I think it would look pretty slick, but the lens of the headlight and corners is all one piece so I'm not sure it can be done...has anyone tried it? I tried looking up info here on it, but everyone who'* done it (that I can find) has a '99 or older.

I think it would look aiight too, Hailey I like the way tha newer sidmarkers look though, can any of U newer bonne drivers show us a headlamp assem?

If it is a one piece lense then its probably all clear, but with orange paint on the side marker side, if you have harsh enough chemicles.

Well, next time I get my hands on a digital camera I'll snap a pic of the headlight and post it (unless someone beats me to it). I like the way they are now too, but I think that on a white car they'd look great clear...very clean and contemporary.

I have a spare one left over from my accident. I will try to set some time aside this weekend to see if there are any issues with disassembly or removal of the amber part of the lense.

Jay

Wow...thanks! Don't worry about it if you don't get around to it; quite frankly, I'm impressed that you're even willing to try ...you're an . :P

OK...here is the scoop, Hailey. Yes, it can be done and rather easily (if you do it right).

What I mean by this is that taking the head lamp assembly apart and putting it back together takes some time. We aren't talking about cracking a walnut here.

To remove the headlamp, remove the one screw like the owner'* manual says (under bulb replacement). Take out the longer screw at the pivot point, disconnect all the bulbs and the lamp should pull out with a little wiggling back and forth, while pulling straight out.

Once the assembly is out, you will notice that there are 7 or 8 spring clips holding the clear lens to the enclosure. Using a small pair of needle-nose pliers and/or a large flat blade screwdriver, remove all the clips. Starting at the large end of the assembly, start prying the lens off. You may need a screwdriver to get it started. You will notice that the entire edge of the lense is coated with black silicon. As you start to get the lens away from the enclosure, you may need to slice the silicon with a razor blade to make things easier. Keep doing this until the whole thing comes apart.

Once it is apart, you will see that the entire amber piece inside the lens is a removable section. Carefully pry it out by flexing it inward and releasing the four prongs holding it in. Be careful not to break it, as it will not hold properly if you ever want to put it back in.

This is the tricky part...putting the assembly back together. Carefully align the lens back on the enclosure and get it seated the best you can. The silicon will help keep it in place while you do this. You will notice that since you pried it apart, the black silicon stretched a bit. This will seem like the lens does not fit right. Don't worry, just be patient. Install any spring clips that you can. The ones that don't seem to fit will take some work. What seems to work best is using a pair of needle-nose pliers adjacent to the area where the clip sits to compress the seam. While you are compressing the seam, use another set of hands to get the clip(*) back in place. I would try to make sure that you get them all back in.

Just to be sure, I would spread a small (I mean small) bead of the same type of black silicon (you can pick it up at any auto parts store...I think it is called windshield silicon) around the entire joint of the lens. Let it cure before you try to put it back on the car. Otherwise, the installation is the reverse of the removal.

I would also suggest doing one lense first to see if the effect is really what you want. Plus, please keep in mind that if you really screw it up (break something bad) a new lamp assembly will set you back over two bills and you can't buy the individual pieces/parts that make it up.

I hope this helps,
Jay

Just Pissin Time ( Jay )..

got pics of it?? can we trouble you to put one onto your car so we can see/compare with the other side? If it'* cool.. maybe Muffin willl want me to do it for her car.. :?

Wow...that is very detailed and more than I could possibly have hoped for! That should seriously be in "Techinfo"...if you don't mind I'm going to suggest it to Willwren. I am pretty sure I'm going to go for it, but I might locate a wreck first with atleast one headlamp intact in case I make a mistake. Thank you so much.

And, just out of curiosity, how did it look to you when it was finished?

As Bill will attest...when one is well lubricated, time flies. I spent about 20 minutes messing with it. Keep in mind, mine started out on my lap and since it was a leftover from a wreck, I wasn't spending alot of time being careful. I was just making mental notes of what to look for and how to do it right. But if I was sober and being really conscious of doing a good job, I would plan on spending about 45-60 minutes per side all told.

Jay