Clear corners

[Molson]

submitted by Sound Xtreme
I am going to explain this to the best of my ability, maybe someone like silent can post another topic showing how he does it if he wants. But here goes.

Actually starting out was a lot easier than I thought. It only took me about 5 hours to do both assemblies. However if you are unexperienced in these sort of things BE CAREFUL, headlights are not cheap! Even if you go to a junkyard to get them.

Here are the stages I have come up with:

1. Prep
2. Disassembling of headlight
3. Disassembling of inner headlight
4. Taking out the orange corner piece
5. Cleaning out/off the old silicone
6. Polish

Here are the tools/items that I used during this. Utility knife, pocket knife, flat head screw driver, small flat head screw driver, silicone(I used clear, though any color should do), and a hair dyer/heat gun.
http://www.aleromod.com/images/headlights/headlights014.jpg

First things first. Heat up the silicone that is keeping the clear and grey parts of your headlight with either a hair dryer or heat gun. The hair dryer pictured above worked great for me.
http://www.aleromod.com/images/headlights/headlights001.jpg

Next use a utility or exacto knife to make a cut in some of the old silicone that you will be removing later. After you go all the way around it and keep applying heat you should be able to start wigglying it. Just keep wigglying it around until you get it apart, mine came farely easily at this part. A flat head screwdriver can also be used to pry the pieces apart. This is exactly one of the easy parts, the next step I thought was harder.
http://www.aleromod.com/images/headlights/headlights002.jpg

Thirdly you are going to start taking apart the inner assembly(the chrome piece that is glued inside the clear piece. This part IS a quite a bit more challenging and the chrome piece is kind of fagile so be CAREFUL. First heat up the chrome piece that is connected to the clear part(this is pictured below and is marked with a red dot). I also suggest doing the one all the way in the corner last(the piece is curved).
http://www.aleromod.com/images/headlights/headlights003.jpg

Once the part is well heated and I do mean well(almost too hot to touch) take any knife you feel sure about yourself with(I used a regular pocket knife and went up from underneath, this seemed extremely useful here each one gave away easily)
http://www.aleromod.com/images/headlights/headlights004.jpg

Here is a picture of the last piece to take apart. I just got it really hot and kept wigglying it back and forth, it should eventually start giving away and will just kind of bend right out. HOWEVER, be EXTREMELY CAREFUL here this part is extremely fragile here and very well COULD break off.
http://www.aleromod.com/images/headlights/headlights005.jpg

Here is a picture of the three pieces you should have after seperating silicone attached pieces.
http://www.aleromod.com/images/headlights/headlights006.jpg

Next you need to take off the orange reflector piece. This is probably the easiest step in here. It just snaps in there so pull up where pictured below and it will come out with a little force.
http://www.aleromod.com/images/headlights/headlights007.jpg

Pic of the chrome piece without the orange reflector.
http://www.aleromod.com/images/headlights/headlights008.jpg

Then you need to start taking out/off some of the old silicone. I took most of it off but it shouldn't hurt anything if you leave some behind as long as you use a silicone that can be used to bond to another silicone. I suggest heating up the old silicone and then taking a small screw driver and run in the grove of the grey piece. For taking off the silicone off of the clear piece(not pictured) I just ran my utilty knife along the outside of it.
http://www.aleromod.com/images/headlights/headlights011.jpg

http://www.aleromod.com/images/headlights/headlights010.jpg

After you have that all cleaned out it is a good idea to clean all of the chrome and clear pieces clean of dust and finger prints. I used a dry terry cloth for this.
http://www.aleromod.com/images/headlights/headlights009.jpg

Second to last you need to reassemble the chrome and clear pieces back together. I used silicone for this but I think super glue would have been better(i am not sure about this but I think so). Make sure you let it dry for a little while before going on to the next step.(NO picture)

Finally place a good size bead of silicone in the groove of the grey piece (don't worry if you think you put too much, better safe than sorry, it will clean off with a paper towel). After you have your bead placed all around take your other piece(the chrome and clear pieces together) and place it on top of the grey piece. Push down with some force to give a tight snug seal(some silicone may and probably should sqeeze out, just wipe it up with a paper towel). (NO picture)

And there you have it CLEAR CORNERS! I hope this helps some of you out there. I hope so considering I had to type all of that with one hand! :D

submitted by Silent Alero.
But from experince doing this in alot of alero's you might wanna take this into consideration, your headlight from the way it sounds came apart relitivly easy, meaning you had a harder compound of the rubber cement they put in, not all cars have that, some are a biotch to rip apart, and some are easy. just figured id point it out, but aside from that, nice job!!



additional info by Sound Xtreme
Definetly take out the old silicone and replace with new silicone. I would not trust the old after taking it apart one bit. You will discover that you will have many leaks and moisture will end up in your lights. I actually have some in mine because I have strobes in mine and they don't make a tight seal so I am going to slap some silicone on those after I get the moisture out. But do not use the original silicone, that's for sure.


how to remove headlight by Silent Alero
all you have to do sonic is first, you will need to pull 2 clips that are holding the lights in, (unless you have a 99, In the 99 alero's they have a black cover over them, just pull the platic pins out then follow these instructions)you have to pull those 2 up but not all the way up, you will fell it fall into place, then pull your headlight out a little.

Pull out your turn signal and parking light(self explanitory, twist them about 1/2 a turn) then your headlight should come out most the way, just look at the middle of the car, or the ineer side of the headlight to the middle of the car, and pull the harness plug off, and thats it.

[Aleromaster]

a suggestion on removing the silicon from the lens is to put it in the freezerfor about 5 min then just run your knife under and it will pretty much fall of. I had to place it in the freezer twice since it was hot where I was doing to work.

[goldensaint]

That information sounds great i just need to see the pics. Great description though. You did a nice job. If i am inexperienced in this type of stuff, how long should i expect it to take? Thanx

e-mail - Skippercade22@yahoo.com

[Aleromaster]

Originally posted by goldensaint@Feb 18 2004, 09:48 AM
That information sounds great i just need to see the pics. Great description though. You did a nice job. If i am inexperienced in this type of stuff, how long should i expect it to take? Thanx

e-mail - Skippercade22@yahoo.com
It took me a grand total of 5 hours to do one but I was taking my Damn time as to not fug anything up. plus did it while watching tv. I'm sure when I get around to doing the other side it will go quicker

[Naich]

Pictures are fixed!

[bnight04]

I really want to do this to my car but i dont know if the law would let people to do that. I was just wondering if anybody had any information on that.........

[bigd6983]

bnight all you have to do if your worried about that is get amber bulbs, aslong as they see amber light up when you go to turn they wont say anything, they also make these bulbs that appear a cool metallic silver and have no timt of amber but when they light up they are amber.

[bnight04]

aight cool thanks alot, but 1 more ?, what is the best silicone to get, b.c i was lookin at them and im not sure

there are alot out there and i just want the best before i do it

[ptrudel]

when i did mine last weekend, i didn't really need new silicone because the stock stuff was still super sticky...but to be sure i just put on more bathroom clear silicone inside and around the lens....so far so good...no leaks and it's been like 4 strait days of rain...

[leroBob]

i just went down to target and got some silicone in a cqueeze bottle i believe it was called Silicone II or somethin.

