I started small spray tinting my sidemarkers and was ready to move on o my tail lightsuntil I was only able to remove one set by hand/one tail light. The star heads on these makes it nearly impossible to get grip. They have an allen wrench whole on the inside but I'm pretty sure I stripped it even though it was an exact fit. The plastic wasn't strong enough. Does anyone know if they make a tool to grip these things. There isn't much room inside the access cut outs in the trunk.



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wow... those are odd. I've never done it but I assume that you can't get a grip on the outside with your hand? That seems like the logical reason for why they're shaped like that. However, these cars are very cramped when it comes to how components are placed. everything is super close together.

 

Nope, those are thumb screws, they should come out by hand. They ARE in an awkward place though.

Sure you're turning the right way?

 

I got the first set out so... I hope I was turning the right way. My hands are feeling less raw today so hopefully these things will give.

 

been there.....they are on really tight....i think im gonna put my stock ones back in after tinting them

 

Whoooaaaa. I got them to turn by wedging a flat head screw driverin between the grooves of the star heads and hitting with a hammer. Necessity is the mother of invention.

 

Servicing rear lights[/align] Exploded view[/align] Clip nut Knurled screw - 3.5 Nm Circlip â—†For securing knurled screw [/ul] Tail light bulb â—†12 V, 21/5 W [/ul] Bulb â—†12 V, 21 W â—†Left: Rear fog light â—†Right: Reversing light [/ul] Turn signal indicator bulb â—†12 V, 21 W [/ul][/ul]



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I'm going to bedoing it the easy way. Wetsanding the finish off the outside of the lens and spray tinting/clear coat. Not going to disassemble tailights. I may have to install brighter bulbs after the tint so this might come in handy. THNX.

 

Couldnt you just tape off the tail lights and paint them on the car??

 

Absolutely. I'm not allowed to do any work to my car inthe parking lot where I live, so taking them off was the best solution. The tuner shop by my house doesn't take them off to tint. Of course they want to cut man hours. I don't want over spray and I want to take my time. After I clear coat I'm going to put them back on my car car and tape off the surrounding paint and hit it with an electric buffer. The pictures will come soon.