Topic: 71 REAR TAILIGHT LENS REMOVAL
in Forum: C3 Body
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Hi All,
Man I love this site, you all have so much information that I use all the time!!
Have a problem someone out there hopefully has had to deal with. Bought a set of new lenses for all 4 lights across the rear and when I try to replace them I cannot get the old lenses off. Of course, I can't pry on the body with anything, but these babies will not come out. I think someone re-installed them before the paint was completely cured!! :(
Any suggestions would be appreciated, thought about a hair dryer, but have not tried it yet.
On another note, GET THE CALENDER, it is friggin awesome, great job Adam!!
Bob
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
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Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Once the screws are out, try using a small hook or pick. Just insert it into the opening and pull. The lens should pop out. It could just be years of grime stuck in there making it stick.

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Yeah...like Bruce says, the lenses are prolly "fused" to the housing. There is(or once was) a rubberish gasket between the lenses and the housings. Over time, that gasket will basically glue itself to the lenses and housings, making removal of the lenses a little tough. A small hook/pick, as Bruce says, will give ya a little leverage to get behind the lens, and pry them loose. The hair dryer won't hurt, either... 

Joel Adams
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As said above....but if you can not get the lens out without possible damage, remove the nuts at the back holding the light housing on the body...this way you can remove the whole assembly away from the body and paint and remove the lens with a small flat screw driver.
John
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Mounds View, MN - USA
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Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
Since you are replacing the lenses, drill a hole in the middle of the lens, and put a good solid hook through the hole. If you need to, make the hole big enough to pry against the inside of the housing.
Larry
Larry
I had the same problem removing mine. I carefully sprayed a little penetrating oil around them, and let it soak for a while to soften the rubber. They popped right out. "T"
in Forum: C3 Body
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