You have to remove the bumper and go all through that to replace the HID bulbs also?

 

No not at all. You can just reach behind the housing and open up the case that holds the bulbs. Its a special locking screw so you'll need the right bit or you'll strip it. There isn't much room to work so you have to be patient. But i've swapped bulbs many times without taking anything off to do so. PM me if you have any questions.

 

This is one of the most detailed write-ups I have seen to date, regardless of the forum. Very nice. I do have one question though...

My car is NBP, and I am thinking of purchasing a set of 03 covers due to the "smoky" look rather than the clear around the light reflectors. Any suggestions on just modding my 01s, or would you just buy the 03s? I have had to redo my front end due to allowing an imbecile drive my car, and I am trying to save as much $$$ as possible to allow me to do more performance modding. Thanx in advance!

 

Well that would depend on how much work you want to do. You can save a lot of money and open the lights up and paint them to get the look of the '03's. Its time consuming but not difficult at all. A pair of '03's def wouldn't be cheap. Check local junk yards and keep an eye on the BM.

 

yep definatly needed this thread... ive been dieing to do mine for like 6months now, bought a heat gun, and i "aquired" some sikaflex-227 from work..... i have everything i need except an extra set of hands and atleast a day off from work

soon coming though soon coming

 

Good luck, just rememeber take your time and it will be worth the work. I really took my time when I did my '01 headlights and they never once got moisture. Then when I did my '03 headlight I was impatient and they fogged up after about a year. Had to go back and re-do them, then I took my time to make sure I wouldn't be doing the work a third time...

 

i would be careful with oven as the plastic gets super soft but ive done both just take your time.

 

Cant wait to jump on this project. My CL is silver and already have heat gun dug outa storage.
It's like 12 degrees here under the carport so maybe in a few hours it will be warm again.

Thanks for the step by step!

 

Good luck, we finally got some decent weather here in Chicago. Almost 50!

 

why do you have to take the low beam out and chrome reflector out? isnt the amber on the clear headlight

 

Removal is the only way to get to the reflector, its sandwiched between the clear part and the chrome housing (reflective part).

 

This is definitely on my to do list. Because...

 

Did it today. Not too bad... tedious and time consuming. That grey gluey sealer looks like that high priced gasket maker the parts houses sell. I just used silicone adhesive/sealer. I left the amber reflector in. I kind of like it with the black but honestly I just didn't want to disassemble the other one to remove the reflector to match There was probably 4 oz of water in the housing. Maybe needs drain holes.

 

Just to add a few more thoughts on this. Be judicious with your heat gun setting and as said If your headlight lenses are cloudy this is a perfect time to refinish them. And to get rid of any rust issues you may have.


Like that