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Topic: headlight and park lamps... (Read 3413 times) previous topic - next topic

headlight and park lamps...

ok everybody, what is the best way to get the lenses off of these, (in one piece), on an '88 Cougar? and what is the best way to reattach them after??  Thanks in advance.:bowdown:
95 Ranger Splash 2.3
88 Tbird Sport :ies::ies:
5.0 SO, stainless shorty headers, w/ Magnaflow lers. KYB struts, KYB shocks. 5lug conversion from sn95 Mustang, subframe connectors, drilled and slotted rotors, 03 Mach 1 wheels. sequential taillights.140 speedo

headlight and park lamps...

Reply #1
Just a thin serrated blade to chisel/se into a corner of it until you can begin pulling the plastic pieces apart from one another. I found with the stock glue, it cracked well enough to pretty much just pull the thing apart, working around in a circle. The only time I actually broke the plastic (was the headlight lens) was when trying to take apart a headlight after I had already epoxied it back up before. I found a standard silverware knife to work well at prying.

I think I used "2 ton epoxy" at that time. Its basically the same as all of the 2-part epoxies found in hardware stores. I used the stuff thats half clear, half a yellowish tint. Dries clear.

From then on, i just epoxied the corners and used silicone to fill in the sides. Works great and seals well.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

headlight and park lamps...

Reply #2
Quote from: cougarman
ok everybody, what is the best way to get the lenses off of these, (in one piece), on an '88 Cougar? and what is the best way to reattach them after??  Thanks in advance.:bowdown:


I ran mine under really hot water while slicing/prying/pulling.  It made the plastic more pliable and less likely to crack or break.

I haven't put them back together yet.
"lol.. because not too many people care for that style of car"
[size=-2]Click on paw print \/[/size]


headlight and park lamps...

Reply #3
Thanks guys!! :bowdown:
95 Ranger Splash 2.3
88 Tbird Sport :ies::ies:
5.0 SO, stainless shorty headers, w/ Magnaflow lers. KYB struts, KYB shocks. 5lug conversion from sn95 Mustang, subframe connectors, drilled and slotted rotors, 03 Mach 1 wheels. sequential taillights.140 speedo

headlight and park lamps...

Reply #4
I separated mine using a putty knife and gently pried it loose a little at a time from each end.
To put back together, I used permatex clear lense glue/sealer.
Lense has stayed on and I've had no moisture problems.

headlight and park lamps...

Reply #5
I'll see how it goes this weekend. Thanks.:D
95 Ranger Splash 2.3
88 Tbird Sport :ies::ies:
5.0 SO, stainless shorty headers, w/ Magnaflow lers. KYB struts, KYB shocks. 5lug conversion from sn95 Mustang, subframe connectors, drilled and slotted rotors, 03 Mach 1 wheels. sequential taillights.140 speedo

headlight and park lamps...

Reply #6
Well, I got the park lamp and corner lamp apart, but the headlight is being a real bitch.:mad:
95 Ranger Splash 2.3
88 Tbird Sport :ies::ies:
5.0 SO, stainless shorty headers, w/ Magnaflow lers. KYB struts, KYB shocks. 5lug conversion from sn95 Mustang, subframe connectors, drilled and slotted rotors, 03 Mach 1 wheels. sequential taillights.140 speedo

headlight and park lamps...

Reply #7
I just let mine fall off :D
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

headlight and park lamps...

Reply #8
Quote from: Thunder Chicken
I just let mine fall off :D

I wish...:D
95 Ranger Splash 2.3
88 Tbird Sport :ies::ies:
5.0 SO, stainless shorty headers, w/ Magnaflow lers. KYB struts, KYB shocks. 5lug conversion from sn95 Mustang, subframe connectors, drilled and slotted rotors, 03 Mach 1 wheels. sequential taillights.140 speedo

headlight and park lamps...

Reply #9
yeah it requires bravery and a steady hand for that for sure. little hijack here but after buffing my lenses i noticed the chrome reflectors  are in sorry shape. anyone know the best solution for this? maybe chrome spray paint or some type of adhesive reflective material?
TC#1- 2.5T- 10.14@134....9.76@138 with a 50shot
TC#2- Turbo BBF project
TC#3- parts car

headlight and park lamps...

Reply #10
Quote from: Pressure cooked chicken
little hijack here but after buffing my lenses i noticed the chrome reflectors  are in sorry shape. anyone know the best solution for this? maybe chrome spray paint or some type of adhesive reflective material?


This has been discussed here a couple times. Basically nothing short of getting it "rechromed" (however they do it) will work well. Paints will do nothing. I found that aluminum tape, applied and polished, works well.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

headlight and park lamps...

Reply #11
thanks. i'll look into that
TC#1- 2.5T- 10.14@134....9.76@138 with a 50shot
TC#2- Turbo BBF project
TC#3- parts car

 

headlight and park lamps...

Reply #12
Tip: New headlights.
Yes they are expensive as heck. But definately worth it!
I thought mine were clear and not yellowed nor scratched with good looking shiny reflectors.
But my car was casting a shadow in front when someone with good lights was behind me.
I bought a new set from diamonds777 on ebay for $125.
What a differance! Now I can see whats ahead of me on the road.
I think something else is going on with the old plastic like some microscopic cracks which don't pass the light through.
Anyway seeing is beliving.
Engine mods cost more, and what fun are they if you can't see where your going?
BobNorway;)
There are only two tools you will ever need:
1) WD40
2) Duct Tape
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
If it moves and shouldn't, use the duct tape.

headlight and park lamps...

Reply #13
Quote from: BobNorway
But my car was casting a shadow in front when someone with good lights was behind me.

lol... i know the feeling.
2005 Subaru WRX STi|daily driver

headlight and park lamps...

Reply #14
Quote from: BobNorway
Tip: New headlights.
Yes they are expensive as heck. But definately worth it!

While that is the best option for Thunderbirds, I don't think Cougar owners have that luxury. The lights are discontinued, AFAIK
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