[leroBob]

bigd6983: were did you find those bulbs that light up amber but have the silver loook........ i looked for these and couldn't find them?

[MACBUYA]

I couldn't get it hot enough fast enough so i just tossed it in the oven at about 150-180 for about 5-10 min. (just be careful taking it out, ITS HOT!) this way all of the silicon was soft and it came apart easily. Also, I left most of the origional silicon in the gray part and tossed it back in the oven to soften it up before re-assembly, that way i just had to put some on the clear part and stick them together. They have been on for a little over a month now, and there have been no leaks or any moisture.

[dadirtybulldog]

/\/\/\ the oven trick is a great idea..... just don't forget about it!!!

[MikeSS]

Molson (Jim) - Great instructions, I cleared 'em out no problem. Only thing is that the screw drivers and kinfe I used I think are forever ruined with GM silicon. Anyone know how to remove this poop? Turpintine maybe??

[jamcllw]

fire it's flamable

[dadirtybulldog]

Originally posted by MAlero@Apr 30 2004, 08:32 PM
Molson (Jim) - Great instructions, I cleared 'em out no problem. Only thing is that the screw drivers and kinfe I used I think are forever ruined with GM silicon. Anyone know how to remove this poop? Turpintine maybe??
try soaking your tools in a "hard" thinner, something stronger than mineral spirits (paint thinner), maybe laquer or mek thinners.... let them soak around an hour, not to long or the thinner will start to eat at the plastic

[sound_xtreme]

Molson (Jim) - Great instructions, I cleared 'em out no problem. Only thing is that the screw drivers and kinfe I used I think are forever ruined with GM silicon. Anyone know how to remove this poop? Turpintine maybe??

that'd be me, thank you very much. took me forever to right this how-to

[leroBob]

allright i have to reddo one of mine and im finally gettin arouond to it. I have a small hole in my silicone so theres precip gettin in do u think it will be more difficult or easier second time round. I USed Silicone II for caulking?

thanks bob

[MikeSS]

Alright Alright, thanks sound_xtreme

[sound_xtreme]

you could probably put a nice layer of silicone on the outside of the seal. i usually do that now when i am clearing them anyways. put i use clear dunno if you do or not

[leroBob]

tried that lokked like slopp and didn'y really work i did a rush job on the last light......
i allreadt re-did it looks great and works 100%

[sparkey]

Wow just doin mine this weekend. There is enough silicone in there that I could make my ex wife look like Pamela. (Thats alot of silicone! lol).


Sparkey

[niral622]

is this suitable for sealing the headlights back up?

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US...rod&cm_ite=prod (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=Products_2%2FPaint+%26+Wall+Coverings%2FCau lks+%26+Adhesives%2FMarine+Sealants&MID=9876&ProductOID=530153&cm_ven=1hd.com2msn&cm_cat=shopping&cm_pla=prod&cm_ite=prod)

("Marine Goop")

Thanks

[ptrudel]

that stuff looks like it'd be better then what i used...should be ok with that

[HAZED]

COULD THIS BEEN DONE with tail lights....? ??????

[Naich]

Originally posted by HAZED@Jun 8 2004, 03:08 PM
COULD THIS BEEN DONE with tail lights....? ??????
NO

the tails aren't just reflectors inside clear plastic. You'd have to separate the red plastic from the housing and mold clear plastic to fit. Not very easy to do.

[HAZED]

damm that would suck .. i was looking at the lenses on the car they almost look like they can be cleand clear using somekind of solution bu thats just looking at them from the out side :rolleyes:

[sound_xtreme]

haha, no. cant be done.you have to make whole new lenses for them

[HAZED]

ive seen someone selling the clear lense can he sell us the new mold lense ???

[ptrudel]

huh? do u mean just a lens?

the guy that makes 'em is anderbra...he sells full tail lights...not just lens'...if that what u meant..

[HAZED]

yah the one u would have to replace i guess i read it some where but cant remember where on this forum i guess i would have to do a search some guy does them for 300.00 but dam just send me the replacement lense ill do the rest

[sound_xtreme]

it's not that easy. the stock lense if plastic welded to the housing.

[alerocity]

what is the best silicone to use for putting the headlight back together

[dadirtybulldog]

just use good, premium all-weather clear silicone

[a2k]

how hard do you guys think it is to pooch screw this DIYer?

the reason i ask is because I was thinking of going to a junkyard to buy some headlight assembles IN CASE i screw up the clearing process and have a backup set to use....

do you guys think this is overkill?

thx!

[brim]

Originally posted by a2k@Jun 15 2004, 02:53 AM
how hard do you guys think it is to pooch screw this DIYer?

the reason i ask is because I was thinking of going to a junkyard to buy some headlight assembles IN CASE i screw up the clearing process and have a backup set to use....

do you guys think this is overkill?

thx!
don't worry about it too much, it's not that hard to do

i did mine in a few hours at night with a blow dryer and my knife

really the only thing is, just heat up the silicone enough so that it pulls away easy, you don't want to pull hard on the light assembly enough to break it

once you heat up the silicone enough it should pull fairly easily and slide out with a bit of sticky poop still stuck of course

when getting the lens out though, I myself didn't have great luck, i cracked both orange reflectors, that i regret, but then again i'd probably crack em putting them back in too :rolleyes:

once you get the reflector out though, it's a piece of cake, just tear off some of the old silicone, add a layer of new and put em back together


A work of advice though : make sure you let the silicone sit a while and keep the light assembly shut so that it bond right. I rushed my driver side headlight and now I get a bit of moisture in it, Although it lasted just fine for almost 9 months or so. I didn't let the new silicone settle or keep the assembly tight and it didn't bond right.

It's on my list of things to redo

[brim]

oh and as far as the silicone, I just used some clear bathtub silicone from home depot. If it's good enough for a tub it's good enough for me

[dadirtybulldog]

here's a tip.... after applying the silicone and the pieces are set in place, get some larger rubber bands, double them up and put a few around the headlight assembly and set the assembly aside, let it set for a few hours, over night if possible, the bands will good presseure to assure the asssembly dries with the best possible bond :thumbsup: keep modding :thumbsup:

[mdodge]

I think I'm going to clear my corners this weekend...thanks for the tip :thumbsup:

BTW: I like your new yoda avatar bulldog.. :D

[a2k]

i'll be clearing this weekend as well..... :)

[sound_xtreme]

yea, it's easy. and dont worry about breaking the orange reflector. i broke all of the ones i have done besides a couple. who cares? not like you'd ever take the time to put them back in.
and i used an industrial automotive clear silicone, works great.

[alerocity]

do u remember the name of the silicone
where did u buy it from

[sound_xtreme]

dont remember

[mixmastercase]

I'm finally going to do mine this weekend as well

[a2k]

OK Install complete.. what a damn time consuming mod! took me a long time.. the first headlight took me forever.. 2nd one was way quicker (learn from the 1st one)

to reiterate some points ive read on this thread that were useful to me:

1 - the oven trick posted above is GOLD.. though i put em in the oven on 175 deg for 15 minutes -- take the headlight out and go go go quickly to seperate the halfs.

2 - the freezer trick posted above is really good too -- only i put just the plastic peice in the freezer to get the silicon off before reassembly.

