i searched, and have a few questions.....how much does it cost in total? is a dremel absoluetely required? ....anyone know off-hand if they rent dremels out at auto-zone (the loan-a-tool program), also one last thing...when i was installing my altezza's, (eons ago), i got that black gunk over my right outer....is there any specefic way to remove that? thanx.

 

just my opinion i think its too much work doing it yourself i just went ahead and bought them from custommaxima.com

 

$180 better spent on a y pipe

 

I don't know about the rotary tool part, but I'm sure it can be done in other ways, just not as easily. And if you have the mod bug, you really out it to yourself to get one when they are on sale.

As for removing that black gunk, I use this stuff called Plexus. It's a plastic polish. It's more of a REALLY good cleaner and shiner than a polish (if it really is abrasive, it must be at a VERY small level). It comes in an aerosol can. Just spray it on the lense and buff with a shop towel or something. BTW, this stuff makes all the plastic light covers/reflectors on cars look brand new and much more jewel like.

I just cleared my tails out a couple days ago, and the Plexus worked great.

 

where can i get said "plexus"

 

Most auto places will have it. Try places like Canadian Tire, UAP, NAPA, etc.

It comes in a black aerosol can about 7" in height, about 2.5" in diameter, with blue print for the Plexus in an upward diagnoal, and white print for information, and a white cap. Atleast in the format that I bought it.

 

1. costs $5 or less.
2 use heat gun, if don't have one buy one and return it.
3 can use box cutter with new sharp blade, no dremel required.
4 bug $ tar remover.
5 You couldn't of use the search!

Very easy to do, just be patient. Use silicone when resealing the tails.

Good luck

 

you should be able to use any sharp blade to cut out the clear piece, you can also heat up the blade, and it will melt right through the plastic.

the most important thing is to cut out the correct size template, otherwise you'll be swearing like crazy when the piece you cut out doesnt fit.

 

to get the black stuff off just use lighter fluid

 

utility knife : < $0.25 consider reuse
orange bulbs : $2.96 + tax
???????? : $1.00
elec. oven : < $1.00
used tower : free
food : < $1.00 for strength
WD-40 : < $0.25 consider reuse, for sticky glue removal
------------------------------------
total : < $6.50

 

I have a wood burner that heats up and has a nice edge to it. I can let you borrow it by sending it to you if it is anyhelp. I also have a nice file to get the edges smooth. All of which i would be willing to let you borrow it.

If interested let me know. Emnail me for any questions.

- Mike

 

i heard putting the light assembly in the oven @ 200 deg. for about 7 min. works wonders. make sure you wrap them in foil or they could warp. i wish i had done that... i used a hair dryer and it took a long time. and i tried using a utility knife... it $ucked... i heated it... still didn't work well. go to Sears and just buy a dremmel... you will be glad that you did. and if you do, make sure you buy the fiberglass cutting disks... the composite ones break every two seconds. i'm so glad i have one... i use it all of the time. and if you have the $$, there is a flex cable attachment that makes cutting much easier.

 

Michael J, did you clear out your own tails? if so, wanna help me out

 

I did my tails and corners. Used the oven, hair dryer, heat gun, and even boiling water. Heat gun was the best by far.
I really had no other use for it so just returned it.

 

Yes, clear your tail using this method, and be sure to remove all the tiny black screws before placing in the oven or else it will force your lense to crack. I've done sevreal taillights using this method of opening them because this method is least likely to show error over the heat gun. Check out my homepage for some perfect-looking tails.

 

I think I know what you're trying to do--use a Dremel to cut out the amber part and replace it with a clear section. Definitely not worth doing. Taking apart these lights is more difficult than for 97-99's, plus getting the surfaces to meet flush... won't ever look right unless you have it done professionally (which is $$$). Best alternative is getting clears and painting. Talk to those who have done it. The various paints differ in shades of red, so you want to find the one which matches closest. Sounds like in most cases, it is best to paint the inner units too (as well as clearcoat for uniformity).

 

ive seen plenty of 97-99's that have their tails cleared, and the look fine to me .....maybe your thinking of the 95-96's?

also, gary, did u get my pm?

 

im about to put on my DavidL tails...what do you guys reccomend to replace that sealant thats on the lights? thanks...

 

The 97-99 tails are different. They have an inner amber panel that you remove and then replace with a section of clear lighting panel that you cut out. This works because the outer surface of the taillight is a clear lens (just not diffused, so you need to replace the inner one). The 95-96 tails don't have a clear outer layer, so the 97-99 technique doesn't work.

 

ya i knew that, but i was wondering why were mentioning the 95-96 method, because i have a 97

 

I must still be jet lagged. Completely missed that. Sorry...


In that case, this clearing out process has been done successfully by many people and there are a few write-ups. I would do it if I were you. And that way you'll have something nice to switch to if you tire of your Altezzas.

 

lol its ok man....see the red/clears are good if when we paint the altezza's, if it comes out fugly (which looking at yours, i doubt thats going to happen) i have somethign to switch over too....im pretty sure ill be happy with the altezza's being painted, but then again, people just start copying lots (kinda like how im copying you and osme others ), and too much of the same is out, and ill switch it then....

 

Jamson,
I can try to help you out. Are you located in CT? Drop me an email with what you want to do.

- Mike

 

Im the dude w/the altezza's that was at the meet at the pike....im in bpt....you drop me an email cuz im too lazy

 

I'm about to tackle another set tonight. I could possibly take some pics if anyone wants to see how I do them?

 

or you could make some for us, and you could offer some gratiuity for your efforts ....or pictuers would be fine

 

Actually, I don't really know what exactly I should take pics of? Everyone has already seen the inside and lense removal pics from other sites. I'll think of something interesting. As for my efforts, I do actually offer a trade of my error-free red/clears for $50 and flawless stock tails to locals in the VA/MD/DC area. I sold my last set so this is going to be another set for my car.

 

What kind of grill is that? Looks nice.

 

ben, would u be interested in just making the clear inserts and shipping those out? if so id be willing to pay 20-25 bucks, if that seems right ?