retrofit help

[spenedwrds]

those who have done retrofits and have ran into trouble removing the lense from the housing, what are some tricks you have tried to get it off? I'm working on a couple of sets for some members and I'm on my fourth headlight that just will not come apart. the glass chips off and the housing just crumbles.

if anyone has any tips of any kind that may help please let me know

 

[D Farms]

use a heat gun instead of the oven and get it super hot.

 

[spenedwrds]

use a heat gun instead of the oven and get it super hot.

I've tried a hair dryer, i know not the same but i have tried that. dad has a heat gun ill try that tommorow
thanks dfarms

 

[BrianSD_42]

Heat guns are dangerous, no need for that.

275 F, bake for 10-12 mins instead of 7 min.

Use 2 thin flathead screwdrivers, have an exacto knife ready to cut the glue strings as you pull it apart.

Put on gloves, handle it while hot. Don't let it cool even a minute.

 

[spenedwrds]

Heat guns are dangerous, no need for that.

275 F, bake for 10-12 mins instead of 7 min.

Use 2 thin flathead screwdrivers, have an exacto knife ready to cut the glue strings as you pull it apart.

Put on gloves, handle it while hot. Don't let it cool even a minute.

I've done all of these. All the retrofits I've done before have come apart no problem. The last 5 headlights I've worked with 4 of them just have not wanted to give no matter what temp and how long I put them in the oven.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

Are the housings aftermarket? I had the same issue with some Vision brand housings. Heated up multiple times with longer intervals at higher heat each time and still chipped the plastic housing and glass lens. I gave up and Craigslisted them and bought TYC's from Rock Auto and they came apart like a hot gooey Cinnebon roll! Now I'm hungry :hungry:

 

[UnderFire]

I used the advice Brian gave you and had no problems with Eagle Eyes brand and OEM Toyota housings. A second set of hands does help.

 

[MTD]

I bake mine at 300°F for 7 min, check at 5. There is nothing you can melt on our headlights its all ceramic composite, glass filled poly, and glass... Give that a try OP

 

[spenedwrds]

Are the housings aftermarket? I had the same issue with some Vision brand housings. Heated up multiple times with longer intervals at higher heat each time and still chipped the plastic housing and glass lens. I gave up and Craigslisted them and bought TYC's from Rock Auto and they came apart like a hot gooey Cinnebon roll! Now I'm hungry :hungry:

That's exactly what they are. May have to stop buying those then. The first 4 I've done came apart no problem at all and here lately I've had bad luck with them

 

[spenedwrds]

I bake mine at 300°F for 7 min, check at 5. There is nothing you can melt on our headlights its all ceramic composite, glass filled poly, and glass... Give that a try OP

Nothing's melting the glass just won't break free and the housing starts to crumble and glass chips

 

[MTD]

Nothing's melting the glass just won't break free and the housing starts to crumble and glass chips

Just was suggesting more heat, but it sounds like you have yourself a set of permaseal headlights... I hate that stuff. Your best bet is to sell these and order some with the butyle rubber glue

 

[spenedwrds]

Just was suggesting more heat, but it sounds like you have yourself a set of permaseal headlights... I hate that stuff. Your best bet is to sell these and order some with the butyle rubber glue

Might be my best bet

 

[CentralFL4Runner]

Are the housings aftermarket? I had the same issue with some Vision brand housings. Heated up multiple times with longer intervals at higher heat each time and still chipped the plastic housing and glass lens. I gave up and Craigslisted them and bought TYC's from Rock Auto and they came apart like a hot gooey Cinnebon roll! Now I'm hungry :hungry:

Do you know if those are glass or plastic? I see the more expensive "Doormans" are plastic.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

Do you know if those are glass or plastic? I see the more expensive "Doormans" are plastic.

Vision and TYC both have glass lenses.

 

[A.Wilson013]

those who have done retrofits and have ran into trouble removing the lense from the housing, what are some tricks you have tried to get it off? I'm working on a couple of sets for some members and I'm on my fourth headlight that just will not come apart. the glass chips off and the housing just crumbles.

if anyone has any tips of any kind that may help please let me know

I was having terrible luck chipping and struggling with screw drivers, so I switched it up a bit.

I put them in the over, 275 for 7 minutes, then I use an old butcher knife to get them started. The thickness and length of the blade allows me to "pry" (moreso just wiggle the knife) over a larger area, and get a bit more leverage, while the (dull) edge allows it to slide in very easily.

Using this method I have not had any issues, or chipped a single housing.

I ALWAYS start at this corner, working the blade at an angle so it puts pressure on both the top, and side.

http://joshsworld.com/images/replace-headlight-4runner-after.png

 

[spenedwrds]

I was having terrible luck chipping and struggling with screw drivers, so I switched it up a bit.

I put them in the over, 275 for 7 minutes, then I use an old butcher knife to get them started. The thickness and length of the blade allows me to "pry" (moreso just wiggle the knife) over a larger area, and get a bit more leverage, while the (dull) edge allows it to slide in very easily.

Using this method I have not had any issues, or chipped a single housing.

I ALWAYS start at this corner, working the blade at an angle so it puts pressure on both the top, and side.

http://joshsworld.com/images/replace-headlight-4runner-after.png

May have to try that too. Ended up trying one last time last night and the whole lense just cracked. So I broke down and just bought tyc brand.