Step by Step how to clear your 03 Headlights.

[Sick Boy]

Want to know how to get that ugly yellow out the lense?
:(
http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0001.gif




What is needed.

1. Two butter knives
2. Home oven
3. Hair dryer
4. Permatex Black Silicone Adhesive. (Waterproof and flexible. Temperature range -80°F to 450°F; resists oil, water, weather, vibration, grease.)http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0002.gif
6. X-acto knife
7. Wet cloth towel to keep your fingers clean of silicone.
8. Patience

Total time: At lest 4 hours for all 4 head lamps.

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First pre heat your oven to about 175-200F for about 5-10 mins, depending on the actual temperature of the oven. Leave the headlights in there until they are somewhat warm to the touch. Start at one end of the headlight, and use a dull object such as a butter knife or dull screwdriver to separate the headlights.

Start with your turn signal lamps. One at a time only.

Take out your butter knife and work it around the seam cutting the black OEM silicone. Start first with the inside part of the lense not the side with the yellow marker. Reason being that the yellow side is the hardest to get open becuse of the curvy joints. This is very important.
http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/1.gif
http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0004.gif


Get your hair dryer and heat up the silicone that is harder to get out. Here is shown the side i want you to work with first.

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0006.gif


Once you have gotten most of the silicon loose around most of the lense gently try to pry open the inside lense first. Again use your hair dryer for the harder parts. *Note dont touch the silver inside or the inside of the clear lense. KEEP YOUR GREASY LITTLE FINGERS AWAY! =)

Use two knifes if it helps. *Note, Dont break of any tabs, they help you secure the headlight in place.

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0008.gif

Try to pull it apart gently and it should look like this.

As you can see the yellow lense is still intact. Again, heat up that last spot to remove.

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0009.gif

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0010.gif

Now pull apart once soft.

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0012.gif

here you can see how the yellow marker is put together. One solid pice than can be easily taken out.

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0019.gif

Clear!
http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0013.gif

Remove and loose particals and major silicone that is left on both parts.

Now return both parts to the oven for another 5-10 min to soften up the silicon.

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0015.gif

Take out and apply the Prematex Silicon around the Black case. Put a substantial amount! But be very carful to not let it over flow in your new nice shiny clear lense! This part take the utter most precision.:D

Now you can close the lense and put something heavy such as books on top so it can secure tightly.

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0018.gif


Let it dry al least over night. Dont put them right away in your truck.

After the black silicon is dry you can cut any excess silicone that flowed over with an exacto knife.

Now to the headlights

Put in the oven for 5-10 min.

TAKE OUT YOUR BULBS FIRST!!!!:idiot: I wouldnt let you put them in the oven with out tellin' you right?

Use the same procedure explained. Dont try to work the yellow part. Its more difficult.

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0023.gif

Work around it, hold your headlight inplace.

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0022.gif

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0024.gif

The headlights are harder to take apart, keep on working and heating with the hair dryer!

Then walla!
Here i have already removed the yellow lense. I also had to remove the Black pice that is found with in the clear lense.
http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0025.gif

Then put it back in the oven.
Burn Baby Burn!
http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0021.gif

Now apply silicone:D

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0027.gif

Let it sit over night.

Fullcure is actually 24 hrs.

The aftermath

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0031.gif

http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0029.gif

NOW TO THE FINAL PRODUCT!

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http://members.cox.net/silverstarchach/clearcorners/ClearCorners0037.gif
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[AntiBling]

Good article, just one question. So now you got gaps inside your headlights and the bulbs showing. With your black pickup, how come you didnt just tint the marker lights? I guess its just me but I would rather do that than to have gaps holes in my light assembly showing.

[Sick Boy]

Thanks guys. I didnt smoke the lens because i didnt think about that. But i love the way it looks as it is. You really dont notice that gap Its not really a gap it just looks like it. There is a reflector all around the lighthousing.

