Tools - removing headlight covers

[Fast Fred]

I'd like to remove the headlight covers on my 996 4S.

They seem to be "glued" on the normal headlights. I have no idea what they used to attach them, but it sticks very good, there's no movement at all when I pull carefully.

I also like to keep these covers, so I want to remove 'm without damaging them nor the headlights (off course).

Any hints ?

see pic

[bavarian]

Usually these are attached with 3M double sided tape or silicone glue. I would try using a hairdryer to warm everything up and then slide dental floss behind them and move it up and down. That should work.

[Tom Sch]

hi,

don't try that!

-you will damage your clear plastic parts

or/and

-if you have removed the cover you will not able to clean everting to new condition

and

-you will damage the cover (for sure)!

if you want to change the optic buy another set of headlights by ebay or teile.pl!

[Fast Fred]

hi,

don't try that!

-you will damage your clear plastic parts

or/and

-if you have removed the cover you will not able to clean everting to new condition

and

-you will damage the cover (for sure)!

if you want to change the optic buy another set of headlights by ebay or teile.pl!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So you're saying that my only good option is to buy new headlights ?

This teile.pl site, is it reliable where it comes to selling used parts ?

[Tom Sch]

So you're saying that my only good option is to buy new headlights ?

This teile.pl site, is it reliable where it comes to selling used parts ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

some people have bought different parts (used and new), without any problems, fast delivery and for good price's

[Fast Fred]

If I'd do that, do I have to have the lights installed by a professional, or is this farely easy to DIY ?

If I'd do that, I'd take xenons (now I have "normal" headlights).

On teile.pl there are used xenon headlights for 500 euro each (new = 845), nevertheless they mention feb. 2005 as date of construction...

[Eli at Pelican]

If I'd do that, do I have to have the lights installed by a professional, or is this farely easy to DIY ?

If I'd do that, I'd take xenons (now I have "normal" headlights).

On teile.pl there are used xenon headlights for 500 euro each (new = 845), nevertheless they mention feb. 2005 as date of construction...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

To properly set your headlights up with Xenons you'll need to update your wiring harnesses (there are two) one for each side. Your looking at about 195 and 145 on the harnesses.....

-Eli

eli@pelicanparts.com

[umn]

...

They seem to be "glued" on the normal headlights. I have no idea what they used to attach them, but it sticks very good, there's no movement at all when I pull carefully.

I also like to keep these covers, so I want to remove 'm without damaging them nor the headlights (off course).

...

Hi,

I spoke to Nico Strosek today who manufactures these covers. Basically, there is a chance that your covers can be taken off and re-used (easier on a pre-facelift model like yours), but as "Tom Sch" already said, there are some issues.

Apparently warming up the headlights doesn't help an awful lot. The idea is to take some kind of flat spatula (preferably non-metal non-scratch) and very carefully go all around the two holes and prise off the cover bit by bit. It should be possible to take off the cover without damaging it, but it is a risky procedure.

The main issue is removing the glue from the headlight. Since the headlights are made of plastic and not glass, you are very restricted as to the type of fluid you can use as not to permanently damage the headlight. I seem to recall he reckoned that Methylated spirit would be OK, but I'd certainly try it in an unconspicous place first. Anything more aggressive I'd definitely not use.

Apparently it takes an evening just to get the glue off the headlights.

Cheers,

Uwe

Edited March 3, 2005 by umn

[zdr2k]

...

They seem to be "glued" on the normal headlights. I have no idea what they used to attach them, but it sticks very good, there's no movement at all when I pull carefully.

I also like to keep these covers, so I want to remove 'm without damaging them nor the headlights (off course).

...

Hi,

I spoke to Nico Strosek today who manufactures these covers. Basically, there is a chance that your covers can be taken off and re-used (easier on a pre-facelift model like yours), but as "Tom Sch" already said, there are some issues.

Apparently warming up the headlights doesn't help an awful lot. The idea is to take some kind of flat spatula (preferably non-metal non-scratch) and very carefully go all around the two holes and prise off the cover bit by bit. It should be possible to take off the cover without damaging it, but it is a risky procedure.

The main issue is removing the glue from the headlight. Since the headlights are made of plastic and not glass, you are very restricted as to the type of fluid you can use as not to permanently damage the headlight. I seem to recall he reckoned that Methylated spirit would be OK, but I'd certainly try it in an unconspicous place first. Anything more aggressive I'd definitely not use.

Apparently it takes an evening just to get the glue off the headlights.

Cheers,

Uwe

Where can I get a hold of Nico Strosek, I would like to buy a set for a 99 996 non-lifted. I personally like them on dark colored cars.

thx

jorge

[evil2219]

I'd like to remove the headlight covers on my 996 4S.

They seem to be "glued" on the normal headlights. I have no idea what they used to attach them, but it sticks very good, there's no movement at all when I pull carefully.

I also like to keep these covers, so I want to remove 'm without damaging them nor the headlights (off course).

Any hints ?

see pic

what kind of headlight cover are u using