How do I get these parklights apart?

[superdav]

I started polishing parts to store so they'll be ready to go on when I put the truck back together, I put the lens on the buffing wheel to see how it would look and it looks brand new on the outside but dirty on the inside and the silver is coming off so it needs paint
I can't tell if it's glued or maybe even heated and pressed together.
Anybody take one of these apart?

[kelsfine69]

I think they are glued together. You would probably break them taking them apart. I just bought new aftermarket ons for what they are worth

[Azryael]

You might have luck sticking them into an oven at low temp to soften the glue and get them apart.

I had to do that for a headlight on a 2011 Cadillac DTS I used to own to fix an interior lens piece for some daylight running lamps that somehow came loose.

Assuming the aftermarket replacements are cheap to pick up, you've got nothing to lose by attempting to heat it and get it apart!

[superdav]

I may try the oven, I also thought about heating some wire to cut through it

[Azryael]

Kinda like a cutting wire for a block of clay?

I've seen a similar tool used to remove windshields by "cutting" the adhesive by breaking the bond as you pulled it all around.

Never thought of heating up a wire; is there a place to get it in without harming the lens?

[superdav]

Originally Posted by Azryael

Kinda like a cutting wire for a block of clay?

I've seen a similar tool used to remove windshields by "cutting" the adhesive by breaking the bond as you pulled it all around.

Never thought of heating up a wire; is there a place to get it in without harming the lens?

Windshield is were I got the idea, I've got some small stainless wire I'm gonna try just by working it in on a corner

[Azryael]

Good luck!!

It's rewarding when you can restore original parts instead of purchasing NOS/aftermarket.

[superdav]

Tried the wire, it's too big (.030) so I tried a razor blade and it works but tedious. I made it a couple inches around but I worked last night and Im really tired so I'll hit it again tomorrow.

[Azryael]

I would try heating it to soften the glue and then attack it with the razor blade. Should work out like a champ.

[tucsonjwt]

A heat gun would be my weapon of choice.

[Azryael]

Grab yourself the quality Porter Cable unit; had it for years now and no faults.

Just be careful not to heat for too long or you'll start melting things!

[Rockbottom78]

The oven worked great for mine. Just don't do it when your wife is around 😳😑
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[superdav]

Originally Posted by Rockbottom78

The oven worked great for mine. Just don't do it when your wife is around 😳😑
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What temp?

Originally Posted by Azryael

I would try heating it to soften the glue and then attack it with the razor blade. Should work out like a champ.

I bought a razor blade tip for the wood burner but I haven't had time to work on it

[Rockbottom78]

Originally Posted by superdav

What temp?



I bought a razor blade tip for the wood burner but I haven't had time to work on it

I did mine at 275f. For about ten minutes. Then pull em out cut can part (it still helped with a razor blade) for about 5 minutes. I put my back in the oven a couple times to reheat instead of accidentally cracking them. The glue cools off pretty quickly. Then when ready to put back together just reheat the two pieces and press then back together, then clamp until cooled off. I also ran a good bead of silicone around the outside of mine just to be sure. Haven't had any moisture issues for two years now.
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[BLE 'BURBAN]

I used a miniature XACTO hacksaw on mine along the seam. one stroke on each side all the way around until I got to the inner lip of the backside. Then I slid a small flat tipped screwdriver into the groove and twisted it in small increments all along the groove until the 2 haves separated.