3 - when reinstalling the chrome peice back in the plastic peice.. i used hot glue gun to make the initial bond, and then silicon2 over it for added protection.

4 - my silicon was crazy.. so left a chunk still in there.. but loaded the GE silicon 2 crap like crazy.. and then when i sealed the lamp back up, put another bead of silicon 2 over the seal.

very happy though :) day of hard work! hehehe.. but broke one orange reflector cuz i got overzealous -- hey is there any reason to keep em?? im never putting them back in.. just thinking i shud chuck the one remaining one in the garbage.

wow that was tiring...... and yeah nothing on mine came apart *easily* -- 2000 GX if anyone wanna start counting which type of car has retarded silicon.

thx for the DIYer and the help.

[a2k]

Question:

the 1 bulb (bulb type 194) that was behind the reflector -- what colour is it stock? white/amber? aka does it need to be changed once cleared?

[brim]

Originally posted by a2k@Jun 20 2004, 06:30 AM
Question:

the 1 bulb (bulb type 194) that was behind the reflector -- what colour is it stock? white/amber? aka does it need to be changed once cleared?
my bulbs have looked toasty since day 1, i don't know when they blew out

[a2k]

my passenger side 194 bulb is like metallic looking (looks kule!) but noticed it doenst' work either!! woops! and my drivers side is a plain old normal 194 transparent glass bulb!

-- i'll snap a pic for comparison.. the metalic one looks really cool!

[a2k]

OK just cuz i figured it was venturing off the topic of clear corners -- i started a new thread in the appropriate forum and posted the pics of the bulbs there:

http://invision.aleromod.com/index.php?sho...indpost&p=65017 (http://invision.aleromod.com/index.php?showtopic=4553&view=findpost&p=65017)

[a2k]

OK some guys at work are freaking me out about the moisture: :o :o

If there is a leak in my silicon seal and moisture gets in -- how do you go about clearing out the moisture?? do u have to open up the headlight again? OR can i just take the headlight out, remove the low/high beam bulbs, and put a hairdryer to it or something?!?!

it's going to rain here 2nite/tomarrow so im thinking i'm goign to put another bead of silicon over the seam just to be certain! (and MAKE SURE no gaps) -- let it cure for 24 hrs (meaning i'll have to take the bus to work tomarrow - booo!)

but i finally saw the clear's in the daylight.. they look wicked!! man i love my car!

[leroBob]

if u use the hair dryer trick water will get back in. ur best bet will be to redo them or it and take ur time. I was perinoid as well but u more than likely be allright.

[langejd]

Is there anyplace to get this done? I would love to have the clear corners but I am pretty sure I would mess something up if I tried to do it myself even though it sounds easy

[jackal2000]

Originally posted by langejd@Jul 12 2004, 04:15 AM
Is there anyplace to get this done? I would love to have the clear corners but I am pretty sure I would mess something up if I tried to do it myself even though it sounds easy
no place produces them. you might be able to find a member that will do them for ya for the right price if you are that worried

[langejd]

thanks for the reply, I will have to look into that

[ImSoBored]

its really not that hard at all, if you break the crome peice at the tabs(which I did) the silicone will fix it right up, yeah if youve got moisture, youll have to redo them, just use more silicone

[tenny]

has anyone tinted theres well doing this?

[ptrudel]

Originally posted by tenny@Sep 30 2004, 03:01 PM
has anyone tinted theres well doing this?
why?

you'd lose way too much light IMO

[sound_xtreme]

yes alero18 tinted his orange

[tenny]

a bunch of the ones i've seen look like they have a smokey finish on them and it looked really good, and there was a guy on here that sells them and some of his look darker then stock. I was wondering about losing the light with the ones he sells, thats why i was asking if anyone had done it or not yet.

[mobs241]

do you mean tinting like htis? cause this is just painting the bezel.

[mobs241]

sorry its the only front on shot that shows the lights well.

[tenny]

http://anderbrainnovations.freeservers.com/Title1.jpg

ya i guess thats all that it is... i thought it was the lens themselves that had a light paint to them. anyone tried colour matching to the car? i wonder what mine would look like white.

[Youngblood77]

I think that if you were to paint the bezels to match it would look sweet ! :thumbsup:

[tenny]

i'm debating on having the bezels match, or going with gunmetal for the bezels cuz i think i am going ot try and paint my stock rims gunmetal

[Youngblood77]

Ok, now with all the talk of silicone, sealant, and other forms of adhesion; does anyone know what them rubber tubes are on the back of the lights? I'm thinking that the headlights are vented, and the "sealants" we apply are merely adhering the pieces together, and to keep rainwater from just "running" in. Any water vapor should just burn out in a short time if they're truly vented.

[Youngblood77]

If you DID paint the rims in gunmetal, I think matching headlight bezels would look cool aswell. They'd off-set the white great, and match too. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[roadrunr]

it looks soooo easy....Maybe in the spring I'll try this...

[FormulaNERD]

Originally posted by roadrunr@Oct 9 2004, 07:26 PM
it looks soooo easy....Maybe in the spring I'll try this...
it is easy... why wait till spring? you could do it today, and still have plenty of time to do other things :)

[roadrunr]

I'm not sure what I want to do with the Alero yet...I've not even had it 2 months..

I guess I'm looking around and getting some ideas, parts list, etc of what I can do to it without too much problem.

I've ordered some headlight bulbs...and interior ones (xenon super white). Should be in early next week (I hope).

CAI is on the list for sure!!

but I think this mod will be a spring project.

[cutelilcntrygrl]

Can somebody PLEASE answer a question for me. I'm trying to get the little clip things apart from the inside. The last step before you take the chrome part out and pop out the reflector... This SOB will NOT come apart. Can I put it in the oven or just keep holding the hair dryer to it? I got the first 3 but before I can get the corner one, I gotta get this other one. I'm probably not making any sense but I'm getting frustrated and really wanna get this done so I can go to bed.

[smokinAMD]

Originally posted by cutelilcntrygrl@Nov 15 2004, 11:21 AM
Can somebody PLEASE answer a question for me. I'm trying to get the little clip things apart from the inside. The last step before you take the chrome part out and pop out the reflector... This SOB will NOT come apart. Can I put it in the oven or just keep holding the hair dryer to it? I got the first 3 but before I can get the corner one, I gotta get this other one. I'm probably not making any sense but I'm getting frustrated and really wanna get this done so I can go to bed.
Heat it up a bit, then pull it back. It will sound nasty, but it won't break.

[cutelilcntrygrl]

Thanks for the quick reply Brent. :) I'll see what I can do.

[cutelilcntrygrl]

Is this one little stubborn thing a necessity? If not, it's gone. Piece of gm crap... :pissed:

[smokinAMD]

Originally posted by cutelilcntrygrl@Nov 15 2004, 11:43 AM
Is this one little stubborn thing a necessity? If not, it's gone. Piece of gm crap... :pissed:
Not really, you could cut that corner one out if needed. I've always been able to get it though.

Of course, I'm using a mans hairdryer. :lol:

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US...dgjn.0&MID=9876 (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=Products_2%2fPaint+%26+Wall+Coverings%2fSpr ayers+%26+Accessories%2fHeat+Guns&BV_SessionID=@@@@2069412889.1100540725@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccedaddddiefdeecgelceffdfgidgjn.0&MID=9876)

[cutelilcntrygrl]

Well you get your mans hair dryer and put your happy ass in your car and come fix this thing for my not so happy ass ;) :lol:

[cutelilcntrygrl]

Never mind... that b*tch is history.. time to get redneck on it.

