Cleared Tail lights WITHOUT cutting
09-19-2008, 09:39 PM
#11
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Yes, the amber piece is just a plastic "lens" that you can easily remove. Sometimes there are small tabs that need to be cut off, but they are usually at the top. Also, when the assembly is put together at the factory, they use lots of sealant, and sometimes this sealant gets on these tabs, keeping the insert stuck in place...It'* just a little harder to get out. I got all mine out without any real problems.
Remember...In the immortal words of Pat Morita, "Patience, daniel-son"
Remember...In the immortal words of Pat Morita, "Patience, daniel-son"
11-04-2008, 09:50 PM
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This is what happened when i tried to do it on my 01 SSEi. I ended up cutting it at the end. It'* much easier and less risk of breakage!! 
11-04-2008, 09:53 PM
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...Don't know...
I don't have a '04 to look at. But take the 3 nuts off and remove the rear light assembly and see...It'* worth 2 minutes of your time.
The RTV sealant they use from the factory can be pulled apart - The keys are patience and heat. I got a pocket IR thermometer from Rad-Shak for about $35. When I did my lights, I left them in the hot AZ sun for about 25 minutes, and that got a 150 reading. The plastic was warm to the touch, but not HOT or easily deformed. I would try using an oven, set on a very low temperature, and check it often. I would think that the 150-180 degree range is adequate. Then it'* just a "tug-of-war" with the sealant...
The RTV sealant they use from the factory can be pulled apart - The keys are patience and heat. I got a pocket IR thermometer from Rad-Shak for about $35. When I did my lights, I left them in the hot AZ sun for about 25 minutes, and that got a 150 reading. The plastic was warm to the touch, but not HOT or easily deformed. I would try using an oven, set on a very low temperature, and check it often. I would think that the 150-180 degree range is adequate. Then it'* just a "tug-of-war" with the sealant...
11-04-2008, 09:56 PM
#18
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I believe its an SE.. not 100% sure though.. my brain is not working right at the moment.. to much work...
But ill go check it out tomorrow... to dark and rainy outside to do it now..
But ill go check it out tomorrow... to dark and rainy outside to do it now..
11-04-2008, 09:58 PM
#19
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gtpsuprchrgd03:
Sorry to see your light...Looks like it wasn't hot enough and you pry-ed against the front-face...
What did you use to pry with? The edge looks really goobered up... I used blunt objects like socket extensions, wood sticks, and large, flat-bladed screwdrivers. I did my entire back end without any issues (rear lights - L&R, and center piece over license plate holder)...I'm sorry for your bad luck...
Sorry to see your light...Looks like it wasn't hot enough and you pry-ed against the front-face...
What did you use to pry with? The edge looks really goobered up... I used blunt objects like socket extensions, wood sticks, and large, flat-bladed screwdrivers. I did my entire back end without any issues (rear lights - L&R, and center piece over license plate holder)...I'm sorry for your bad luck...
11-04-2008, 10:08 PM
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It'* all good. I had that light in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 200-225 and the SOB didn't want to come apart. I was sitting there just burning my fingers one by one!! (lol) and then i heard CRACK!!!! And thats when i went with the second method!
Here'* how it looks after i finished:
Here'* how it looks after i finished: