I want to do some custom work in the house over the winter and want to customize my tailights, I have one thats broken around the outer end so figured it would be perfect to experiment on, figuring something like the t/a light look, but using the stock bird light. also want to do the center bird light up trick as well, but I want to know the easiest and best way to tear apart my taillight without destroying it, although it will be replaced I want to do it right so when I get a look I like I can easily do it to the good one, then buy another and do it to that one. So I know at least a couple guys have torn theres apart and customized them, but I can seem to find that thread anywere. Thanx in advance for any good ideas on this

--Stormr

 

People say to put them in the oven to soften up the sealer. I just used a screwdriver and pried out the lense. You'll be able to tell if it's in there so tight you're breaking glass and plastic. Mine worked themselves out pretty easily.

But that was with camaro lights.

 

I'm in the process of renovating mine (90 Formula).
Initial attack w/ a screw-driver produced a couple of cracked
off pieces, which I had to later repair with epoxy.

Lessons learned:
-- The biggest issue is the tar-like sealer in the channel between
the colored lens, and bulb mounting assembly. What proved
to be very helpful was applying a solvent like paint thinner
(that won't damage the plastic), and slowly working
into the sealer as much as possible, before/during prying.
-- The other issue is the clasp assembly on the base, that the lense
tab latches into. Cut a little wood piece from a paint stirrer or
popsicle stick, that will hold the clasp up, while your prying
out the lense.
-- Work slowly: pry a little, work more solvent, & repeat, until the
seal is EASILY broken.
-- Once out, clean all the sealer from both the lense lip, and base
channel. (Plan on lots of rags/paper shop towels. )

The oven method might work, but finding a temp that will soften
the sealer & plastic tabs, without deforming everything might be
tricky. And then you have to work everything before it cools/re-hardes.

After separation, polish the lenses with the headlight cleaning material.
I was really impressed at the shine produced.
Then I used Rust-Oleum silver metallic paint on the reflective bulb
chambers, which also turned out very well.
For re-assembly, I'm going with roofing sealer calk, from H-Depot/Lowes.

Good luck

 

Heat gun and butter knife.....and take it SLOOOOW