Headlight removal - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

LA_phantom_240 · 02-13-2008, 09:31 AM

How do I remove the headlights on my zenki s14? I see two small bolts close to the grille end of the headlight, but I'm wondering if there are any others I need to remove as well (other than the corner lamp assembly)? On my 90 Acura Legend I had to drop the bumper to get the headlight off... and the FSM did no good, as well as the search function.

garagelu · 02-13-2008, 09:33 AM

There are 4 bolts total to remove each headlight. 2 by the grill and then 2 behind the corner lights. After that, just unplug the bulb harness and it will come out.

LA_phantom_240 · 02-13-2008, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garagelu

There are 4 bolts total to remove each headlight. 2 by the grill and then 2 behind the corner lights. After that, just unplug the bulb harness and it will come out.

Good... Now I can finally make my right headlight look good again. My left is new because it got broken in a fender bender before I bought it. My right, however is getting a little foggy.

steve shadows · 02-13-2008, 09:57 AM

I used a Sawzaw

LA_phantom_240 · 02-13-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve shadows

I used a Sawzaw

Duly noted.

MavericStephenc · 02-13-2008, 10:18 AM

remember to be careful when taking the corner light, and the headlight as well. you don't want broken tabs!

LA_phantom_240 · 02-13-2008, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavericStephenc

remember to be careful when taking the corner light, and the headlight as well. you don't want broken tabs!

The corner light is easy. I had to change the bulb in it when I got it. The only way I could think of to change the bulb is to take the whole corner lamp off.

MavericStephenc · 02-13-2008, 10:24 AM

that would be correct. g/l cleaning up the lenses

LA_phantom_240 · 02-13-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavericStephenc

that would be correct. g/l cleaning up the lenses

I got my 2000 grit and polishing compound ready to go.

I may experiment with a durable, UV resistant clearcoat.

LA_phantom_240 · 02-13-2008, 12:47 PM

WOW! What a difference. 2000 grit + soapy water + 20 minutes = No more surface imperfections. It leaves the headlight looking mighty hazy, but paves the way for further action. 30 minutes with polishing compound, and the headlight is looking damn good. Close to new, in fact. Then top it off with clearcoat made for wheels, and it looks exactly like new once you let it cure and then hit it lightly with polishing compound and then a coat of wax.

Pics when I can find my camera cord.

MavericStephenc · 02-13-2008, 01:03 PM

what polishing compound did you use?

The Chad · 02-13-2008, 01:10 PM

^^ def curious, as i have one new light and one old one...the old one allways ends up yellowed again soon after i sand it/buff it out...abt 2 months later. What kind of clear did you use, i.e. brand and type??? Thanks ahead of time.

--Mav, your sig still gets me man, i def need a fun sig...hmmmm...

LA_phantom_240 · 02-13-2008, 01:14 PM

I used Turtle Wax polishing compound, and a microfiber wax applicator from AutoZone. Soak the applicator and wring it out, then go to town with the compound. I used a hair dryer to dry and heat up the headlight, then I used that Duplicolor Wheel Paint. Clear, of course. I did a thick layer by slowly adding light layer by light layer, about 45 seconds after another. I then used the hair dryer again to heat and speed the curing process, then let it sit a while. Pressed on the paint to make sure it had hardened all the way, and went to town on it with the compound, washed it, and waxed it.

*fliprayzin240sx* · 02-13-2008, 01:15 PM

PICS OR BAN!!! Curious to see how well it turned out compared to the brand headlight...

LA_phantom_240 · 02-13-2008, 01:27 PM

I don't have any 'before' pics, because the only pics I have are when I first got the car, and it wasn't that bad then... but just imagine your 'typical' cloudiness. Nothing life-threatening, but ugly nonetheless.

Whadayathink?

aznpoopy · 02-13-2008, 01:59 PM

looks good. but you have to keep up with it, or else it yellows over again. ask me how i know... >.>

LA_phantom_240 · 02-13-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aznpoopy

looks good. but you have to keep up with it, or else it yellows over again. ask me how i know... >.>

Even after clearcoating it?

The Chad · 02-13-2008, 03:52 PM

^^^ yeah i was under the impression that if you cleared it, it wouldn't fade...or at least last longer??

+1 btw for the Invader Zim pic

aznpoopy · 02-13-2008, 04:29 PM

i never tried clear coating it before. seems like it should last longer. let us know how it goes

LA_phantom_240 · 02-13-2008, 04:46 PM

Will do, good sir.

MavericStephenc · 02-14-2008, 09:24 AM

nice n' clean good job and do let us know about how long it lasts

chad, did you get my message about the PA meet?