[smokinAMD]

Originally posted by cutelilcntrygrl@Nov 15 2004, 11:49 AM
Well you get your mans hair dryer and put your happy ass in your car and come fix this thing for my not so happy ass ;) :lol:
Yeah, thanks, but no thanks.

[cutelilcntrygrl]

FINALLY I got it. Thanks.

[Youngblood77]

Originally posted by cutelilcntrygrl@Nov 15 2004, 12:50 PM
Never mind... that b*tch is history.. time to get redneck on it.
ROFLMAO :lol:

[cutelilcntrygrl]

Hey, it worked!! I'll post pics later.

[Super White Alero]

heh, now I know why it takes women so long to get pretty after a show, get dressed up, get dressed down, etc, etc...... :P

[cutelilcntrygrl]

Huh? :huh:

[smlzalero]

For anybody who reads this freakin' far...
I cleared my corners today and OMFG! Apparently somebody had already opened the headlights up for some reason or another and when they put them back together they used aprox 600 tubes of silicone :angry: . Sure there were no leaks but holy hell it was a nightmare!
I had a nasty time at first too with those tabs- were they super glued?? I found out quick enough just to hold the hair dryer right up to em for a good min & 1/2 then use an exacto... on the second headlight, however it wasn't glued it was siliconed in place so after that long under the heat it was practically boiling. OUCH! :wah: It dripped all down into the clear housing and was a PITA to clean it.
Thank God you only do it once!

...happy clearing!

[smlzalero]

Originally posted by Super White Alero@Nov 20 2004, 03:33 AM
heh, now I know why it takes women so long to get pretty after a show, get dressed up, get dressed down, etc, etc...... :P
Yeah, I don't get that either...

[Sno]

lol... i'll be cleaning my headlights soon hopefully, prolly over the thanksgiving break when i'm not using my car as much lol, thanks for the instructions :)

[Rubered00]

Got one of my headlights cleared today took about 4 hours for one :wacko: spent about an hour working on ONE clip. I was afraid to put it in the oven, but when i do the other one next weekend im definatley going to use the oven trick. It better look good for all the time it is taking. Also does anybody know where i can find the metallic looking bulbs that light up amber????

[cutelilcntrygrl]

I got my first pair at Walmart and I broke one of the bulbs. Went back and they didn't have any more so I went to Meijer and got em there.

[smlzalero]

I cou;dn't fins metallic ones ANYWHERE! Grrrr. I got the sylvania silverstar ones that look like they're oil-coated, I like them fine. They add just a hint of color-kinda purpley.

[ac_acid]

For anyone having trouble with the clips, all you have to undo is the first three starting with the one in the far corner. Undoing this one and the next two and pulling back the metal with allow enough room for you to knockout the amber lense. This will only work if you are not planning on cleaning the lense. If you will clean the area around the clip and cut underneath the top portion of it, all you should have to do it wedge the clip apart using a flat head while applying heat.

[Travis99Alero]

bump for the noobs.

[BlackJack]

OMG, that was a blast....first do it myself undertaking in quite some time. Thanks to this how-to post, I made an adjustment by using a Black and Decker heat gun, and completed the project both lights removal to install, in an unbelievable 1 hour and 10 minutes. I think some of that might have been because the car is an 03, and the sealant was more pliable, so no credit for skill, just convenience by luck.

Special thanks to my daughter for helping with lending a couple of extra hands. I had her run the heat gun along the seams while I pulled the lens apart from the base.....so much easier!!! >8)

[gxryan]

Well I don't know if anyone ever gets this far in reading this.

But has anyone done this to there lease car yet?
If so are you going to put the orange piece back in or would GM not make a big deal of it so long as there was orange corner markers?

Cause I don't wanna do this then have to buy 2 new headlights at the end of my lease.

[BlackJack]

Could just "play dumb" at turn in time......LOL

Or you could just save the markers and put them back in.

Your call of course.

[alero_ecotec]

Man that sucked, it took forever to pry the headlights appart, and that's definately the hardest part. I used silverstar signal replacements and hyper white Xenons for the side markers. It definately looks alot better for sure. But a little side note, do not do this in your moms newly remodeled kitchen, i got silicone alllllll over averything, and i didnt thing it was coming off, thank god for goo gone and elbow grease

[BlackJack]

heh, yeah.....and nice job!

[tenny]

can anyone post a picture of the bezel that gets painted??? I'm thinking i'm going to paint mine white (white car)

this does not cut down on light output at all does it?

[tenny]

crap a couple of the plastic clips on the outside have broken :( i think i ruined my lights :(

[alero_ecotec]

no. you're fine, it happens, the silicone is what holds them together not those cheap clips

[tenny]

ya, my first one didnt come off as easy, the secret is LOTS of heat to get them to come off easy, I left the second one in the oven for about 15 minutes, then put it back in 3 or 4 times.

[AleroDante]

Just did mine yesterday. Great instructions. It all went pretty smoothly. Looks awesome.

[UnoWHO]

:-D AHH I love hows toos that cost ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, Im doing it tomm...Im glad this doesnt cost..I still have 600-700$ left for sound system to get finished

[Kurt Zee]

Just did my corners yesterday (and this morning)......it took me a total of about 18 hours from start to finish!!! YEAH...about electrocuted my self in the process...the hair drier i was using was spitting flames and electricity from the on switch....which delayed the process. i put in the silverstars that look silver but burn amber...looks good!

[attachmentid=6416]

one more...

[Kurt Zee]

front view...

[attachmentid=6417]

[cutelilcntrygrl]

looks good Kurt :)

[Sno]

lookin good! :thumb:

[UnoWHO]

Quick Question, the freezer trick....Ive got my right one in their now, the left one was a bit easy to get off because someone had opened it before so the silicone wasnt completelyu hardened actually I got that one finished and in the curing process in less than 15 min. But this other one, does the freezing make it to where the silicone will just snap apart or do the same as it would with heating it but in a different manner?

[j_smith]

I didn't read through this entire thread to find the answer, but from my knowledge you use heat to soften up the silicone to tear the headlights apart. Freezing is for after the lights are apart and you are just trying to remove the old silicone from the two halves of the headlight. I just used a screwdriver and pried the old silicone off before re-sealing mine so I'm not positive if the freezer trick works.

[teebo7]

quick question guys. Seeing that i've never tackled this before thought I'd ask...How do you get the headlight off the car? Thanks guys

[j_smith]

On my '99 you just pull up on the two black metal clips on each headlight. You have to pull pretty hard. Once they are up the headlight comes right out.

[teebo7]

does the headlight pull out or up?

[j_smith]

Once the metal clips are pulled up, the headlight will pull straight out. You'll have to take out the signal bulbs and unplug the main power clip to get it the whole way off.

[teebo7]

thanks J

[sud1616]

Just did mine tonight. They look great. Followed the tips I read on hear and I have say the oven trick is the only way to go. Got mine done in 3 hours.

