I need to paint the housing on 1999 xk8 3rd brakelight housing finish is chipped I believe that it pulls off but would like to know if for sure, would have to have this thing break a tab or something off. I guess I could mask everything off and carefully spray it. Dave in Tampa

 

Dave,

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to XK8/XKR forum. This is the place to post technical questions about your XK8.

Graham

 

there are 3 nuts inside the trunk lid holding the 3rd brake light in place. Remove those and then carefully use a screwdriver to pry the tabs to release the cover

 

The third brake cover is held on by to clips about 2 inches in from each side. The best way to remove it is gripping it front and back about 2 inches in and pull up and rock gently. Don't force it but pull firmly. It will pop off. The first and last time I used a machine car wash the brushes knocked mine off.

 

thank you for sharing .

 

Avern:
In general, I must disagree. I, like Sklimii would recommend using a flat blade through the 2 access rectangular openings in the base. Even then, I would suggest being careful not to break a plastic clip. Currently, 3 small bits of dbl sided tape hold my cover to the base.

 

I forgot I happened to have a spare 3rd brake light so here are a few pics to help. I bought the 3rd as one of the tabs on the base (white part) of mine broke so the cover would not stay on. Easy swap and good to go. I did glue the broken tab back on but I don't trust the repairs