[brock]

you cant be nice with the lights bro... the headlights were way harder than the parking lamps too... btu i need to reseal my parking lamps because they're fogging up.... do you guys think i can just take them off my truck for a few days and stick them in the oven for a few minutes, then silicon it some more or do i have to pry them apart again? ( dont want to do that **** :X )

[Shmobbin]

The headlights are a son of a :cussing: !

I read above someone had some issues with fogging up. I imagine you could just add more silicone to the outter edge sealing even more so, right?

Anyone have thoughts on if you run into problems where you lights start fogging up?

I'm letting mine set over night and I'm going to set them in tomorrow. I'll take pics and post.

Whoever created this how-to, I have a few suggestions that I came up with while doing this.

- Don

[Sick Boy]

Post the suggestions :read:

And yes the headlights are hard to get loose! You should put an extra bead of silicone of you feel that you didnt fill the surrounding gap evenly, reason being that you can always cut the excess. Just make sure you keap your area clean and don't get any silicone smuges.

[Shmobbin]

Well, I was a little worried not to put too much silcone in the first set (non-head lamps) and I edned up with not enough. Today I've got the bottom lights fogging up. I'm thinking about just adding another bead around the lights, anyone have any thoughts on this. Think that will fix the fog up issue, or should I heat them up and reseal them entirely?

Anyhow, my suggestions were:

Show an image of how much silicone to poor in before resealing the lights (and if I reseal mine, I'll take a picture.)

Another, this somewhat relates to the issue of how much sealer to put in, perhaps a picture of the silicone's clear plastic tube at the end showing where to cut illustrating how much silicone can poor out of the tube. That make sense?

And more emphases on patience!

My best results for taking the lenses off were to keep heating the entire unit up, pulling it out and prying a little more each time. Repeating this process until I was able to pull the two units apart.

As for lights, I just replaced the stock amber bulb with a clear bulb, and as for the side marker, I left it clear. I tried to track down some clear reflectors but I didn't have any luck. Perhaps someone who has a molding shop can start a new product line for me... ;)

Any how, thanks chachi. You were a brave soul to start this. Oh and fix your spelling errors in your directions. :D

[Sick Boy]

You lights shouldn't fog up if you sealed it completly.

It only took one thick solid bead of silicone to seal the housing. If your lights have fogged up I suggest that you take apart the housing again and remove all the silicone. Now you can start fresh once again and make sure you get any cracks filled.

Don't do a hack job and just put more silicone over the existing one. Take your time to do it right.

I have not had a problem with my headlights or turn lamps. I have washed my car several times and it has rained pretty heavily over here. Till this day i see if my lights have fogged up but nada. Clean as a whistle. :D

Also I cut the plastic tube of silicone about little over half way at an ANGLE, for easy application.



And as for spelling inconsistancies bleh.. I was to tired to run a spell check when i worte up the tech-article. I will fix it later. Glad this was of help to you.
:D :D

[nowNzen]

The clears look good, but the amber turn signal bulbs are giving it the "fried eggs" look, still. Replace with 3157 Platinum bulbs & you'll have real clears-no more yellow.
QUESTION: For those wishing to tint the yellow lenses, how would it best be accomplished? I'm aware of the Testors tint paint used on model cars, but is it the best & if so, is it best to use a clearcoat over it?

[AntiBling]

Originally posted by nowNzen
The clears look good, but the amber turn signal bulbs are giving it the "fried eggs" look, still. Replace with 3157 Platinum bulbs & you'll have real clears-no more yellow.
QUESTION: For those wishing to tint the yellow lenses, how would it best be accomplished? I'm aware of the Testors tint paint used on model cars, but is it the best & if so, is it best to use a clearcoat over it?

Pactra spray tint is what I used on my side markers and taillights. Then go over them with a automotive clear coat.

[Tungsten]

This is mine all cleared..............
http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/5/web/149000-149999/149412_301_full.jpg
http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/5/web/149000-149999/149412_302_full.jpg

[nowNzen]

The 'silver front turn bulbs' simply replace the orange turn signal bulbs, which eliminate the 'fried eggs' look, or the orange color you see when looking at the lights.
Unless someone knows of a better source, I'm gonna get mine from Ebay.

