Opening headlights w/ a heatgun?
09-08-2006, 05:33 AM
#1
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Opening headlights w/ a heatgun?
whats up guys, I'm planning on painting my housing flat black w/ the clear diffuser. A buddy of mine did custom projectors on his 03 4Runner and used a heat gun to open up his headlights rather than baking it in the oven. Is this possible for the Z? I don't have an oven so this is why i ask. thanks
09-08-2006, 06:05 AM
#2
I think the problem with using a heat gun over an oven is that depending on how long you hold it at certain areas, you are going to get inconsistent "melting." An oven will do it nice and uniformly, and it ensures the adhesive becomes the right tackiness all around.
I know it's kind of a hurdle to jump by actually putting a headlight in the over, but as long as you keep it at 200 degrees, you'll be good.
Oh and when you pull the lens from the housing, have a razor blade with you to cut the adhesive as it stretches. If it stretches too much and snaps back onto the plastic, you won't be able to remove it without it looking like ****.
I know it's kind of a hurdle to jump by actually putting a headlight in the over, but as long as you keep it at 200 degrees, you'll be good.
Oh and when you pull the lens from the housing, have a razor blade with you to cut the adhesive as it stretches. If it stretches too much and snaps back onto the plastic, you won't be able to remove it without it looking like ****.
09-08-2006, 08:41 AM
#3
Originally Posted by jtabraham
I think the problem with using a heat gun over an oven is that depending on how long you hold it at certain areas, you are going to get inconsistent "melting." An oven will do it nice and uniformly, and it ensures the adhesive becomes the right tackiness all around.
I know it's kind of a hurdle to jump by actually putting a headlight in the over, but as long as you keep it at 200 degrees, you'll be good.
Oh and when you pull the lens from the housing, have a razor blade with you to cut the adhesive as it stretches. If it stretches too much and snaps back onto the plastic, you won't be able to remove it without it looking like ****.
I know it's kind of a hurdle to jump by actually putting a headlight in the over, but as long as you keep it at 200 degrees, you'll be good.
Oh and when you pull the lens from the housing, have a razor blade with you to cut the adhesive as it stretches. If it stretches too much and snaps back onto the plastic, you won't be able to remove it without it looking like ****.
09-09-2006, 03:40 PM
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^^^^^ +1
Don't focus too long on one spot with a heat gun, but also not to short as you won't be able to open it properly....
Just ask a friend who has an oven if you can use it at their place for some time. Apparently 225K for 12 minutes is perfect....
Don't focus too long on one spot with a heat gun, but also not to short as you won't be able to open it properly....
Just ask a friend who has an oven if you can use it at their place for some time. Apparently 225K for 12 minutes is perfect....
09-09-2006, 04:10 PM
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Sry, but u don't have an oven? o.O Not hating, but i also agree w/ the rest of the guys. To ensure uniform heat etc, u should use the oven from a friend's house or something of sort 
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09-10-2006, 08:11 AM
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Man I've used heat gun to do it once. You really need to be careful with it. Once you heat it too long, the plastic becomes very soft. And even with a heat gun, it's not that easy to take the headlights apart.
09-11-2006, 05:34 PM
#13
Forget the Wok ---It dont work. Actually tho the oven works perfect ---First set I did came out flawlessly and while it was still soft I trimed with a razor knife. Same with reassembly, the trimming helps to get it close to where it should be then pressing it back together is a snap. Make sure u use plenty of well placed silicon when its cooled.
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