[UnoWHO]

AFter a little bit, I finally got to see my headlights w/o condenstaion, when I did mine it rained that night and that morning which meant wet bulbs for me the morning of a school day. I had to put the bulbs in wet and the condensation stayed for a week and now they are completely water proof and lookin fly. Oh and if any is still looking for those silver bulbs that glow amber, My work (Advance Auto Parts) stock those for a 2001 alero and prol the 99 and up too.

[elitecloud]

just did mine too, use the oven trick it's by far the easiest thing ever, took me about an hour to do my corners!

http://img63.echo.cx/img63/4117/7036958848533003jb.jpg

thanks guys

[alero440]

Just got done reading this whole entire thread... I so want to clear my corners now!!! Thanks for all the info and tricks. You might find ne in my garage this weekend doing it!!

[smlzalero]

^ :o BE CAREFUL!! :P

[tnalero99]

Just cleared my corners this week and I like them alot. Driver side was original headlight assembly, 99, and came apart easy. Passenger side was replaced 2 years ago after an accident, took forever to take them apart. Now that its done, best 3 hours I have spend and cheapest.

[Alero04]

so would doing it slow and steady with the hairdryer be more efficient then the oven trick? meaning...how the hell would i kno if its ready being in the oven?! keep taking it out after 2 or 3 mins of being in there?

[smlzalero]

Originally posted by Alero04@Jul 4 2005, 01:40 PM
so would doing it slow and steady with the hairdryer be more efficient then the oven trick? meaning...how the hell would i kno if its ready being in the oven?! keep taking it out after 2 or 3 mins of being in there?
Quoted post

I liked the hairdryer because you can just keep sticking the screwdriver in there and you know if it's soft enough. It also only heats up the place you need to be hot... it's not easy to work with if the whole damn thing is 300 degrees, lol.

[Alero04]

sarah...did u find the whole process easy? cuz im freaking out over breaking that chrome piece

[Alero04]

holy taking foever...FOREVER to melt the silicone and get it apart~~~~~!!!!

[allheat]

hey every body, just cleared the corners on my alero and found that its not necessary to remove all of the silver bezel tabs holding the orange reflector just the 3 closest to the reflector

by removing the 3 taps there is enough room to pull the reflector out now I broke my relector when doing this but it saved me tons of time cause the silver bezel was a pain in the @ss to get even the 3 tabs apart . any ways whats it matter if the relector is broken your just going to throw it away any ways and I also used poly urathene to put the lights back to gether it got a better stick and can with stand the elements of nature better at least if you live in canada

[babyt11]

hey everyone....i'm new to this site so its nice to meet everyone...i cleared my corners 2day thankz 2 this website and i love it :cool: ......i wish we could do the tail lights...does anyone know where to buy them from???[SIZE=7]

[babyt11]

sorry bout that size 7 crap...clicke the wrong button... :Noooo:

[MixtapeMessiah]

Hey thanx for the steps!Worked perfectly, im the first with cyber white high beams and cool blue low beams lol its pretty crazy.Ill be sure to get some pics up ASAP.

[sound_xtreme]

bump

[firstson]

This looks like its an older topic but sound xtreme was just in here so i figured i'd ask.
if you do clear your corners will you need to get new bulbs for any part of the head light, mainly the outer part (turn signals)?

[sound_xtreme]

most likely. possibly not though. i know the stocks are plain clear bulbs, so yes you'd have to buy new ones. if theyve been replaced with an orange bulb before you wont have to change.

[firstson]

thanks xtreme...it would probably be smart just to buy new ones to be on the safe side.

[UnoWHO]

bringing a old whored up topic back to life its me will. Well its been a while since I have touched my headlights but i decided since I am doing like 4 others jobs for the alero this could top it off, I am painting my bezels and right now I am prepping the chrome piece for paint tomm (yes christmas :)) .

My only question is this: I am not painting the turn signal and marker light chrome domes and just want to do the outside little lip but is only painting this 2-3 mm piece of chrome noticeable when alls said and done and the headlights are back in? I am kind of worried that that piece of bezel wont be noticeable some opinions would help thanks, Btw the other projects are

Spring tech Springs ordered and on the way
20% tint all around on Monday(dec26),
Painted bezels
Side Graphics(not sure if I will keep them on dunno how they will turn out)
and a B&m Shift kit this mon and will be here tues.

:-D needless to say this christmas was for the alero

[UnoWHO]

bah! this siw ay more confusing than I once thought, anyone have a pic of their painted bezel B4 it went back in the headlight b/c my problem is that i dont know where to tape for everything to look semetrical once painted, like inside the turn signal and merker light domes I dunno if I should tape and cover the whole thing but the actual outside bezel or tape it down a bit to match the cut off of the high beam bezel where it ends, if anyone knows what Im talkin about a reply would be amazing cause I am completely lost here?

[*Iceman*2k6*]

I want to clear my corners and the process sounds easy. I still am worried about breaking something or not doing something right. what should I do??? :insane:

[whiteliquid]

DOod just put throw them in the oven for a little bit, pull them out seperate the pieces by slowly pulling apart, Try gettin a screw driver or box cutter and cutting the silicone while doin so.

It's really not that hard, and if you worry about breakin something then you probably will.

Just take your time, it's very easy. :thumb:

[eag182]

if you break something then you can use the silicone you need anyways to act as a glue. just dont be too forceful

[Baca05]

OMFG!!! I could not get my headlights apart the silcone is like super proof!!! I sucked I give up!! Weak, but I will try again next week or this weekend maybe!! I think my headlights suck!! :Noooo:

[eag182]

Did you try using the oven?

[whiteliquid]

Definately go try the oven idea, it works. :thumb:

[El Pablo]

how long and at what temperature?

[whiteliquid]

I threw mine in on 350 degrees, for like 3 minutes. Juts turn your oven up, put the headlight in, and remove every couple of minutes or so and try to pull it apart.

Mine started to stink so i pulled them out after about three minutes---no burn marks.

[eag182]

350 is a lotta heat, i used like 175*, the lowest setting for 5-10 minutes

[Baca05]

Originally posted by eag182@Jan 26 2006, 10:45 PM
Did you try using the oven?
Quoted post


No, but wont that wreck the headlights at all? how long should i put it in

[whiteliquid]

It shoudlnt mess them up, I guess if you put them there and forget about them it could :huh:

[eag182]

Originally posted by Baca05+Jan 27 2006, 05:11 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Baca05 @ Jan 27 2006, 05:11 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-eag182@Jan 26 2006, 10:45 PM
Did you try using the oven?
Quoted post


No, but wont that wreck the headlights at all? how long should i put it in
Quoted post
[/b][/quote]

Many people, including myself, have done this. Yes, just use your cooking oven. Put it in at the lowest setting for 5-7 minutes. Stand by your oven so you do not forget about them. 350 IMO is a bit too much, it might melt the areas where your headlight is touching the oven. Don't forget to strip the headlight assembly of the lights/ rubber circles, and anything else possible.

[SweetNLow]

bake at 375 degree's for 15-20 minutes........ the center should be warm and gooey with a lovely golden brown crust!

bon apetite!

