How to separate the lense from plastic headlight housing?

static · 03-11-2006, 10:46 PM

just like the subject sez

tried sticking it for 5 min in 400F oven, but the stupid sealant wouldn't budge and i am afraid to break the housing

I'll even take an insult from Jordan as long as he gives me useful advice on how to do this properly.

Alex

Jordan · 03-11-2006, 11:11 PM

Leave it in the oven for awhile.

Use the widest flathead screwdriver you can find.

Jam it between the lense and housing, carefully.

Gently and SLOWLY twist the blade as to apply lifting force.

I mean SLOWLY.

Rush and the lense will crack. Slow and it will ever so slowly lift and come off. Works for me every time.

static · 03-11-2006, 11:17 PM

^^ thanks man

leave for a while eh? how long is a while? i don't wanna melt the housing. What temp should i use?

i don't give a rats arse about the old lense, i'd even brake it if it makes things easier. I plan to install clear lenses instead.
Any ideas as to what sealant to use for the new lense?

Alex

Jordan · 03-11-2006, 11:35 PM

Nothing in the housing should melt.

Its all metal or high temp composite plastic.

Unless they are US ellipsoids, which are all shitty plastic.

Just use your judgement and watch it.

Normal clear silicone sealant.

Jordan · 03-11-2006, 11:36 PM

If you are talking about the aftermarket 100% clean and clear lineless glass lenses off eBay don't...

They look horrible without the lines to diffuse the housings innerds. You can see everything and man it looks bad. Also they lack and code and DOT/TUV markings, which will get you failed in a heartbeat.. even if the headlights otherwise are approved.

static · 03-11-2006, 11:36 PM

mines are US

Cheers
Alex

BMWags · 03-11-2006, 11:39 PM

static, i bet you were holding your breath waiting for some kind of insult eh? lol, seems like a legit question tho and as long as u wanna do it properly jordan doesnt bite, let us know how this works out for you.

static · 03-11-2006, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

If you are talking about the aftermarket 100% clean and clear lineless glass lenses off eBay don't...

They look horrible without the lines to diffuse the housings innerds. You can see everything and man it looks bad. Also they lack and code and DOT/TUV markings, which will get you failed in a heartbeat.. even if the headlights otherwise are approved.

hmmm, i was planning to paint the innerds black
Good point on the DOT/TUV crap, i didn't even know they actually check for that.
Do you know the best way to get rid of all the pitting on the outside of the lense? some polishing perhaps?

maybe i'll just leave the lenses alone

Alex

Jordan · 03-12-2006, 12:29 AM

Polishing glass is a chemical process. Chemicals you can't just buy either. Controlled substances.

New lenses are the way to do it.

Just drop $450 on new ellipsoids, that isn't that much...