Removing Headlight Lenses from Housings??

[RacEoHolic330]

I need to open up my headlights but I can't figure out how to seperate the lenses from the housing. I tried a torch to heat the glue but it doesn't work. I head you could put the headlight in the oven for a bit and that would work, but I don't want to wind up with a melted headlight. Anybody know how to properly do this??

thanks guys

 

[ALMOST STOCK]

I need to open up my headlights but I can't figure out how to seperate the lenses from the housing. I tried a torch to heat the glue but it doesn't work. I head you could put the headlight in the oven for a bit and that would work, but I don't want to wind up with a melted headlight. Anybody know how to properly do this??

thanks guys

Could I ask why?

 

[blkstangman88]

ive heard of this but never tried it. put it in the oven at 450 for like no more then 8 or 9 min, this should be enought time to loosen the glue a bit.

 

[jrichker]

The lens & housing are made in one piece to keep the lens aligned with the bulb. They were never intended to be separated.

 

[smokinit2]

separating old lens from housing

Could I ask why?

To remove the old weather beaten lens and install a new headlight lens, you can get the lens or the whole headlight assembly which is more expensive,I guess he went with the lens.I'm thinking of doing the same I would also like to know how it's done so it's a good question .........

 

[BlackFox5.0]

Fire up you oven to 400*. Once it gets to temp, TURN IT OFF. The use a cookie sheet or something flat put you headlight on it, and stick it in the oven (with it turned off) for 10mins.

Then take it out and start prying slowly and carefully. It does take a while, but eventually it comes apart.

The lens and housing are actually seamed together, and uses glue to further seal it, so try not to bend the lip on the lens.

Doing are retrofit are we?

 

[smokinit2]

The lens & housing are made in one piece to keep the lens aligned with the bulb. They were never intended to be separated.

...............Not true, it's you can get the lens or the whole headlight assembly which is more expensive,I guess he went with the lens.I'm thinking of doing the same I would also like to know how it's done so it's a good question .........

 

[04sleeper]

...............Not true, it's you can get the lens or the whole headlight assembly which is more expensive,I guess he went with the lens.I'm thinking of doing the same I would also like to know how it's done so it's a good question .........

No you have it wrong.

When you order "New Lenses" It comes with the silver housing with it. This is the way it is sold.

When you buy the "Headlight Assembly" It comes with the black adjuster bracket that holds the "Housing" in.

There is no need to try to remove just the lens for replacement.

That is why ALMOST STOCK asked why?


Ford Headlight Lens picture.

Headlight assembly come with these. Along with the headlight lens.

 

[jerry beach]

The heat sounds like a good plan to me, just dont melt them. I used a steak knife and sawing motion to cut down into the seam. This removed most of the glue and they were easy to pry apart after that. Sounds crude, but it worked. Take your time and you can get them apart without breaking them.

Dont try to clean the silver stuff on the inside of the housing. It will come off easily. Mine was already starting to flake off, so I left it alone. Have fun.

 

[RacEoHolic330]

Fire up you oven to 400*. Once it gets to temp, TURN IT OFF. The use a cookie sheet or something flat put you headlight on it, and stick it in the oven (with it turned off) for 10mins.

Then take it out and start prying slowly and carefully. It does take a while, but eventually it comes apart.

The lens and housing are actually seamed together, and uses glue to further seal it, so try not to bend the lip on the lens.

Doing are retrofit are we?

Thanks BlackFox, I was waiting for you to chime in. And yes, I'm retrofitting a pair of bi-xenon projectors. Your retrofit came out looking awesome by the way.

 

[BlackFox5.0]

I wish you luck, lol It might be fun at first but once you get into it.... I still haven't finished mine, I still have to aim then seal them up.

Be careful when you take it out of the oven, because it will be blazing hot, and in some spots the plastic may have become soft. DON'T use a heat gun. It heats tyoo unevenly, and the oven works much better with less time and work

After it's all apart you'll need ot remove all the glue. This is where a I used a heat gun, but the oven might be a better idea. I did mine at work at the garage when it was really slow, so I didn't have an oven. Heat up the glue, but don't allow the plastic to bubble, then with a small flathead screwdriver, scrape it out. Don't use a knife or razor, you'll just be making more work for yourself.

 

[GTPhreak]

Can you guys post up some pics of what you are working with? I am putting some e46 bixenons in some sn95 headlights.

 

[RacEoHolic330]

Can you guys post up some pics of what you are working with? I am putting some e46 bixenons in some sn95 headlights.

Those are the exact projectors I'm using. e46's out of a 330i. I'll be working on the headlights later today because I'm currently painting a cobra bumper right now. I'll get some pics up later if i can get these housings apart. There's an older post from a few days ago with the retro that blackfox did. You should take a look at that thread. some good info there

 

[GTPhreak]

Cool cool...I have had my projectors sitting around for a while just havent got a new set of housings for them yet...