[SweetNLow]

seriously thought just use a heatgun or hairdryer.......... never takes me more than 10minutes per light to crack open

[Baca05]

Originally posted by 2Sweet@Jan 27 2006, 08:10 PM
seriously thought just use a heatgun or hairdryer.......... never takes me more than 10minutes per light to crack open
Quoted post


Alrighty then...2Sweet, I will try today when I wake up and see if it will work...Last time i got really angry and gave up so if this works then I will be jumping for joy on sunday!!! If not...easy bake oven here i come!

[SweetNLow]

Originally posted by Baca05+Jan 28 2006, 02:23 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Baca05 @ Jan 28 2006, 02:23 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-2Sweet@Jan 27 2006, 08:10 PM
seriously thought just use a heatgun or hairdryer.......... never takes me more than 10minutes per light to crack open
Quoted post


Alrighty then...2Sweet, I will try today when I wake up and see if it will work...Last time i got really angry and gave up so if this works then I will be jumping for joy on sunday!!! If not...easy bake oven here i come!
Quoted post
[/b][/quote]

well i always pry those suckers open and im not to gentle. just take ur time though and heat up small sections at a time

[Baca05]

Yeah!! I got the now i have only left the chorme part and its hard to do.. I only have one tap off...and now its in the oven because i give up on the hair dryer

[Baca05]

NVM I got it yay after 3 hours!! go me :yahoo:

[lanzt]

Geeezs i read the whole thing :blink: but now i no how to do it, just need to fine the time. woohoo :dance1:

[firstson]

i was wonderin if it would be ok to you waterproof caulk on the lights when you put them back together, because i have some on hand and would just save myself a trip to the hardware store if i can use it

[alerocar01]

i think it would be ok as long as it will hold the headlight together, but if it were me i would use silicone.

[Alero2k4]

Honestly, just go get some RTV Silicone from the store. Heck, you can even get that from Wal-Mart. Worked great for me, I have no leaks so far and it is like 3 bucks. I would do it just so I know it is done right, I wouldn't want to have to go back and take them back apart... Good luck. :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

[firstson]

Yea, i guess better safe than sorry is the way to go. i can get some by time by new silverstars get in.
thanks

[Alero2k4]

Originally posted by firstson@Apr 11 2006, 05:42 PM
Yea, i guess better safe than sorry is the way to go. i can get some by time by new silverstars get in.
thanks
Quoted post

You know, I have been thinking about silverstars alot lately. You pay about 80 dollars for a set of Silverstars right??? Save a little more money (just over 200) and get HID's, that is definately what I am thinking about doing, why pay 80 for something that doesn't change the look to much, when you can go full HID for 230???

[firstson]

well i don't have that kind of money now and i won't for a while. all i did way buy clear turn signals to replace the old orange ones. if i replace the lows and highs later i might consider that. i'm only 15 so not much income here and i kinda don't own the car, so the less i do the better for now

[Alero2k4]

Originally posted by firstson@Apr 11 2006, 06:04 PM
well i don't have that kind of money now and i won't for a while. all i did way buy clear turn signals to replace the old orange ones. if i replace the lows and highs later i might consider that. i'm only 15 so not much income here and i kinda don't own the car, so the less i do the better for now
Quoted post


oh, I see...lol, I thought you meant highs and lows...gl on the corners!!! :thumb:

[thezeppzone]

Yeah, I got high and low silverstars, simply because I can't afford HID's. I've read this thread over and over, and I had been planning on doing my corners this week because I'm on spring break, so I'll have plenty of time, besides work that is; but I could care less if I drive to work with one cleared and the other has to wait until the next day.

[thezeppzone]

Got them done... I must say, the most trouble I had was when my new tube of silicon popped open and it was coming out the side onto my hand. Lets just say my hands are pretty black right now and I have tried pretty much every household cleaner to get it off and have had little luck. Any suggestions?

The lights look good though. They are currently sitting on the porch with rubber bands around them until they are good to go in. Love the how-to, did a lot of good with the different ideas and tips.

[Alero2k4]

maybe try some of the professional strength goof off. That poop will take off anything, from my excess silicone, to my clear coat on my car...just read the back before you buy it, it's pretty nasty shiz, but I got it in the paint clean up section at Wal-Mart.

[sound_xtreme]

snap on hand cleaner. or any hand cleaner with grit in it.

[99redcoupe]

someone help i cant get my headlight out i pulled up on the two pins but it aint moving i have a 99

[p1mptress]

pull up the two pins and try wiggling it. I don't know what else to do. Make sure to unplug the harness.

[99redcoupe]

i got my headlights clear finally just got through and im sooooo happpyy oh and just to let you know mineral spirits works wonders with silicon if you get it on the lense wipes right off of course u have to clean it after but still it works. thanks forum great mod

[doubleN0alero]

well thats a good tip there...but a better tip would be not to get it on your headlights...lol

[p1mptress]

ummm yea i think i might need to go buy some of that stuff b/c i have silicone on my headlights still and i think i cleared them like over 2 monthes ago!

[99redcoupe]

ha ha well some of us arent as neat as others when it comes to do this stuff :jk: but im still happppy:yahoo:

well thats a good tip there...but a better tip would be not to get it on your headlights...lol

[boostnsrt]

well i got it done, looks great without the amber reflectors. i somehow killed the marker lights bulbs. i need to replace them now. i think they were hot when i touched them and they blew.

[boostnsrt]

heres the pics, looks so much better without the amber reflectors.

[boostnsrt]

does anyone know if the amber lenses come out of the tail lights too? it looks to me like they are part of the whole thing.

[p1mptress]

ur headlights look good just replace ur marker bulbs w/amber colored ones and replace ur parking lights (the big amber bulb) w/some silverstar bulbs so it doesn't have the amber color showing. Tail lights you can't do! I know someone makes them cleared out custom on here.

[boostnsrt]

who is it? i like the tail lights but just wish i could get rid of the amber shit.

[p1mptress]

Can't remember the name but you could probably search it on here or someone will probably jump in and help you out w/the name of the person.

[acold7dusta]

its writie (sp?)

[adam337]

and anderbra.

[pawzbear]

Ok, i already have cleared headlights on my '99 (i did it years ago..) But the outside plastic was starting to look ugly and wasnt as clear and pretty anymore... so i wanted new headlights, of course! (it sits outside in direct sun all the time.. does a number on plastic) Ok ordered brand new headlight assemblies on the cheap-izzle...loving my hookups. So I had to re-clear them, and i decided to actually do it "right" this time, as opposed to just wedging and prying and old headlight. WOW new headlights are a BITCH to get apart!!!! my old ones were easy as pie.. but there is SOOOO much more silicon in these new ones.
Anywho, im painting the bezels black, but the huge amounts of silicon everywhere somehow got a little on the front of the chrome bezel (where i intend to paint) And i cant seem to get it off?? whats a good way to get these little bits off? Freezer? i dunno!!

[Molson]

goo gone

[Headstrong2740]

yeah i ran into the same problem... i just reheated and took off what i could... yeah the new headlights have so much more in them... when i had my accident i had to redo one... was a pain in the ass... try freezer and see if it works though and let me know

[pawzbear]

ok... thanks. this is a PITA.

i was wedging the first one and my tool slipped so my hand flew up and i hit myself in the mouth really hard.. cut my lip pretty bad on my tooth. my sister thought it was fucking hilarious! =( But we oven baked them for a few minutes, would pull it out, i would wedge while she blowdried the crevices of them.. agh!! These things beat me up!

