Problem removing headlight lens
 

I am trying the oven method, but i am not sure what all needs to be removed to be considered safe for the oven. I have read the DIY by Caravanshaka and he doesn't really show the headlight should look like before you put it in the oven.

Heat gun is a better idea...

Should i try that instead? I was doing it earlier and it seemed like the plastic tabs on the side were melting.

Does the plastic lens that wraps around the bottom come off as well? Not really sure where at on the bottom of the headlight i am supposed to be heating up

You need to heat it up all around, not just specific areas. Get it nice and hot and start prying. I'm gonna have to re-open mine tomorrow night too.. :-/

Yeah you have to warm the edges and you will be able to pry it open with your hand or with the end of a plastic pannel removal tool.

Make sure you heat a small section evenly instead of heating a point for too long.

Buttttt, i would encourage you to practice on a cheaper set of headlights first because it gonna be a nice hole in your wallet if you mess these up.

Or just sneak professional help

The oven method works just fine,it needs to be in the oven for 250 deg. for 10 minutes then get someone else to hold one side while you pull on the lens it will come straight out.

Alright i got the lens separated from the headlights. Simota mentioned on his DIY that you need to clean the excess sealant off, how clean does it actually need to be to make sure that when resealing it i have no leaks?

Thanks guys

You don't have to take the sealant out just reuse it, it will reseal, it is WAY to much of a hassle to remove it

Should I seal up the headlight then reheat it so the old sealant and new sealant conform together?

Just put the lens back in place as much as you can and then pop it in the oven. I then will close it as much as I can again, and then repeat until its all sealed. Stock, they have a shat-ton of sealent so it shouldnt be an issue. Also, Headlights are not "air-tight" even from factory.

Also, the oven is the best IMO, you will not damage the headlight as long as your sub 250deg. I have done countless sets for Maximas, Gs and Zs and no issues ever.

I cant imagine using a heat gun, it is hard enough to open when the entire assembly is warmed up.

You can actually do the oven method at 200~225* I have found that it takes the same amount of time as 250 and you run less danger of burning yourself. FYI start at the back and work your way forward. Be careful and take your time I have done a dozen of these and I recommend adding new sealant to ensure that you do not have any leaks. Also make sure the inside of the lens is spotless and that the housing is clean as well. I just did a set a few weeks ago that I missed one little spot and because the customer had LED's I had to be really careful pulling it all back apart.

Remember dont yank on the lens just apply constant pressure when trying to pry the unit apart. If it doesnt give at all then it needs to be heated some more. The headlight should be ready anywhere from 7~10min in the oven. Also remember to remove all bulbs, ballast and wiring harness. The only loose item should be the connector for the main projector and that unit you can stuff into the housing.

Mike

Thanks for all of the comments. I have gotten the lens separated from headlight, I am now resealing the headlight. Just apply sealant and press the lens to the headlight?

Heat the body up in the oven for ten minutes then press it together.

Oven
 

One thing about the oven method that I never hear mentioned....
Pre-heat the over to the temp you want, then turn it off and place the headlight in to "bake".
If the oven is left on and kicks the coil on to raise the temp while the light is in there, the concentrated heat could cause parts of the light to melt.
Other than that, I think the oven method is very safe and works quite well.
:tup:

Oven method only use 180 degrees 250 will warp the plastic and damage the plastic.

You can leave it at 180 all day the glue after 20 min is like butter.

I do the headlights on the side on all cars.

I used 250 for 10 minutes it doesn't warp anything.:icon14:

Tried to PM you your box is full. I sent my cell phone number to you call me, I'll help you out.

1. Box w/Heat Gun or Oven is good, both work. Heat gun by itself not so good.
2. No need to clean off excess sealant, push it back into the grove.
3. If you do remove sealant you may want to get some new sealant to keep light from leaking: OCI Butyl Rubber Glue - Accessories from The Retrofit Source Inc
4. Box works fine just don't point the heat gun at the light in the box. You do that it will melt and soften up the plastic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaXz...ure=plpp_video

No matter what method you use the plastic tabs will be delicate. Just be careful. I put the lens back together and test fit it. Then leaving it together I warm the hole thing up in the box. Then push it all together, I'll do that as many times as I have to. So far i have done 6 sets and I have only had to put 1 set back in the box to re-heat 15 min.

Hope this helps, call me if you want, always here to help, anytime.. Thanks