Well I finally popped out my headlights today after 8 years, and upgraded the bulbs to 6000k. What a difference!
Just a FYI to others that may have the same as my 2001. I followed the headlight removal tutorial on line, but it had no information on how to pop the lights out of the lower retaining clips. After I scratched my head for a while I figure out you have to release two prongs on each clip with a long handled flat head screw driver. As no one has ever mentioned this I wonder if my 2001 is unique this way? After pulling on the light for a while, found this plastic clip under the light. No.......these are not the bumper clips.
Here is the lower retaining clip
Release each prong with a flat head, and the light will slide out.
Next...while the lights were out it was time for some fresh clear bra on the lights and fender corners.
I buy rolls of this now and have made templates for the fogs, lights and fender corners...if anyone local would like a template to do the same come out to a meet and let me know. I do not supply pre-cut film (you will have to buy the film) I will give you a free template shape on paper.
It sure beats paying for a pre-cut kit. My supplier has a NEW improved film I am trying out, that has more UV protection and has a better scratch resistance.
This is 10mm, and not made by 3M ....It is my experience that the 3M stuff sucks and leaves a massive amount of residue, it also yellows badly - My stuff peels off, even after 7 years will virtually no glue left behind.
Cardboard Templates (Fender corners not shown)
Fresh cut piece, ready to install
Next I had purchased some new license plate light assemblies, as my old ones were leaking big time and the pigtail light connectors had begun to rot out. The gaskets had worn out allowing water to enter the assembly. I also upgraded to LED lights here as well. I'm not real happy with the brightness and have to find out what bulbs Anita has because those one kick ass.
For those wondering or in the same boat as me, new assemblies from the dealer were $32.00 each and came with a new housing/ bulb and pigtail connector - Part Number is 81270-30291 and is called "Lamp Assy, License". There is no left or right, the same parts fits both sides.
Notice the green corroded brass contacts in the pigtail
The gasket was acting like a sponge and absorbing water and compressed
While I had the lights out and lock apart on the trunk I shined the crap out of my rear lock, as that thing had a lot of build up and scratches on it.
While I did all of this all day, and froze my nuts off in the garage.......
...I walked into the house to see my lazy ass cat still in the same position he was in when I started my projects 6 hours earlier!
Digger08
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