I was reading here a question asked if the headlamp lens could be replaced due to getting hazy, etc.

It was suggested that you can restore them.

Mine aren't in need for being restored...I have another problem. A spider somehow got inside the driver's side and spun a web!! The spider itself got fried from the heat and is lying inside there dead, but his web remains.

So how can I go about removing the (low beam) lens itself just to clean out the inside? I thought they were all one piece and couldn't be disassembled until I read about the restoring -vs- replacing thread.

 

That's funny. I haven't had these headlights apart, but I've handbuilt many, many headlights in the name of projector retrofit in the past. Most cars don't simply clip in the lenses anymore and I'm guessing the same is the case here. I would actually first try to remove the projector assembly from the back if you can to access the web/spider. If that fails, then you would remove any removable clips and put the headlights in an oven about around 275 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, then carefully pry the lenses away from the housings. As scary as this sounds, I've done it about a dozen times without any melting of desired parts.

 

Yes, in just a cursory look at them, they don't seem to come apart to replace just the lens. That's why I was surprised when in that thread it sounded as if you could. What must have been meant was that you can replace the entire assembly.

Anyhow, thanks for the heads up on the "baking" routine. If I have to go that route, at least I know I can do that. As you know, they aren't much fun just to even replace a bulb!

 

From what I've been told before, you would have to take out the headlight assembly by taking down the front bumper first. Gotta wonder, though, how the spider got in there to start with. I thought the buckets were supposed to be pretty tightly sealed.

 

no theyre not sealed, they have to vent, and I would get a wand type air blower and used compress iar from the backside openings before I did anything else, these light break easy enough as it is driving down the road over potholes

 

I'm not so sure even compressed air will do any good.....the spider and web is between the front plastic "lens" and the rear part that houses the turn signal and lamp lens.

Unless I'm mistaken when you remove backside openings where you replace the bulbs, there is still the yellow turn indicator lens and the clear glass lens in the way.

 

Not that it really matters, but there is just the clear lense. The amber color comes via the 1156a tinted bulb.

 

Ive blown out bugs, wasps, and broken plastic this way...but if youde rather take it out

 

Oh, okay...I've never had to replace an indicator bulb yet, so I wasn't aware of the amber coming from the bulb itself.

No Brutal, I'd prefer NOT to remove the entire thing if I don't have to. I just had the thought that I wouldn't be able to get air into that area between the "lens" and the rear section.

 

Personally I'd go for trying Brutals idea first.....he is a tech after all.
Its gotta be the quickest, simplest easist and cheapest way ....if it doesn't wotk you've lost nothing!

Good luck either way seeker n please keep us informed as to how you get on.

 

Forgot "lowest risk". I just removed a fly from my driver's side taillight.

 

I have an air blower with a 2 foot long wand on the end to work into areas like that. You can get them at Harbour Frieght for $10. You dont exactly have to get in there, but put in differant areas to create a vortex up in the front that dislodge just about anything

 

To be honest with you, I don't even have an air compressor. I do however have a very powerful hand vac that I might be able to rig something up using a thin tube.

I'm all about saving time and effort so we'll see.....

 

How the hell are you guys getting insects in your light housings?? So weird, never had it happen before on any of my cars. I would just remove the bulbs from the rear of the housing and either try to blow them out with a can of compressed air or try to stick the vacuum cleaner hose on it and suck 'em out of there. While you're at it, order a few LED bulbs off ebay and do a little upgrade- zing!

 

Seeker I don't know what part of the 'burgh you are in, but I'm in the North Hills and you are welcome to drop by, I have a few air compressors. I'll be out of town next 2 days but be around Saturday.

I have two bees in the rear tail light of my SAAB that have been there for about 2 years. They are just about bleached white by now. I had a giant mosquito looking thing in the headlight of my X but I think I eventually just baked it to bits.

 

I have been messing about with X type headlights lately , tried to swap out the little sidelight bulbs and broke the nasty plastic adjusters , both high and low beam bulbs are linked by a frame , air blown in will circulate around the whole headlight unit and should have the desired effect , if not you can remove the lens , I took the headlight off the car and used a hair dryer to warm up the black sticky bonding stuff and then gently prised it away from the main unit . Be warned though , the adjusters are very brittle and will crumble easily , I have ordered 3 units off E-bay and all have arrived in bits . Good luck my friend .

 

This is why I live in a downtown high-rise.....

 

Believe it or not, there are spiders and other insects in downtown high-rises too. I've even seen some with roaches