I used to do this all the time, but mainly with less expensive cars where the assemblies weren't as complicated. In actuallity a heat-gun is easier to use because it's just more precise. The downside is when you put it back together you glue them, so it's kinda ugly on the backside, but you don't notice it at all from the front. Not hard.. just time consuming. I haven't done this to mine, but I have contimplated it.

 

It is very time consuming, however, the results are worth it.

 

When I figure this one out, I think I'll keep it a secret too...razz:

I have a spare lamp too...so my time to experiment...

 

Wait a minute, strassentech? Are they making stuff for the MINI now?

 

 

I've got an open one sitting right next to me

 

You suck.

 

I can easily tell you my secret....i dremelled mine open

Everyone else probably did the more clean route like Konky did with the heat. Personally the heat gun set on high heat didn't work....the oven trick didnt work even after extended amounts of time so i dremelled

 

Hmm why do you think the oven didn't work? Did you try upping the temperature? Anyways, please post pics!! I hope to be able to try this in the not-so-distant future...

 

I upped the temperature....but i would guess that i just didn't wait long enough. I was getting really afraid that the plastic parts were gonna start deforming before the glue melted. There were a few places that you could see the glue and it wasn't even getting soft and yet the plastic kinda was.....so i got scared and just moved on.

 

hahaha the memories...

 

Can anyone get hold of Tuls and ask him to respond to my PM?

Thanks...

 

I have an open one in my garage was well! I am just waiting for the painter to be ready for me! I used the oven method! was not to hard! but I have another plan in my head of how I want to try on my head lights! The oven method was on a spare head light!! Cant wait to get the ELECTRIC BLue in the head light!!

 

He is on route on MTTS...so it may be a while before he can get on a computer again.....he has been posting over on M|U throughout the trip...so you might wanna try there too

 

what temp and time in the oven?

 

What happens after the oven? Do we throw it against the wall, use a screw driver or just yell at it? Jeeesh...this is like getting teeth from a hen....

Can somebody please be more descriptive than "I got one open"? We're on page three already...razz:

 

Oven + screw drive = open most of the time..

 

I used a buck knife(large pocket knife) and started at 200 degrees... then 300... then 400 :D

 

I like the look on the black car, but on the brighter colors it looks a bit... strange. Something about the chrome ring with the color inside AND out looks off to me. It might be because I like the look of the '06 light interiors so much, though. I'm thinking a darkish, metallic gray/anthracite in there would look good with almost any color, though...

 

okay, I put mine in the oven at 280 for 8 min, and then used a screw driver, but I have a new plan, using a windshield knife, I am going to try and get it apart without the oven! but the painter is coming tonight to do it so I will report back tomarrow, maybe with some pictures!!

I had to put the light in the oven twice at 280 to finally get it apart! but it also pulled out the 3 bolts from the back side that hold the chrome piece in, so i think that helped get the whole thing apart easier with a screw driver!!

I cant wait to get this done!

 

wow look what i started with thread it is an empidemic

 

Can you tell us more about these three screws?

 

you can see where they are from outside the headlight....they go along the perimeter on and hold the chrome section (the one you want to paint) to the black plastic housing(backing). You can't see the heads of the screws when the headlights are assembled, but you can see the bulges on the side where they are.

 

Ralleymini is right. so you can either pull them from the back or brake them from the front! pulling from the back is pretty easy! Use a nice set of wire crips with cutters in the front to do the job, that is what I did!

 

Okay last night I pulled the trigger on my head lights and was succesful!-- I put the oven at 280 degree and left the head lights in for 8 minutes, I used a thick putty knife to pry open! They had to go in the oven twice! If you just work it patiently they will come apart! I did removed the 3 bolts from the back side so I wouldnt have to deal with them. Not sure if it helped or not but they did come apart! Sorry i dont have any pictures but the chrome pieces are at the painter today and should have them back together by sat afternoon, I will try and take some picture of them apart and of the 3 screw. and how i plan on putting them back together so i can get back in there with easy if I need too!! I hope this might help just a little. But remeber if you try this crap happens!! I did put a small crack in my glass so now I have to get a new lens which sucks but things happen, so just be really careful and go slow when pulling apart, this crack could have been easly avoided!!