There still seems to be some confusion as to how to get these headlights open.

The other thread was kinda long and muddled with information so I thought I would post this one with all the information at the front.

Link to original thread. https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...dlights-3.html


I created a quick diagram on the ipad (not to scale) to help people understand what needs to be done to get the lens out. Below is a cross section of how the lens sits in the headlight all the way around.


The glue on these headlights surrounds the lens on three sides. It also does not melt before the housing material melts so it won't just soften up like other headlights I've worked on.

You have to break the seal. The only way I have found to do this without brewing the lens is to cut the top layer of the "C channel" off so that you can get a prying stick (screwdriver) in behind/under the lens to pry it off. (It will still put up a fight so go slow and work your way around. )

I used a Dremel to cut this lip off all the way around the headlight. Don't worry, there is still enough mounting surface to completely seal the headlight again with 3M "Window Weld". My headlights have been moisture free since I did this.

Once you get them open its up to you to tape them up and paint them. I used Duplicolor Wheel paint. Since its resistant to heat and chemicals and UV/sunlight, has a nice satin finish and has proven to be pretty durable. I didn't "prep the surface" to be painted since the interior of the headlight is kinda fragile. I figures it was sealed in a dust and chemical free environment so there was no reason to clean it. I would also be sealed back up in a dust and chemical free environment. The paint I used has not peeled, bubbled, or changed in anyway since I did these.




I did mine in March of 2011 and here is what they look like today.

 

Thanks for posting that again. I had sent people to your thread before, but it didn't seem to catch on.

BTW - Just looking at this recent photo, I was wondering if you thought about blacking out those fogs? I'm of course biased towards blacking things out now.

 

Hadn't really thought about it. I like all the light I can get. With the headlights I made sure to leave any reflective material alone.

 

Thanks again I will do this whilst the car is immobile getting stuff fitted (major work in the near future, pretty much my whole "to do" list + a lot more engine stuff ) I don't want to make a mistake and have to drive around with 1 or no headlights or use my S500<

 

I know this is an older thread, but any chance you could post some pics? Thanks