The Chad · 02-14-2008, 05:11 PM

Def let us know how long it lasts...if i have to keep sanding my headlights there will be nothing left!!!! haha

Nope, i did not Maveric. Pm me please i think my box was full. If its a big meet i might make the trek

.

BoostedCoupe · 02-14-2008, 06:47 PM

i do/did the same thing. bit when i do it i just use mothers mag polish and a clean rag. scrub the headlight wiht the mag polish on it and once it is clear enough for you put wax on it. any kind of wax works. i done this like 3 or 4 moths ago and mine havent got yellow yet. the car has seen snow rain and sun.

02-13-2008, 09:57 AM	#4
steve shadows Post Whore! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: LA and OC Posts: 8,202 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	I used a Sawzaw __________________ Like Me on FaceBook !

02-13-2008, 10:18 AM	#6
MavericStephenc Zilvia Addict Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: salem mass. Age: 37 Posts: 830 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	remember to be careful when taking the corner light, and the headlight as well. you don't want broken tabs! __________________ That kind of attitude is SHIT. People with that kind of complacent outlook on law and government are the bane of this country's existence. -Thesquidd Boycott Berkeley and code pink

02-13-2008, 10:24 AM	#8
MavericStephenc Zilvia Addict Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: salem mass. Age: 37 Posts: 830 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	that would be correct. g/l cleaning up the lenses __________________ That kind of attitude is SHIT. People with that kind of complacent outlook on law and government are the bane of this country's existence. -Thesquidd Boycott Berkeley and code pink

02-13-2008, 01:03 PM	#11
MavericStephenc Zilvia Addict Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: salem mass. Age: 37 Posts: 830 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	what polishing compound did you use? __________________ That kind of attitude is SHIT. People with that kind of complacent outlook on law and government are the bane of this country's existence. -Thesquidd Boycott Berkeley and code pink

02-13-2008, 01:15 PM	#14
fliprayzin240sx Man w/ CTSV & a Car Seat Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 17,998 Trader Rating: (19) Rides Gallery: fliprayzin240sx Feedback Score: 19 reviews	PICS OR BAN!!! Curious to see how well it turned out compared to the brand headlight... __________________ If you think Zilvia has too many assholes... CLICK HERE!!!

02-13-2008, 09:33 AM	#2
garagelu Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Age: 40 Posts: 1,856 Trader Rating: (60) Feedback Score: 60 reviews	There are 4 bolts total to remove each headlight. 2 by the grill and then 2 behind the corner lights. After that, just unplug the bulb harness and it will come out.

02-13-2008, 01:10 PM	#12
The Chad Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Age: 44 Posts: 943 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	^^ def curious, as i have one new light and one old one...the old one allways ends up yellowed again soon after i sand it/buff it out...abt 2 months later. What kind of clear did you use, i.e. brand and type??? Thanks ahead of time. --Mav, your sig still gets me man, i def need a fun sig...hmmmm...

02-13-2008, 01:59 PM	#16
aznpoopy Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: New Jersey Age: 44 Posts: 5,013 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	looks good. but you have to keep up with it, or else it yellows over again. ask me how i know... >.>

02-13-2008, 03:52 PM	#18
The Chad Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Age: 44 Posts: 943 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	^^^ yeah i was under the impression that if you cleared it, it wouldn't fade...or at least last longer?? +1 btw for the Invader Zim pic

02-13-2008, 04:29 PM	#19
aznpoopy Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: New Jersey Age: 44 Posts: 5,013 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	i never tried clear coating it before. seems like it should last longer. let us know how it goes

02-14-2008, 09:24 AM	#21
MavericStephenc Zilvia Addict Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: salem mass. Age: 37 Posts: 830 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	nice n' clean good job and do let us know about how long it lasts chad, did you get my message about the PA meet? __________________ That kind of attitude is SHIT. People with that kind of complacent outlook on law and government are the bane of this country's existence. -Thesquidd Boycott Berkeley and code pink

02-14-2008, 05:11 PM	#22
The Chad Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Age: 44 Posts: 943 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Def let us know how long it lasts...if i have to keep sanding my headlights there will be nothing left!!!! haha Nope, i did not Maveric. Pm me please i think my box was full. If its a big meet i might make the trek .

02-14-2008, 06:47 PM	#23
BoostedCoupe Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Fulton, TN Age: 34 Posts: 1,043 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	i do/did the same thing. bit when i do it i just use mothers mag polish and a clean rag. scrub the headlight wiht the mag polish on it and once it is clear enough for you put wax on it. any kind of wax works. i done this like 3 or 4 moths ago and mine havent got yellow yet. the car has seen snow rain and sun. __________________ 92 vert converted 5speed and other little things