Taillight lense

[RKnorr]

How does one separate the lense from the taillight assembly? I need to remove my lenses so that I can paint the inside of the taillight. I'm getting complaints that my brake and taillights are hard to see because they are too dim but the bulbs themselves are bright.

[dsrk98]

Careful prying

[GAboySVO]

The rear tail light lens is held in place the sticky rubber seal and several spring steel clips with points that hold it in place.

Use a wide blade stiff putty knife or similar pry a little at a time all the way around until it comes loose. You can get the replacement putty from ford still.

I painted the inside of mine a gloss white. It really freshened up the lights and made them much brighter.

You might want to go to a U-pull it yard and try your technique there before you chip or damage your rare SVO lenses.

Good luck.

[RKnorr]

Any reason you couldn't cut the putty with a razorknife?

[Ken Potter]

I have always used the ( thick ) back edge of an old kitchen knife. I try to get as much of the blade into the crack / seam and pry VERY SLOWLY with even pressure. I have refurbished several LX and SVO lenses and never cracked a single one. The gasket material will pull away slowly. Also be sure to "roll up" or otherwise clean the groove before you apply new gasketing or the lenses will LEAK. I have always degreased / cleaned the inside using a worn out scotch brite pad and then painted with Eastwood's "almost chrome" spray paint. I also swap out the clear bulb in the turn signal for a yellow bulb like the type used in the front markers / signals. I'm a firm believer in having the brightest tail lights I can possibly have.

[GAboySVO]

Any reason you couldn't cut the putty with a razorknife?

I don't think you can reach in far enough to use a kniife. Plus you risk the chance of cutting your lense.

The putty only acts as a seal. Most of the holding in place is done by the spring clips. I would try ken's method.

[Ken Potter]

Not endorsing any brand...

I'm not endorsing any specific brand but I have found a good cold brewski helps facilitate removal of even the most stubborn taillight lense! Ratio 1 beer : 1 lense Of course painting and reassembly is not included in this formula!

[NY eric]

Re: Not endorsing any brand...

Originally posted by Ken Potter
! Ratio 1 beer : 1 lense Of course painting and reassembly is not included in this formula!

Pat is this the same ratio you would recomend? I would think 1 guiness would last around 2 lenses. And 3 coors light to one lense.