[jpsimpala]

Does anyone know WHY the SS got the black strips at the top of the headlights??

(I am looking for an aftermarket oem-style replacement but they do not have the black decals. One listing also claims there are other “minor cosmetic” differences between their Caprice headlights and the original Impala ones.)

But again, my main question is what’s the purpose of the black? What would I be missing out on without it? Thanks.

 

[95wagon]

This , a guess

To make the headlamp more match the smaller, lower , non chrome, Impala grill.

 

[95wagon]

I put it on mine because of the painted grill.

 

[Fred Kiehl]

The PAINT on the headlights is probably to control the amount of light that exposes the panel lines between the hood and fender, as well as the hood and light itself. The paint is the only thing that is different between the Caprice and Impala lights.

 

[95wagon]

Then why didn't they do it on the Caprice as well?

You also capitalized PAINT
I was under the impression it was an applique.
Pretty elaborate masking job around the lens retainer clips if it is paint.
I have never touched a brand new SS headlamp so it is not impossible the ones I have were redone .
Do you have an untouched painted one so I can stand corrected?
Anyone ?

 

[jpsimpala]

Thanks for the responses. I’ll work on scaring up some of the proper headlights.

 

[95wagon]

Unless you are going to Pebble ,
Caprice headlamp + black vinyl , done

 

[Fred Kiehl]

I had some in the past, and they were scratched like paint.

The Impala was more expensive, so they could indulge in a few "special" touches.

 

[95wagon]

I'm sticking with its because of the grill and changing the perceved height of the lamp, not the escaping light as you theorize.
Done

 

[Norcal Industries]

Does anyone know WHY the SS got the black strips at the top of the headlights??

(I am looking for an aftermarket oem-style replacement but they do not have the black decals. One listing also claims there are other “minor cosmetic” differences between their Caprice headlights and the original Impala ones.)

But again, my main question is what’s the purpose of the black? What would I be missing out on without it? Thanks.

94 95 96 Impala SS Caprice 9C1 Wagon headlight decals 93 92 91 B Body Buick RM | eBay

Here is a pair of custom vinyl decals for the headlights. The picture is of the burgundy. Black is the standard color for Impala SS headlights.

www.ebay.com

 

[jpsimpala]

Cool, thanks. When might the standard black be back in stock?

 

[Norcal Industries]

Cool, thanks. When might the standard black be back in stock?

Sorry, I don’t know. That isn’t me. I had it saved in my watch list so I just posted it if you wanted to see the option out there. I have shaky hands so it’s worth it to me to not have to cut them out of a sheet of vinyl..

 

[jpsimpala]

Really appreciate it. I’ll keep tabs on it. I’d also rather have something professionally cut rather than doing it myself.

 

[jpsimpala]

I reached out and the black decals are now back in stock if you/anyone want to order some. I just ordered mine. Thanks again for the heads up!

 

[Norcal Industries]

I reached out and the black decals are now back in stock if you/anyone want to order some. I just ordered mine. Thanks again for the heads up!

I have to finish building my headlights and then I will order them and also the trim blackout.