'm satisfied with the quality of the headlight covers and wanted to show you guys the final pre-production piece. The piece is made out of polyurethane (same materials as bumpers), flexible, and can be painted normally. I 3d scanned the original lights to make sure it fits snugly on top of the existing lens. If you look at the close-up you'll notice we did a lot of work on the beveled edges to make the "headlight ring" look like a distinct piece from the part that covers up the foglamp that is painted body color. Also, we made sure to follow the natural hood seams and lines of the bumper. From the side it gives off a very 991 vibe and front the front it looks 997ish.

I'm currently working out the details on getting them produced and hope to have things nailed down by this week. The price will depend on whatever the costs come out to. This whole project was a hobby for me and at this point am I mainly looking to cover what I spent on making the headlight covers with a small production run. A few details: the foglights are covered, the covers are adhered with 3m double sided tape and easy to remove if needed, the version I made is for headlights without the washers (it may fit over the washer holes if you don't mind losing the caps but have to check). If there is a lot of interest from the people with headlights w/ washers, I may consider doing another small run for a version with holes for the washers. If interested in purchasing, please visit www.varielautomotive.com/.

Let me know what you guys think!

808Bill

I.

Kalashnikov

Well, damn! Two years well spent man! You get those things into production for $1,000/cover and you will be happy I think.

VivG

I think I disagree with the premise (I'm totally on board with the 996 headlight shapes), but I cannot deny that those are quite well executed. The covers tend to come out better on darker cars since the parting lines and details are much more easily obscured, but this is probably the best looking headlight mask I've seen on a lighter coloured 996.

dan_189

I love the 996 headlights one of the reasons I bought the car.

However I do respect your car and that you've invested so much time in something you're passionate about and modifing your car to be your own. If I had to choose to between the ones I've seen and yours I'd choose yours!

91One

Definitely the best design I've seen as far as headlight covers go. Almost makes you forget it's a cover (but not quite). The idea you had to create a distinct ring for the round part is a really good one as it fools the eye. That said the light conditions and shadows in the pics you posted really attenuate the lines and shadows, so not sure if they would look so good from other angles or under harsh light. For my part, I really dig MKII lights so I wouldn't cover them up.

I agree with what was said previously though. There will always be 996 owners who want to change the look of the headlights and if you start producing these I suspect they will sell like hot cakes. This is a smart design, well done.

Edit: can you post additional pics / side view?

Richard Bedard

Do we need to remove the little round chrome cover to install this?

gobs

Great job!

Nickshu

Wow those look good. I assume they render the headlight washers and fog lights inoperable?

Botsy67

Good job, very clean looking covers and they blend in nicely to the front end of the car. For sure these 996.2 covers are the best looking out there. Cheers,

kromdom

Bravo and congrats for a job well done.

ZuffenZeus

I also agree they're some of the best masks I've seen, but I'm not one to cover up the factory look. I know the purists went in a tail spin when Pinky Lai designed the original "fried egg" head lights for the 996, but personally, I've always like them because they were radical and different. Especially the Turbo style which is what you have.

But if you like them, then go for it... who are we to stand in your way.

Imo000

That actually looks good.

Cuda911

Same as others have said, I like the MK2 lights, so no plans to cover them.

Your mask is much better than the others I have seen. I wonder how many you will need to sell to recoup your R&D costs?

See? Aren't these eyes simply hypnotizing?

gnat

Yet another "I don't like to see the lights covered, but that is an excellent execution" response here.

Seriously. Kudos on that. It does look really good.

How do you think these will hold up over time? The other options don't seem to weather/age well if they are exposed to the elements regularly (e.g. they fade differently, come unstuck, get brittle, etc..).