Depo lense arrived !!!

[Zviator]

Hi people, I'm attempting to do a projector retro fit project using Depo clear headlight + lexus es300 projector. Not something new I guess ...

I have a concern on how to take the clear lense off the housing case. I heard somebody mentioned oven more than one time before. But I guess it's worthy to have some tips on this before getting my hand on hacking it up

What tempt of oven to operate ?

How long should it be ?

Is there an aternative way beside using oven ?

Much appreciated any input, I promise will payback with a complete DIY thread with pics

[uibalnme]

You could just use a heat gun or hair dryer(at full power) to slowly heat the seam between the housing and lens until the buytl seal melts. Thats how I did my retrofit. It's easier to control the heat that way. It just takes longer with a heat gun/hair dryer, but safer.

[killthisish]

^ Yeah, that sounds a lot safer than putting the headlights in your oven.

[angel_rolla]

i did mine last year and preheat the oven 200-250 then turned it off. put the headlight for 5-10 mins then i pry it with some flat head screw driver.

[Zviator]

Originally Posted by angel_rolla

i did mine last year and preheat the oven 200-250 then turned it off. put the headlight for 5-10 mins then i pry it with some flat head screw driver.

As i'm understanding that the oven is OFF when the headlight is in it ?

[uibalnme]

Just use the heat gun or hair dryer. I got that Idea from Tony the Tiger(master of modifications) himself.

This is what he wrote to me when I was gathering parts for my retrofit...

I don't use an oven fearing that sometimes there are different grades of plastics on different headlights and the safe temps are often not the same. Especially the outer clear lens, excessive heat will cause it to degrade overtime and loses its ability to resist weathering and end up yellowing really soon.

I use a heatgun and give it a mild heat on the outer edges to soften up the adhesive before prying the lens apart.

The Camry headlights are really straight forward. I didn't use any mounting brackets except for JL weld and a metal puddy that are heat resistant and weather resistant. As long as the projector is resting at a good spot and the trim work on the housing is decent, the projector will have a very nice seating position against the reflector housing and is very sturdy.

Depending on the projectors used, sometimes a bracket is necessary; but the E55 units I am using are really easy to mount.

I have also performed many retrofits in the past (such as Wraith's and AmazingNate's), but recently I haven't had time to tackle such time consuming projects. And with myself being in Canada, it becomes really expensive for the customer when they are paying for the headlights, projectors, HID system, my labour and parts as well as shipping across the border.

The price I charge is $250 labour charge for a retrofit... And often the result of the retrofit depends on what kind of deals I can get for shrouds. The shrouds I've used are really rare and they start from $75 for a pair (and sometimes they are in rough condition). It is the shrouds that give the distinct appearance, If you can gather parts yourself at a good deal, it would lower the price substantially


Tony

So, stick them in the oven if you want, but the best way is to use a heat gun.

[Zviator]

Great appreciated for your input, this might take up my weekend, along with the fabbric seat painting ...

[DarkMastyr]

I used the oven method... worked just fine and dandy.

[Zviator]

Update:

I took both of the lenses off with hair dryer, yeah u heard that lol.

I'll start a DIY with pics soon, time to make my mark at TN forum lol.

[N35QU!K]

gl with the retrofit, dude; can't wait to see it when it's done

[JCamry94]

Originally Posted by Camricer

Update:

I took both of the lenses off with hair dryer, yeah u heard that lol.

I'll start a DIY with pics soon, time to make my mark at TN forum lol.

Do it!

Then months from now I will do something epic too...

[sk8ersublime]

a DIY would be awesome, people always talk about doing this, and i really want to, but a step by step guide with pics would be great!

[Mazeraski]

Good luck with the retrofit. Looking forward to the pics and such

[camry314]

I just baked my headlights @ 200 degrees for 12 minutes. There were no problems.