[KILLAWHY]

I just went to walmart and got some clear 3157 bulbs to replace those yellow ones. It is much cheaper than getting those titan bulbs. :D

[Tungsten]

Originally posted by KILLAWHY
I just went to walmart and got some clear 3157 bulbs to replace those yellow ones. It is much cheaper than getting those titan bulbs. :D

Yes and much against the law.

[Sick Boy]

*sigh* I still havent even changed them. :(

[KILLAWHY]

Lol, yea, but I just wont use my binkers unless I absolutly have to. Looks over functionality.

[CKTA]

Nice write-up. looks good guys.:head:

[Cracker]

Originally posted by Chachi
I didnt smoke the lens because i didnt think about that. But i love the way it looks as it is.

How do you smoke lenses?

I would like to smoke the rears on my Bug. Thanks.

[FastEXT]

Chachi,

I wanted to thank you for posting your article. After a couple of hours scouring the web for ways to clear out the amber markers on my '03 Escalade, I came across your post. It was invaluable and I was able to perform the mod on my truck this past Saturday (Memorial Day weekend) in about 4 hours.

I wasn't able to put my housings into the oven, though, since the HID ballast is intergral to the headlight casing, and I don't think heating it up could be a good idea. However, an hour wrestling with a pair of flathead screwdrivers sitting in the hot sun did the trick.

I'd like to share a few photos of the finished product with you, and pass on my appreciation and that of all the members at Cadillac Forums (http://www.cadillacforums.com) who have read my 'modified' write-up and may benefit from it!

http://www.mlspin.com/ext

Thanks again!

- Tony in MA

[Sick Boy]

Originally posted by Cracker
How do you smoke lenses?

I would like to smoke the rears on my Bug. Thanks.



Here you go

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=104977&highlight=spray

Originally posted by FastEXT
Chachi,

I wanted to thank you for posting your article. After a couple of hours scouring the web for ways to clear out the amber markers on my '03 Escalade, I came across your post. It was invaluable and I was able to perform the mod on my truck this past Saturday (Memorial Day weekend) in about 4 hours.

I wasn't able to put my housings into the oven, though, since the HID ballast is intergral to the headlight casing, and I don't think heating it up could be a good idea. However, an hour wrestling with a pair of flathead screwdrivers sitting in the hot sun did the trick.

I'd like to share a few photos of the finished product with you, and pass on my appreciation and that of all the members at Cadillac Forums (http://www.cadillacforums.com) who have read my 'modified' write-up and may benefit from it!

http://www.mlspin.com/ext

Thanks again!

- Tony in MA


Glad I was a help to you.

[CKTA]

Originally posted by FastEXT
Chachi,

I wanted to thank you for posting your article. After a couple of hours scouring the web for ways to clear out the amber markers on my '03 Escalade, I came across your post. It was invaluable and I was able to perform the mod on my truck this past Saturday (Memorial Day weekend) in about 4 hours.

I wasn't able to put my housings into the oven, though, since the HID ballast is intergral to the headlight casing, and I don't think heating it up could be a good idea. However, an hour wrestling with a pair of flathead screwdrivers sitting in the hot sun did the trick.

I'd like to share a few photos of the finished product with you, and pass on my appreciation and that of all the members at Cadillac Forums (http://www.cadillacforums.com) who have read my 'modified' write-up and may benefit from it!

http://www.mlspin.com/ext

Thanks again!

- Tony in MA


:thumbup: :FSCrules:

[LiLHooT]

Has anyone else got condensation in their turns after this mod. I have it on one side.:cussing: I checked and she looks good and sealed. Any ideas:think:

[Sick Boy]

No condensation here. you must open it back up and dry it out under the hot sun and reseal completly. Make sure you scrape out any excess silicone.

