Hi gang,

So I got these ebay red/clears for the 95-96 max and I'm trying to do a custom red clear thing that looks more OEM.

But I have hit a snag. I can't get the damned outer lens off. I used the oven method, at 200, 250, then 300 degrees, but that sucker just won't come off. The plastic on these is much harder and more brittle. I have already chipped it once and have no desire to do it again...does anyone have any other suggestions as to how to get the lens out? Are these so different from OEM?

 

how long are you leaving it in the oven?

 

did you take out the small screws in the back of the housing?

 

At first, I did 200 degrees for 10 min, then 250 degrees for 15, then 300 degrees for 15. I didn't want to go any higher because I didn't want taillight soup in my oven.

And yes, I did take out those screws, you don't have to, they don't hold anything on, they're for mounting it on the car, I believe.

Ideas?

 

there are four small screws on each lens, that hold the lens to the housing.

They are black and small.

 

I dont have these tail lights but im assuming they are like every other ebay light. there are probably tabs on the lenses that cause them to click into the housing. You would need to take a flat head and push these tabs down after melting the glue.

 

take out the screws in the back, heat to w/e temp and if it doesnt coem off easily for w/e reason, try prying it off with sumin.

 

like they said, make sure the screws are out (not the ones that mount to the car). my experience is that aftermarket lights are harder to take apart because of the sealant they use. i hate it.

other than that, take your time...

 

Well, I don't see any other screws on it. I think that it's the way they put the lens and the housing together. It's sort of layered. Like a piece of the lens fits in between a "slot" and that's where the glue is. So I think that it's the design of how it fits together, the glue they use, and the brittleness of the lens.

I don't see any screws (other than the mounting ones) on it. Are you sure that there are screws on it?

It's really annoying...I think tonight I'm gonna try and use a hair dryer and see if I can heat up a specific spot and work it out from there.

If anyone else has any suggestions, I'm all ears.

 

can you take pictures so we can see what you're talking about?

 

Well, unfortunately, I put them in the oven and it was too hot for the outer lenses...they warped. BAH!

On the other hand, I just ripped the back apart and it looks like it's the glue that's the culprit...it wouldn't melt the glue, but it'd melt and warp the plastic, go figure!

 

Next time try staying at 220 and increase your heat time. I havent went over 220 and have taken over 20 pairs of lights apart.

 

why is it everytime you post you just repeat what someone else said like 2 posts above you. every thread i swear.

 

Yeah, but if the glue didn't melt at those temps, it wasn't going to. Whatever stuff they used was ridiculous super glue or something. I think the next try will be with some altezzas with a clear outer lense that I can paint/add flourescent lighting cover to.

Anyone have any experience with taking apart those lights?

 

Sorry it came across to you in that form. But i can be sure that your answers are often similar to other orgers answers as well. I could however see posts and just not say anything, but if i have the same thoughts, why should i hold it back.? OR should i think up something totally opposite and be an **** just so my "idea" doesnt look like two posts above.Let me know.

 

 

just get some smoked tails and get leds put in them and you will be set

 

Well the next set of lights send them to me and i can open them up for ya man. I can do any lights you get.

 

Haha, I can do it myself, but thanks for the offer. I opened the stock ones perfectly, and it wasn't such a pain in the...uh...tails. The main problem was the glue. That, and there weren't any "Tabs" that helped keep the lens in that I could work a screwdriver into. So that left pressing against the lens and the housing itself...which lead to chipping.

If I can't get the next set open, I'll hit you up Kzoosho.

Do you guys know if the altezzas have the tabs? or screws? Which ones would you guys recommend as easiest to take apart?

 

i took mine apart at 200 deg. the tails will not melt at that temp so you can leave them in longer than 15 min and keep cheking them. i took two pairs apart in the past one oem and the other ebay smoked which is what i have now, and have cracked the small corner on one lamp both times lol..you just have to be careful and take your time.

 

Altezzas are gay sorry. But get more red clears man. and if you cant get them send them over and ill get them for ya .

 

Lol...i know altezzas are gay. The only reason I'd get them is to get that clear outer lense. I'd take it off, spray the bottom red, then put in that flourescent lighting stuff, and put it on the OEM housing.

 

I've heard this idea tossed around before but never actually seen it. Has anyone ever done this?

 

I thought about it also since i do led retros. I think it would be pretty cool to do leds like that .

 

hey guys. kinda diifrent question...but i dont wanna start a new thread....i have a 1995 maxima and i want to make red and white tails, i can cook them open. but heres my question....the orange thing, is it the tail itself or is it a plate like on 1997-1999? thanks in advance. i dont wanna buy the ebay ones because they are ugly (glitterish)

 

It s built right in man . No getting rid of it.

 

Yep, cant get rid of them. I have had two ideas to make red clears, and this guy is thinking of one way. I plan to have cheaper red/clear tails, I just have to make sure I do it right.

 

oh ok thanks man....let me know when u get it done and put up some pictures