Depo headlight question
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: VA
e36 318i, 2004 sti
Depo headlight question
I just got my old depos back that I had on my C240 long ago. I am trying to take the lens off to detail it better and to re paint the inside housing. Does anyone know how to safely take off the lens? I already broke one clip for the weather strip. I also removed the silver clips that looked to be holding it together. It still seems pretty tight on there..
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From: Washington DC
1999 E320 4matic Wagon, 2005 C55 AMG - sold, 1998 VW Jetta TDI - sold, 2006 C230 Sport - Totaled :(
Gotta bake it in the oven dude! I know it sounds f**** up but you have to heat up the seal for it to come apart.
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Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Dallas TX
2004.5 c230k
I used a heat gun on my headlights. had the lens off in 5 min. just gotta keep the heat gun continuously moving and never have it in one spot for too long. then after that peel of the lens from the body
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Washington DC
1999 E320 4matic Wagon, 2005 C55 AMG - sold, 1998 VW Jetta TDI - sold, 2006 C230 Sport - Totaled :(
Never heard of this method but it sounds like it would be much better than baking the whole headlight in the oven!
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,391
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From: VA
e36 318i, 2004 sti
I used it to get to do the carbon 3m vinyl wrap on my C55 and Mulacs 230. It may not work for this application though. So after I get it apart I can use the same adhesives again?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: VA
e36 318i, 2004 sti
I havent chosen paint yet. Its obviously going to be some heat resistant. How did you paint your grill black? Are those heat guns decent quality? I may go check them out today.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,545
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From: Washington DC
1999 E320 4matic Wagon, 2005 C55 AMG - sold, 1998 VW Jetta TDI - sold, 2006 C230 Sport - Totaled :(
Blk Benz I have the same "baked" thing going on with mine. I pretty much just said f*** it and will just save up some money for a higher quality set of OEM Xenons, given that I can find them for a decent price!
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 475
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From: Tampa/Lutz, FL.
Correction, Drove An '05 C230 Kompressor SS
Hair dryers won't get hot enough to get the job done in a clean and timely manor.
Heat Guns can be a great tool but you must not leave it on a spot longer then 5 seconds.
they get too hot and will bubble lenses and discolor painted surfaces.
The Oven method is the best of the best.
just about everyone that lives in a house has one, So no added equipment that has to be purchased.
There won't be any hot spots to damage plastic or burn the sealant.
All sealant will be evenly heated, there for the lenses will practically pull apart without a battle.
As far as paint, I suggest VHT high heat. http://www.vhtpaint.com/products/engineenamel/
it goes on even like Krylon, and will not discolor after time like most other brands out there.
Your headlight housings get battered by both the Sun and heat from the bulbs day in and day out, sometimes reaching temps over 200 degrees.
Also, a trick to renew your clear headlight lenses once taken off the housings (using the oven method
), sand them down with 400grit sand paper evenly, both inside the Len's and out as needed to remove all yellowing, then re-sand the same areas with 1000grit evenly, I recommend a DA Air Sander for faster work.
clean the whole surface of the lens with water and a lint free rag, then spray the housings with Body Shop quality Automotive Clearcoat (not rattle can spray), let it dry at least 24 hours and bam, Brand spankin new looking!!
Heat Guns can be a great tool but you must not leave it on a spot longer then 5 seconds.
they get too hot and will bubble lenses and discolor painted surfaces.
The Oven method is the best of the best.
just about everyone that lives in a house has one, So no added equipment that has to be purchased.
There won't be any hot spots to damage plastic or burn the sealant.
All sealant will be evenly heated, there for the lenses will practically pull apart without a battle.
As far as paint, I suggest VHT high heat. http://www.vhtpaint.com/products/engineenamel/
it goes on even like Krylon, and will not discolor after time like most other brands out there.
Your headlight housings get battered by both the Sun and heat from the bulbs day in and day out, sometimes reaching temps over 200 degrees.
Also, a trick to renew your clear headlight lenses once taken off the housings (using the oven method
), sand them down with 400grit sand paper evenly, both inside the Len's and out as needed to remove all yellowing, then re-sand the same areas with 1000grit evenly, I recommend a DA Air Sander for faster work.clean the whole surface of the lens with water and a lint free rag, then spray the housings with Body Shop quality Automotive Clearcoat (not rattle can spray), let it dry at least 24 hours and bam, Brand spankin new looking!!
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Austin, TX
07 C230 (sold) 2009 E63 AMG (SOLD), 2015 E 63 AMG S
Luckily I had a spare set of halogen headlights, now my question is.. Can I use the lens from the halogen headlights and use them on my depo headlights? Im planning on VHT high temperature paint because my HIDs
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 553
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From: Austin, TX
07 C230 (sold) 2009 E63 AMG (SOLD), 2015 E 63 AMG S
