Contributed by: JLevi
Baking Your Headlights: A DIY Guide
Brought to you exclusively by:
Jon Levi
Owner/Operator
JleviSW.com
DISCLAIMER: JleviSW.com takes no responsibility for harm done to individuals or components as a result of this installation or misuse of this information. If you have read over the following tutorial and are still uncomfortable completing this installation,
CONTACT US to find an authorized installer in your area!
Step
1.
After removing the headlights from the car, set them on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 250 Degrees Fahrenheit.
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Step
2.
While preheating the oven, check the back of the headlight for any screws. You will want to remove these before baking, since your time is limited when the glue is hot. You also probably don't want to handle a hot
headlight more than necessary.
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Step
3.
At this point, remove all the rubber pieces on the top of the headlight. It's not necessary, but it will help later when you are trying to open it up as fast as possible if you have them off already. When you're done there,
pop the headlight in the oven (or start using a heat gun) and set a timer for 15 minutes.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE HEADLIGHT, JUST IN CASE!!!
The chances of your headlight melting are very very minimal, but
you can never be too safe!
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4. After sitting by the oven for at least 15 minutes, pull the headlight out.
WARNING: The plastic headlight will be EXTREMELY hot. Use OVEN MITS! DO NOT TOUCH THE HOT SURFACE OF THE HEADLIGHT!!!
Place the headlight on a heat-proof surface (a granite counter top is perfect!) and get out your flathead screwdriver. Begin by opening the clips all the way around the headlight. They may pop back in. Don't worry about it just yet.
NOTE: We suggest using heat-proof gloves!
In the pictures, I did not since I knew what I was doing and could work quickly...
but if you do not, you are very likely to burn yourself.
BE CAREFUL!!!
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Step 5.
Next, begin to wiggle the screwdriver in the area between the lens and the headlight back. As you do this, be sure to GENTLY release the clips. Work around the headlight 2 or 3 times until you've gotten all the clips off. Note that they WILL pop back in, so keep going around till the headlight cover comes off uniformly. Be patient, but work somewhat quickly. You don't want the glue to dry again
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Step
6.
Now, continue working with the screwdriver and twisting it to push the lens away from the back of the headlight. As you do this, trail the screwdriver and pop open the clips in front of where you're working.
They will pop off one by one. Try to prop the headlight open so it doesn't close back up. Continue doing this all the way around.
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Step
7.
Once you've gone all the way around, it should be fairly easy to remove the entire lens. Separate the strands of glue and leave them on either the lens or the backing. You will re-use the OEM glue later
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Step
8.
Install your demon eyes at this point. Keep in mind that all applications are different, and you should consult your model-specific user's guide if one has been provided for you. In most cases, it is a very straightforward process involving either double sided 3M tape or glue to secure the rings to either the bezel or the lens.
Note: TEST THE RINGS with the supplied ballast before closing the headlight back up!
Although we test all rings prior to shipment, they are sometimes broken in transit!
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Step 9.
Run the wiring out the back of the headlight (usually through the rubber boot in the back), and position the trim in front of the cover. Gently press it back together as much as possible. It will not go all the way, since the glue is cold and dried. Preheat the oven as before, and place the headlight back in for 15 minutes.
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Step
10.
CLOSING THE HEADLIGHT.
Now you are ready to close the headlight. Once it is warm, remove it from the oven with gloves, and press firmly back together, making sure that all the clips pop back in. To firmly close the headlight, put all the screws back in. Once the headlight dries, it will be as good as new just with a nicer
appearance!
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For information regarding wiring, consult
www.JleviSW.com
To purchase DDE Kits for ANY make or model car where available, please visit us!
For more information email
[email protected]
Happy Modding!
Jon Levi
JleviSW.com
References:
JLevi Instructions in PDF Format