[Ghadsphi]

Yall got some big ovens! I tried the oven trick, turns out the headlights wouldn't fit. So I tried the hairdryer, got tired of that so I went over to my pops and got his heat gun. First one took me like 2 hours to get open.. Second one took about 15-20 minutes. Now I just need to clean them up and put them back togather. And pick out some new bulbs, I came across some 4led ambers for the signals but I forgot about the parking lights. Hopefully I'll have them all put back togather tonight/this morning.

[TheMeaningOfLife]

IS this do-able between like 10 in the morning to like 330 n the afternoon?

[alero_ecotec]

You mean, Is it able to be done in that amount of time?

If that's the question, then yes, absolutely.

[TheMeaningOfLife]

OK then im in on this trick tommarow!

[bratch15]

I got my clear corners done today, and I went to Auto Zone and asked the best way to go when reassembling the headlights, and they told me to go to Orelli's and tell them you need some dumb dumb.....lol, its actually 3M culk strips....rained heavy tonight in PA with a lot of humidity, and both headlights are golden....3m culk strips FTW and is stronger than factory....

[blindman]

hey im trying to clear my corners but the problem is i cant figure out how to get those clips out, i circled in the pic below, so i can get it out far enough to get to the silcone like the pic
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p269/blindman4556/dsagsfd.jpg

[p1mptress]

i had to you a swiss army knife to get the silicone around that out of it and I kindof pryed it out but that's probably not the best way to do it.

[DOHC_tuner]

stick that dam thing in the oven, its faster and easier just dont forget about it!!!!!

[blindman]

ya i just tryed preying at it but the grey platic gives way and the screw driver digs into that instead...so im trying the oven right now

[blindman]

ok i did the oven thingy and ran a knife around the thing.....but i just cant get the dam thing loose and there is nothing to hold on to on eithier side so u cant just pull hard so is there a special way i can get this

[jayson_waltz]

my guess is the only way is to pry it, but i broke mine off so it came off easy. i just used a whole load of silicone to put it back together.

[blindman]

ya i had to pry it like no other....im working on the other 1 now but i think the hardest part has getting the chrome piece out....i actually broke a small piece of the clears off like where the chrome attaches to the clear, so i just use a shit load of silcone to hold it in place

[CarlitosWay]

Just finished doing the first side.....I ended up cracking the chrome piece....I dabbed it w/ some clear silicone, and I'll see what it looks like tomorrow....

[rustyballs_69]

Just finished doing the first side.....I ended up cracking the chrome piece....I dabbed it w/ some clear silicone, and I'll see what it looks like tomorrow....

If it was just the tabs on the chrome then its cool. I broke one on mine too and its fine.

[Oldsnut]

No offense folks this is not rocket science, it's easy. Use a hair dryer to seperate them, then further persuade with screwdriver. Be gentle like your handling a virgin, nevermind most of you guys are to young to understand or know how to handle a virgin. Just be easy on it and it will come apart. Carefully remove the amber lense, take your time. Repeat, take your time. There should be no reason that you broke anything.

[Gr1m]

No offense folks this is not rocket science, it's easy. Use a hair dryer to seperate them, then further persuade with screwdriver. Be gentle like your handling a virgin, nevermind most of you guys are to young to understand or know how to handle a virgin. Just be easy on it and it will come apart. Carefully remove the amber lense, take your time. Repeat, take your time. There should be no reason that you broke anything.
rofl, who says you have to be gentle with virgins? :coolio:

[MixtapeMessiah]

once u pop the fun dont stop ;)

[CarlitosWay]

If it was just the tabs on the chrome then its cool. I broke one on mine too and its fine.

no, actually it wasnt the tab...it was in the center, but i just looked at it and its barely noticeable....i started on the project a little late at night, and i got impatient (my wife, and my son both caught a stomach virus that i passed on to them, so i spent all day and night taking care of them....lol). The next side should go ALOT smoother!

[Gr1m]

no, actually it wasnt the tab...it was in the center, but i just looked at it and its barely noticeable....i started on the project a little late at night, and i got impatient (my wife, and my son both caught a stomach virus that i passed on to them, so i spent all day and night taking care of them....lol). The next side should go ALOT smoother!
lets just hope that, maybe you will forget about the headlight in the oven when you run to eckerd getting them medicine for their cold's and melt the headlight

[CarlitosWay]

lets just hope that, maybe you will forget about the headlight in the oven when you run to eckerd getting them medinkine for their cold's and melt the headlight

LMAO!!!! I would do something that stupid....thats the sad part.

I just finished the second headlight, and it was damn near perfect, but after reconnecting everything my hazards, and my turn signals are only working half the time....if its not one thing, its another....

[[ion] C2]

its a recall, nothing you did

[CarlitosWay]

I put in some new bulbs and my turn signals, and hazards work for now....

but some birds attacked my car with bird shit so I cant show any pics....thats what I get for paking under a tree....

[SIUlero]

I just joined the club! And I took the extra step to paint the bezels...unfortunately they came out horrible cause it's so HUMID here and I don't have anyplace indoors to paint. I'll have to redo that someday, but for now it looks ok unless you get right up on it.

[Oldsnut]

Looks good with black bezels.

[NoSweat83]

Def. looks better now then when I left. Good job... next time it will be even better. Did you get everything else done?

[TheEdgeofSanity]

i really like the look of the clear corners......is it something that could be done really easily? i've never done anything like this before.

[SIUlero]

Yes, it's really easy...I know it's a long thread, but I suggest you go through and read it all first...people have put up some really good pointers. I wish I had read it before I started....I would have used the freezer trick and probably saved myself an hour or so. :(

[AleroGX04]

I agree withSIUlero, this thread has become quite a help. Although in my case, i had no problem clearing the corners by following the instructions on the first page of this thread. Didnt need the freezer trick or anything. I got both done in a half hour, but i had a heat gun. :yahoo:

[rustyballs_69]

I agree withSIUlero, this thread has become quite a help. Although in my case, i had no problem clearing the corners by following the instructions on the first page of this thread. Didnt need the freezer trick or anything. I got both done in a half hour, but i had a heat gun. :yahoo:

Heat guns are great! I used the oven though, works just fine.

[lonnie]

I found this to be one of the easiest mods yet. Thanks for the info guys

[lonnie]

I found this to be one of the easiest mods yet. Thanks guys for the info!

[TheEdgeofSanity]

so the oven doesn't melt anything?? i just don't want to be doing this and end up having to buy 2 new headlights and cleaning melted plastic outta the oven...

[rustyballs_69]

I just put it in the oven for 10 minutes on like 120*. It gets hotter than that here in phoenix and doesn't mess anything else up so i didn't think it would fuck up the headlights. Worked like a charm.

[lonnie]

I did mine summer of last year, and I used a heat gun from work its a lot easier to heat a section at a time and work your way around. After you get it apart the rest is a piece of cake. I didn't paint mine how ever, I just loved the chrome look with my rims and hoping to get some chrome trim for like the handles and b pilars and etc...

[TheMeaningOfLife]

Its is a nice mod and so far its probably my favorite! And if you dont have a heat gunbut you have time a hair dryer works just as well.

