Tail light question

[chuloloco]

Does anybody know how to open a Gen 3 tail light? By this I mean getting behind the plastic tail light cover. I want to get into the tail light so I can clear them out like these I found on eBay.



I'm almost 100% sure these are not manufactured by any company, but this seller somehow gets into the tail light to clear it out.

Is there a process to deteriorate the red and orange paint of the tail lights so they become clear? Or what color spray paint would be best to use?

[ModifierMR]

To get the apart, most light housings are held in place by a strong type of scillicone/epoxy.

Put them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 400*F and then use a screwdriver and your hands to pry them apart....

[marc780]

mod is right, google the topic and that is what they say to do on tailights - and then glue them back together with epoxy. Fine sandpaper (1000 or higher) and steel wool, and some polish to clean them up.

Just dont leave them in the oven too long or you need new tailights lol

[chuloloco]

Would it be possible to use a heat gun to loosen up the glue? How long should I pre-heat the oven before putting in the headlights? This next question may sound dumb, but should I use a glove to pry apart the headlight? Wouldn't the taillight be too hot to handle with bare hands?

Also, what suggestions do you guys have for what type of spray paint I should use for the inside?

Thanks

[midnightmach]

Originally Posted by chuloloco

Would it be possible to use a heat gun to loosen up the glue? How long should I pre-heat the oven before putting in the headlights? This next question may sound dumb, but should I use a glove to pry apart the headlight? Wouldn't the taillight be too hot to handle with bare hands?

Also, what suggestions do you guys have for what type of spray paint I should use for the inside?

Thanks

Yes you can use a heat gun but i don't recommend it. Leave it in the oven for 10-15 mins. Place it on moist cardboard inside the oven. Take it out using oven mitts. Pry open wearing gloves. BE EXTREMELY careful Camry taillights are very fragile and easy to break, take your time and pry slowly. If the glue hardens put it back in the oven for a few minutes and keep going.

All you need to do is remove the RED/AMBER/RED lenses and reassemble.

Oh and preheat the oven for like 5 minutes before placing the lights in...

[chuloloco]

Originally Posted by midnightmach

Yes you can use a heat gun but i don't recommend it. Leave it in the oven for 10-15 mins. Place it on moist cardboard inside the oven. Take it out using oven mitts. Pry open wearing gloves. BE EXTREMELY careful Camry taillights are very fragile and easy to break, take your time and pry slowly. If the glue hardens put it back in the oven for a few minutes and keep going.

All you need to do is remove the RED/AMBER/RED lenses and reassemble.

Oh and preheat the oven for like 5 minutes before placing the lights in...

When I remove the lenses and reassemble will it look like ones in the picture I have above? I've seen other taillights where they look "frosty". They are clear but have a little haze to them. Any suggestions on how to achieve this look? THanks for all you input.

[chuloloco]

^^^Reviving an old post! lol! Anybody have any suggestions for the question above?^^

[cdtran]

don't polish, just get to a fine grit sand paper. Start with 60grit or so, and work your way up to 2000

[chuloloco]

Originally Posted by cdtran

don't polish, just get to a fine grit sand paper. Start with 60grit or so, and work your way up to 2000

So all I need to do to get that "frosty" look is to sand the inside? I just want to be 100% sure I'm understanding this right.

Thanks