Taking apart JDM headlights - Honda Prelude Forum

Padge · 03-03-2003, 10:02 PM

Does anyone have experience doing this? I have to take mine apart this weekend or this coming week (spring break) because they look terrible when my headlights are on, there are tons of streaks inside them that need to be wiped off.

I need some instructions on how to seperate them... any ideas?

neoekai · 03-03-2003, 10:53 PM

I have taken apart 98-02 accord headlights which are very similar in shape. To take them apart i would start on the side of the headlight which faces the inside of the car, head and the pull apart.

Padge · 03-04-2003, 09:50 AM

do i need to heat them up? cause they are plastic and I am afraid to do that.

Mark94 · 03-04-2003, 10:16 AM

I would be very careful Pat. I would try to avoid opening them at all costs if possible because I hear they do not cooperate with you if you are trying to open them.

If it bothers you that much, I would remove the whole assembly from the car, then remove the rubber gasket in the back and the bulbs. I would then get a thin rubber hose that will flex (like the hose connected to our PVC valves) and tape a soft damp rag to the end of it. Insert the end with the damp rag into the back hole and wipe away any smears on the inside.

Once you finish that, let the lights sit overnight in a dry place in your house without the rubber gaskets on the back just to make sure all the moisture left in the assembly evaporates before you reinstall.

Opening them should be your last resort.

Good luck.

P.S. When is the next tri-state meet?

Mark

Padge · 03-04-2003, 10:48 AM

Mark,
Ive taken the bulbs out before, but there is only a little hole there, just big enough so that the bulbs can fit in. Am I missing something, is there a way to make the hole bigger?
Thanks

PS Not to sure about the meet... ill let you know

Mark94 · 03-04-2003, 11:39 AM

There is no way to make the hole bigger, but that is why I said use a flexible piece of fubber piping so you can reach the sides of the assembly. When I say a damp rag, I don't mean the whole rag either. Just cut a small 5 X 5" square and wrap that around the end of the hose and moisten it. Stick that through the hole and go to work.

I'd rather do this and live with the outcome (even if it isn't perfect) because I'm not willing to rip apart something so rare and beautiful.

Mark

Padge · 03-04-2003, 12:28 PM

i know i agree with you. i have tried to fit a rag in that hole before, its virtually impossible.

I think I will have to get some loooong q-tips.