[jayson_waltz]

^ yea i just used a blowdryer. Even with just that it only took me about 7 hours to do both, thats including eating and screwing around on the net after 1 of them. I love the looks of clear corners lots better than stock.

[meadus101]

So now, The question is for me:


Once i take out the orange reflector, Is the Bulb Inside Clear or Amber?

I think Clearing the Corner and leaving just an Amber bulb would look fine.

So Am i going to need to buy bulbs to replace them with? Because I am going to need Amber Four Ways.



Since i'm here, If i wanted to replace my bulbs, Would i have to deal with all this Silicone Melting Bull?

One more thing.... Are the headlights of our cars Aimable? or do they just fit into the perfectly aimed position.

If they are aimable, Will clearing the corners and taking them out throw off said Aiming?

[DOHC_tuner]

So now, The question is for me:


Once i take out the orange reflector, Is the Bulb Inside Clear or Amber?

I think Clearing the Corner and leaving just an Amber bulb would look fine.

So Am i going to need to buy bulbs to replace them with? Because I am going to need Amber Four Ways.



Since i'm here, If i wanted to replace my bulbs, Would i have to deal with all this Silicone Melting Bull?

One more thing.... Are the headlights of our cars Aimable? or do they just fit into the perfectly aimed position.

If they are aimable, Will clearing the corners and taking them out throw off said Aiming?

first off yes the bulb still is amber and you should keep it like that unless you dont care if the cops stop you like I dont care and second get the 3157 silvestar bulbs to complete the look so you dont see amber unless you light it up and third no they are not aimable, last start the project and you'll see for yourself

[Gr1m]

the signal blub is amber and the one behind the reflector is clear, if you look at the top of the headlight you will see a level (bubble in tube sort of deal) you can use a tool to aim your headlights if they are not proper

[Ortz]

ok just did this tonight,4.5 hours for both.fingers are crossed. what about the marker light behind the reflector,i know its clear but do i have to get an amber one to replace it,or do i leave it clear?if i do replace it can you get one that does not appear amber when not lit like the signal one?

[lonnie]

I put a clear one in mine and haven't had a problem for a year now, and believe me I have been stopped several times.

[Ortz]

what kind of clear one did you replace with,i got the silver star head lights and they make the side marker light look yellow or brown ish.i want one that's supper white like my head lights,any one know where to get them.

[[ion] C2]

One question: Why isn't this stickied?

[lonnie]

I just used a regular old clear bulb, nothing special, I'll take some pics tonight and post them but I think that they look good, and I like the off white look. I wouldn't want them to bright, because a cop may pull you over for having highs on when actually they aren't.

[SIUlero]

I used the one with 4 LED's from autozone. It's clear when off, amber when on. I've got the silverstar ones for the large turn signals, and since LED's light up slightly faster than filament bulbs, it kind of gives a sequential effect when I turn on my signal

[lonnie]

That's nice I'll take a pic with the lights I have now and will post.

[Ortz]

thanks SIUlero that's exactly what i was thinking.but how did you connect 4 led's to that side marker,was it just a special 4 led bulb that you just had to plug in.i was looking at the wide angle smd led bulb from oznium.com, that come's in the 194,is this the kind of set up you have?i don't have a autozone any where around me so i need to fine every thing on the net.

[SIUlero]

Yeah, it's just a 194 made with 4 leds...plugs right in just like a normal bulb

[[ion] C2]

C2;296594']One question: Why isn't this stickied?
srsly

[a4d2a0m]

allright i have to reddo one of mine and im finally gettin arouond to it. I have a small hole in my silicone so theres precip gettin in do u think it will be more difficult or easier second time round. I USed Silicone II for caulking?

thanks bob


your best silicone for the headlights is to go with a clear high quality("G.E." brand or "HOME" in canada) it resists molding and exterior will stay flexible and expand and contract with the plastic from temprature changes.

[black]

i took this thingy out..

is that ok?

3149

[pawzbear]

uhmm isnt that what keeps the beam of light more controlled and less scattered?

(just thinking back to physics now...)

[[ion] C2]

yes you're supposed to have it

[Onewing91]

they also make these bulbs that appear a cool metallic silver and have no timt of amber but when they light up they are amber.

Hey, does anyone know where to find these?!? I would be the happiest newb modder in the world!:lol:

[adam337]

^silverstar ultras autozone ten bucks for two

[Onewing91]

silverstar ultras autozone ten bucks for two
You are amazing- thank you!

[[ion] C2]

pilot makes the 194s for the sides

also, again

STICKY THIS!

[Beholder88]

A nice little product called Goo Gone works wonders, at least for removing the silicone from any plastic parts. I used it for removing my badges from the rear end, didn't even harm the paint.

[Midgear]

A nice little product called Goo Gone works wonders, at least for removing the silicone from any plastic parts. I used it for removing my badges from the rear end, didn't even harm the paint.


hmm.. how about 10 year old crustified, sun baked, weather abused, dried out silicone?

I just ordered two -brand new- headlight assemblies off of Ebay for 180 shipped.. gonna have to clear my corners again :p

[Beholder88]

Yeah, Maybe not. Didn't think about that one. Might have to soak something in the stuff to make it work. Freezing it is a good idea, as previously mentioned. Makes the stuff brittle and easy to remove.

[[ion] C2]

I just ordered two -brand new- headlight assemblies off of Ebay for 180 shipped.. gonna have to clear my corners again :p
Hehe I ordered two nearly brand new ones, already cleared for $65.

[Midgear]

C2;379370']Hehe I ordered two nearly brand new ones, already cleared for $65.

define 'nearly'

[[ion] C2]

they have no flaws but were used. crystal clear lens. got em from comanche on here.

[Beholder88]

My first attempt at clearing my corners went rather crappy. I got the two main halves of the headlight assembly apart, but the chrome plastic piece is giving me some serious problems. It's not held in with silicone like the rest of the unit, it seems almost like super-glue or something is holding the piece in. I was using a heat gun to warm up the silicone, which worked quite nicely, but it didn't do any good for the chrome insert. Any ideas?

[itsbmw]

My first attempt at clearing my corners went rather crappy. I got the two main halves of the headlight assembly apart, but the chrome plastic piece is giving me some serious problems. It's not held in with silicone like the rest of the unit, it seems almost like super-glue or something is holding the piece in. I was using a heat gun to warm up the silicone, which worked quite nicely, but it didn't do any good for the chrome insert. Any ideas?
Stick it in the oven at like 150-180 for a few minutes :)
thats what Im gonna do when I clear mine, do i need to get a new bulb tho? I thought those had to light up orange :)

[deathwish666]

do i need to get a new bulb tho? I thought those had to light up orange :)

im not sure if there are orange bulbs in there already but yes they do have to light up orange...i bought new ones just in case...havent had time to clear them yet though

[[ion] C2]

the ones in the corner piece are clear bulbs, you need to get some "amber chrome 194" bulbs that look chrome then light up amber

[Beholder88]

I just went to AutoZone and bought a set of LED lights, they are clear, but light up orange. I can't wait to get the corners cleared so I can get some pics up. Only cost me about $10

[jeenysrider07]

C2;379370']Hehe I ordered two nearly brand new ones, already cleared for $65.

where did you get them from?

[alerored04]

C2;379374']they have no flaws but were used. crystal clear lens. got em from comanche on here.
Readin pwns jooo.