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View Full Version : removing lens from tailight housing


Seanz0rz
10-13-2009, 06:27 PM
so for some strange reason, i need to get into the housing of my tail lights. (dont ask...)

does anyone have any bright ideas on how to do this? ive already cracked one part, and im not happy about that (thought it does not interfere with the operation of the light.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/IMG_2140.jpg

ive removed the 6 screws:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/IMG_2144.jpg

and am battling these tabs, but i fear its glued together as well:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/IMG_2143.jpg

any help?
DHC6twinotter
10-13-2009, 06:30 PM
Sorry, I don't have any suggestions, but I've been wanting to do this to mine as well.

I'll have to keep on eye on this thread.

Thought I read somewhere you can heat the lights in the oven and the glue will release, but I don't know if I was dreaming that or if it's for real. :hillbill:
iceman601
10-13-2009, 07:38 PM
I've seen some people boiling them in hot water, that way it heats up the glue evenly so you can pry it apart. Using a heat gun will just melt and warp it.
4x4mike
10-13-2009, 07:56 PM
Heat to get them apart. I need to get into my headlights (they're all hazy and dusty) and it looks like I have to do the same. I'm afraid I won't be able to seal them up as well though.


Let me guess. Are you adding more light (off center) to make you lights more visible with the new bumper?
Scuba
10-13-2009, 08:00 PM
Seafoam :P
Crinale
10-14-2009, 11:16 PM
hondas have been doing this for years with their headlight housings... usually to paint the silver non reflective parts either black or matching the rest of the body... you stick the whole headlight in the oven for a while... ill see if i can find the write-up im thinking of...
Crinale
10-14-2009, 11:20 PM
found it... not all the steps will be the same since its for a cr-v headlight... but it should be similar... especially the reassembly part

http://hondasuv.com/members/showthread.php?t=15474
Seanz0rz
10-14-2009, 11:36 PM
im afraid to put them in the oven, the black plastic is not high temp plastic like a headlight.

i think ill use a hairdryer, im looking for an extra set of lights too, incase i break one.
Crinale
10-15-2009, 01:09 AM
thats why you only put the light in the oven for 2-3 minutes... you can always try a lower temp than 325 also... personally it has the most likelihood of working imho
CJM
10-15-2009, 01:42 PM
Dont do the oven, I melted a light once.

I say boiling water.