Is it possible to remove the headlight front cover?

BearMcPear

BearMcPear

Member
Hello everyone. Tried to restore my headlights and I now believe the inside of the front (clear) headlight cover is also bad. Maybe because the rear covers weren't fully closed and I found quite a bit of dirt inside. Is it possible to remove the front covers? I removed the little metal tabs on the top and bottom which to me indicate that it would be possible, but there's still no give when I try to split it apart and I can't find any other fasteners.

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I believe early headlights are splittable but later type sealed. Use the forum search with keyword of 'splittable' for some reading. I remember warming in the oven has been mentioned as a tactic!

Andy
 
I understand the difference between the two sorts is that the later ones have more of the butyl sealant and fewer metal clips holding them together, but both need warming in an oven to some extent. I don't know the temperature but I'd imagine it would be better to start off lower and for long enough for them to actually get to that temp - maybe 100°C for 15 minutes? Then if they don't separate, incrementally adjust the temp maybe 10°C, give them a few minutes to get to it, then try again, until the butyl actually lets go. Most important to keep a constant eye on them though, to get them out at the first sign of any melting or crazing. Remember to wear your gloves as they will be extremely hot to the touch!
 
I have separated these headlights (and other types) and the method is to first pre-heat the complete unit in a domestic oven at 120 degrees C for 20 minutes to soften the front cover sealant. It worked perfectly and after separation and whilst the adhesive was still warm, I scraped it away from the components. I hope that this helps ......

David
 
Hmm it's a bit of an improvement but definitely could be better. Also had a small area melt, but fortunately it was on the bottom. I placed the headlight on the bottom of the oven with only heating from the top, but the metal bottom still got hot enough so leaving some space between would have been a good idea for the future.
Used a Philips headlight restoration kit as that's what they had at the store, but there's some quite deep scratches that might require machining out. Not sure if that would leave the cover too thin though.

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DJ 190 said:
In the centre of the oven and on an open wire shelf is the way to do it. It shouldn't melt at 120 degrees C.

David
Click to expand...

Yeah I couldn't fit it in my oven on top of the wire shelf, but I probably could have improvised something else instead. It was only a small area, so I don't think it would be an issue if you do as you describe. :)
 
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