Opening headlights question

fbird18

fbird18

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I've searched and got most of the answers I need. Just 3 more easy questions.

First, I know you put it in the oven, but you couldn't just put it in there on the rack, do you put it on a cookie sheet with tin foil or anything?

Second, do you leave the old headlight sealant on there, or do you clean it off and put new stuff on before you put it back in the oven?

Finally, with the new sealant on there and done, can you re-open the headlights in the future if needs be? Is there a specific kind that works best for re-opening? I don't want to make it closed for good like the new headlights with the black sealant.

Please help. I really want to get this done tomorrow. Thanks.
 
1. Yes, you can just put it on the rack.

2. Leave the old grey sealant there. That will be the main adhesive keeping your light together.

3. I've just used the black rtv sealant. It's kind of messy to remove it, but it can be done very easily. You don't need to remove it all to get the headlight apart a second time.
 
In my aveo, I just threw in on the rack. When I closed them I pushed them together, popped them back in the oven for the same time to take apart, to soften again, and pressed together. Didnt leak or fog.
 
Wow, an Aveo to an LS... that's one HUGE step up!
 
very over rated project. not very difficult and totally changes the look of the front end.
 
and....if your going to take the time to open the headlight up, please take the time to paint the bezel to match your car or at least a glossy black.
 
babbster said:
and....if your going to take the time to open the headlight up, please take the time to paint the bezel to match your car or at least a glossy black.
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I was wondering about that. My car is a dark blue, wasn't sure if you would even notice the bezel painted to match my car. As far as the oven goes, you really just put the headlight in there on the rack? It doesn't melt anything? Also, 250 degrees for 10 minutes to open them? Same to put back together? Thanks for the responses.
 
fbird18 said:
I was wondering about that. My car is a dark blue, wasn't sure if you would even notice the bezel painted to match my car. As far as the oven goes, you really just put the headlight in there on the rack? It doesn't melt anything? Also, 250 degrees for 10 minutes to open them? Same to put back together? Thanks for the responses.
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http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=40962

here is a link to my thread, just did them a week ago. please paint the bezel, make sure it is temperature resistant paint, auto parts store carries it. i also used a cookie sheet just as a precaution. To reseal i used grey rtv sealant, the stuff you use to make gaskets. i put them in the oven at 225 for 20 minutes, sealing was 225 for 10 minutes.
 
It's important to preheat the oven to about 230, put the headlight in once it's preheated, and then shut if off. You're asking for trouble if you leave it on.
 
skizot722 said:
It's important to preheat the oven to about 230, put the headlight in once it's preheated, and then shut if off. You're asking for trouble if you leave it on.
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i left it on the whole time, if you have to throw it back in to loosen its already heated. you just cant walk away and go play a round of golf or something.
 
LongIslandLSE said:
skizot722 said:
It's important to preheat the oven to about 230, put the headlight in once it's preheated, and then shut if off. You're asking for trouble if you leave it on.
Click to expand...
i left it on the whole time, if you have to throw it back in to loosen its already heated. you just cant walk away and go play a round of golf or something.
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Just giving some friendly advice as I've done this several times, and I always err on the side of caution. You can take it or leave it. :)
 
Thank you to all that helped out with my questions. I got them done on saturday. Looks awesome! Makes me wish I did that sooner. I took out the amber lens, painted the bezel, and sanded down and polished the headlight lens. Thanks again for the help. Heres a couple pics. It was cloudy out, so it's tough to tell the bezels are painted, but they are and look great :).

P4050419a.JPG


P4040397a.JPG


P4050420a.JPG


P4050423a.JPG
 
Hey Nic, that looks really good man, nice job. If you even want a crisper look I just got done installing chromium bulbs in the turn signals. They still shine amber but are chrome and blend in nicely.
 
Thanks. I got the sylvania silverstar bulbs. Are those different than the chromium bulbs? I didn't see any other options besides the amber bulbs.
 
Looks good, definitly a cheap and easy way to add a clean look. I agree that the chrome bulbs look really nice in the turn signal. Now you just need to clean up the side markers, tint them out or wait on clear corners.
 
fbird18 said:
Thanks. I got the sylvania silverstar bulbs. Are those different than the chromium bulbs? I didn't see any other options besides the amber bulbs.
Click to expand...

Yae search eBay 3157 chrome bulbs and you will see what I mean. I had the Sylvania ones which were super bright but I wanted the entire front to blend in. They still light up amber but look chrome. I saw a blue LS like yours in St. Paul the other week looked good.

Hey it looks like April might be a wet cold month. You agree maybe we should wait to have this LS meet until May or June?
 
looks good, is your car blue or black? hard to tell on this monitor. what did you use to paint the bezel?
 
+1 on waiting til May or June. The nicer the better...
 
steagle said:
looks good, is your car blue or black? hard to tell on this monitor. what did you use to paint the bezel?
Click to expand...

Thanks. My color is a dark metallic blue. To paint the bezels I got some ford motor company spray paint from welle auto parts. $5 for a little 8oz can, still have plenty left over too, even after 4 coats each.

babbster said:
Now you just need to clean up the side markers, tint them out or wait on clear corners.
Click to expand...

I know. I would love to clear them, but I think I saw them for sale for like $70, maybe more. Seems a little steep for 2 small pieces of plastic.

Hey John, it's a pretty good possibility it was me you saw. I work near the capital and drive into the city almost everyday for lunch.

I agree about waiting on the meet. The nicer the weather, the cleaner the cars will be :) . Can't wait though. Should be fun.
 
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