Distressed Motorcycle Headlight

Here's a quick technique for distressing/aging a motorcycle headlight to better match your rat rod. My boyfriend's 1971 Yamaha XS650 bobber just didn't look right with the copper finish of its new headlight.

You will need:

• headlight
• painter's tape/masking tape
• utility knife
• sandpaper, about 800 grit will do
• rubbing alcohol
• towel or paper towel
• gloves, eye protection, respirator and respirator recommended
• protected, well ventilated area for painting
• matte black spray paint

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Tape off any areas you don't want to get paint on, like the lens, brights indicator, wires, etc. Use a utility blade to carefully cut around the edges of these areas, and press the tape down into any crevices.

Lightly sand the entire surface of the headlight can, rim, and mounting hardware. Fold the sandpaper and use the crease to get into nooks and crannies that will later catch the paint. After sanding, wipe the headlight with rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth to remove any debris in preparation of painting.

Apply a thin coat of matte black spray paint to the headlight over a protected surface, then quickly wipe the paint away with a towel. Paint will settle in the crevices and on the sanded surface, leaving a dirty-looking, older appearance. Repeat until the desired effect is achieved. Then remove the tape!

All that remains is to install the headlight on your bike. Soldering is so fun! Thanks for following along, and I look forward to your feedback and bike stories in the comments!

Check out more of my motorcycle projects:

• Chain Tension Adjustment
• Matte Finish Tank Painting
• Vintage Seat Restoration
• Distressed Headlight
• Throttle Cable Replacement
• Remove Seized & Stripped Screws
• Film a Motorcycle
• Helmet Compatible Hairstyles