Taking Apart A Headlight?? Glass Removeable??

[Boston Mangler]

Hey Guys

I got a question, the plastic tabs on my drivers side headlight are all busted off but the glass is flawless. I found a perfect headlight used but there is a small chip out of the glass. Is the glass removeable/swappable? I started checking it out but figured i should ask the experts.

It appears to be removeable since theyre clamps and such.

Any advice?

Thanks

 

[bjowett]

Yes, the glass can be removed... Pop the clips, then warm the glass enough to soften the adhesive that holds it to the plastic body. You may need to gently between the body and glass, do this on the bottom, if plastic get marked or a out of shape, you won;t see when on the vehicle. Once it starts to peel away, it becomes quite easy.

 

[Tools R Us]

When I flooded mine I did some research and they are held on with an adhesive. Found a Supra site where they had success removing them with heat. IIRC they preheated them in the oven at the lowest setting, then further warmed the glass around the edges with a heat gun, while gently prying the glass off! Put them back on with clear silicone sealer.

Sounded a little risky for my Lexi lights, so I just cleaned them through the holes. If you have a junker it may be worth a try.

 

[Bruneti]

Here's the link to the disassembly process for Supra headlights. http://www.mkiv.com/techarticles/headlights/index.html

The sealant used for the glass lenses on your Lexus is almost certainly the same. I believe you can even buy the exact sealant at a Nissan dealer. I can't remember where I saw that tidbit though, so I have no part number to reference. If you are careful, you shouldn't need more sealant. Be sure to Re-heat before assembling the pieces back together. The link has recommended oven temps and time to heat. You can always run a bead of regular silicone caulk around the perimiter after it cools as insurance that it is sealed against moisture.

 

[Boston Mangler]

Thanks Guys

Hopefully this works out

Thanks