[kyle0343]

GREAT HOW TO BRO I JUST DID MINE TODAY TOOK ABOUT 5 HOURS START TO FINISH....I'LL HAVE PICS L8ER THEIR DRYIN RIGHT NOW. THANKS AGAIN FOR THE POST:head:

[BrianD]

Has anyone considered instead of removing the orange pieces just painting them a similar color as the factory inner bezel? Which looks sorta like a gunmetal color.. That way you don't end up with a chunk missing and as far as the lower Corner Lamp.. The factory Reflector doesn't actually look like it glows much but instead has a hole that allows the lamp behind it to emit through.. You could replace that with an Amber bulb..

Just a thought!.

B

[BrianD]

Holy COW!. I just did one side today and let me say to the guys that did all 4 in a few hours.. Let me congratulate you!. It took me a couple hours just to do the headlight!.

I started off with doing the lower blinker/DRL housing and left that in the oven at 210 for about 20 mins. I worked my way around getting it open but had to pop it back in the oven many times. The heat is the key!. I'd suggest to anyone that you start with this piece first because if you start with the headlight you might just throw the towel in.. At least I almost did.. Dam near felt like I was destroying the black plastic housing on the headlights with having to pry on it so much with the blunt butter knife. It eventually came apart and I've got a stack of misc. stuff on top of the housing to keep some pressure on it while the RTV sets in good.

Now onto where I went a little different route on the orange reflectors.. I didn't quite care of the look of having the lower piece open and not matching the top so I scuffed my reflectors up and throw on a coat of semi-gloss black paint. It matches the inner black factor piece pretty well and looks good. Did the same for the headlights too..

I'll shoot some pics this weekend so you can see what it looks like..

My advice to anyone else wanting to do this..

1. Have lots of patience!. Don't get fustrated when it seems impossible to get the lens apart. Just keep prying on it. Eventually it come apart. The Oven is your FRIEND!. :)

2. Scrape out and remove as much of the old silicone as you can from the rear housing as well as the lens itself. A razor blade will make it easier.

3. Use a good thick bead of RTV and fill the little recieving grove in the housing (The Lens will sit down right in this). I even put some RTV around the outside where the lens meets the housing too!..

Welp that's about it.. I've got one more side to do so wish me luck guys!. I'm going to start it now! ;)

[BrianD]

Picture as Promised. Orange Reflectors Painted Semi Gloss Black.

http://home.comcast.net/~bcdavis411/images/nomoreorange.jpg

[Sick Boy]

looks good!:head:

[BrianD]

Thanks!. I tell ya.. Not to discourage anyone else but I would not want to ever go through that ordeal again!. Whew!.. What a PAIN!.

Another Major TIP!

Clean your Lenses Inside and out thoroughly! I had one that I had to redo because I got way too many finger prints on the inside (of course) and it looked horrible.

If you feel the need to wash the Reflector (You'll get old RTV Shavings on it).. Even the Lens.. You should use something non-abrasive like the Absorber to dry it. Even a towel will put fine scratches in the plastic of both the lens and the reflector but the Absorber WILL NOT!.

Good luck to those who are planning to do this soon!. The results are excellent..

-Brian.

[BrianD]

Well.. My clearing project started off looking good but my lower light housings are now permanently ruined!. Choose your RTV wisely. The Fumes from the RTV in combination with the heat of the Light bulbs has created some sort of Acid or something.. It's turned a lot of my Clear plastic frosted and the Reflectors are literally etched and eaten up.. They're no longer reflective..

I totally regret ever doing this mod! :cussing:

I can only hope that some after market company will come along soon and offer a decent set of clear Lights for these trucks.

[atomoverride]

I can only hope that some after market company will come along soon and offer a decent set of clear Lights for these trucks.
You mean these?

http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/Headlight_Conversion_Kits.html

The headlights have been out for awhile, the turn signals are comming out soon.

[Skidiver]

The clear lights look great!! To make the parking lights and turn signal bulbs look even better, order a set of silver amber bulbs in your truck size. They are silver when the power is off and glow amber when power is applied. It makes them street legal. It removes the egg appearance when your truck is parked.You can find them on Ebay. Thanks for your tip about clear lights.

[honic817]

looks real clean thanks for the great wright up