1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Removing the tail lights

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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 02:37 PM
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Removing the tail lights

Ok, so I am trying to remove the tail lights. Got 8 10mm bolts out, and undid the clip and the bulbs. I am pretty sure that is it, since all the threads I searched say that is. Problem here, I still cannot get them out. They are hard to push out (I am assuming you push them from inside the car and they basically pop out?) and will not even budge, like I forgot some other bolts or something. Anyone know how to take these things off without breaking them?
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 02:52 PM
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Have you removed the rubber gasket around the outside of the lens?
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Cascadia
Have you removed the rubber gasket around the outside of the lens?
No., and that is probably why. I am trying to take the lights off the car. How do I go about removing it?
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 03:17 PM
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With FB's you need to remove the center panel then the lights, IIRC

-billy
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 03:20 PM
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As I recall, I just got hold of it and pulled it out. I think there is some kind of sealant on it, but it pulled out fairly easy.
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 03:22 PM
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Originally Posted by bwaits
With FB's you need to remove the center panel then the lights, IIRC

-billy
Ooops! . . . forgot about that. Yes, that is a must!
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 04:48 PM
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Ok, removed the middle section, and still nothing. It is like they glued it to the rear of the car. 8 10mm nuts per side removed, plus the 2 nuts for the center. Center is out, bulbs are out, the big main plug behind the tails is unplugged. Pics in a minute.
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 04:52 PM
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 05:27 PM
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Push harder.


-billy
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 05:39 PM
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try a rubber mallet from the back
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 06:51 PM
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Bingo. I just used a hammer on the metal screws and kept tapping it until it came off. Now the rubber around the outside, how can I put it back on? Can I use standard glue or is it some strange compound?
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 07:08 PM
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I do not have a heat gun.... I didn't use a hair dryer.... HOW DID I GET THEM APART YOU ASK??



I put some tin foil on the rack, tail lights on top, then set the oven to 250*F. When the light turned off saying it was ready, about 2-4 minutes later I pulled them out. Started on one corner, and it made this weird sucking noise, but it popped off with no problem!
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 07:23 PM
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I was afraid of the oven, and used a heat gun

pictures in my mega thread

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...ht=mega+thread
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 08:00 PM
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Do you have any pictures of your lights with the brake on? I am interested...
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 08:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeezus
Do you have any pictures of your lights with the brake on? I am interested...

nop, sorry
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 08:06 PM
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Aw

I assume you are running colored bulbs? I should have mine finished and posted within an hour.
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 08:09 PM
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my car is faaaaar from "running" condition.

the tails are in the front seat
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 09:38 PM
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NC hmmmmm

What options would I have with tinting my taillights?? I also seem to have a bit of a problem with my reverse light lense melting in the sun... Any advise from you pro's out there??
Attached Thumbnails Removing the tail lights-tail-light.jpg  
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 09:41 PM
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Never seen a melted reverse light... Hmm, I would drill a small hole on the other side of the housing to atleast let some of the built up heat out. But that is just me, and anything redneck enough to work, works for me

Plus its free.
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 09:42 PM
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And for tinting your tail lights, there is a tint out there in a can or something iirc.

What I wanted to do was have like this one way tint, where it looks black on the outside, but when you shine light through it, it looks basically like the tint is not there. Dunno where I saw it at though.
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 09:45 PM
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Do u think if i get the dye at like walmart and soak just the clear plastic in that it will still shine through??
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 09:47 PM
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VHT sells a black spray for the tail lights.

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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 09:47 PM
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I don't know if the dye will soak into the plastic. Try getting some House of Kolor in a can, and lightly spraying it in a sweeping motion.
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 11:45 PM
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I like the idea of florescent bulb clear plastic light diffuser as a way to spread the light and replace the colored lense. This is what I will be doing in a few weeks, or so I hope.
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