Bonded rear lights :(

macky_6 · Post by **macky_6** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:48 pm

Hey all,

I have Lexus style rear lights on my car which i hate

It wouldn't be so bad if they were in decent condition, but they are not. They are obviously from USA as they originally had a red indicator. But the genius who fitted them has attacked them with a screwdriver or other such precision tool via the whole for the bulb, and smashed out the red cover, but you can still see traces of it inside, then fitted an orange bulb

I tried my best to hide the look of them by tinting them, and from a distance, it doesn't look too bad. But i know what lurks beneath

And now one is cracked

So, why don't i just replace them? Because the genius who fitted them also went to the trouble of bonding them in

Here are the pics: apologies for the dirt

As you can see from the pics, they are only bonded at the top and along the edge where they meet the rear 3/4 panel.

So, have you guys any suggestions as to how i can remove these, without damaging the panels? Not worried about damaging the lights at all, obviously

thanks

Post by **Gayno** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:59 pm

macky_6 wrote:the genius who fitted them also went to the trouble of bonding them in

Dafuq?!

I'd just cut through the bonding with a stanley knife, carefully of course, to get the lights out. Then trim the bonding down as much as possible, the replacement lights should pretty much cover what's left.

macky_6 · Post by **macky_6** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:01 pm

Gayno wrote:
macky_6 wrote:the genius who fitted them also went to the trouble of bonding them in
Dafuq?!

I'd just cut through the bonding with a stanley knife, carefully of course, to get the lights out. Then trim the bonding down as much as possible, the replacement lights should pretty much cover what's left.

I think they were a pretty rubbish fit

thanks for that advice, i was thinking along this route, but wasn't sure what i was doing

The "S" express · Post by **honda-hardy** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:02 pm

the bonding should have a certain point to which it will sheer, so i think its a case of pull them out. just hope it doesn't peel the paint or you have no filler in the rear quarters around the lights.

Post by **Gayno** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:03 pm

As long as you're careful not to scratch the paint you should be OK.

judderod · Post by **judderod** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:15 pm

There is some stuff you can get that dissolves silicone sealant. But I've no idea what it might do to your paintwork. Perhaps if it's really stuck you could slap some on the inside.

macky_6 · Post by **macky_6** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:17 pm

Yeah, maybe if i cut round the edges first before pulling the lights, if they do sheer, it will do so along the cuts hopefully

It is the paint i am worried about, they are about the only decent panels on the car

judderod · Post by **judderod** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:25 pm

Maybe a scalpel rather than a stanley blade so you can cut right through. Mind those wires!

Post by **lewd lude lover** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:26 pm

I wouldnt pull them off! if the paint pulls it will pull off places you can see.

A stanly is a very broad blade as well so offers quite a bit of resistance if its quite deep. I would get a thin scalpel or craft knife and cut them out. the bond will more often than not completly peel away after that but as thin a blade as you can get to offer the least drag would be my choice.

If you get the hair drier on them for a few mins beforehand you might have an easier time of it.

Post by **lewd lude lover** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:26 pm

beat me to it