Want to paint inside of headlight and tail light

[DVG]

I want to modify the inside of my head lights and tail lights...3 questions

1. Do the tail lights even come apart?

2. Can someone point me to a DIY on taking apart headlights... I am familiar with baking headlights but have not done it on a mazda3 yet.

3. Is it common to remove / paint the yellow trim inside the headlight?

[JP0317]

Originally Posted by DVG

I want to modify the inside of my head lights and tail lights...3 questions

1. Do the tail lights even come apart?


2. Can someone point me to a DIY on taking apart headlights... I am familiar with baking headlights but have not done it on a mazda3 yet.

3. Is it common to remove / paint the yellow trim inside the headlight?

1. I have not heard of anyone baking them apart yet.
2. Search, there is even a walk through on here...with pictures AND even a video
3. Personally, I have seen some do it, some not. I think removing it would not be a good choice. But that's just me.

[Dennis805]

i don't think it's too common to paint the turn signal reflector, as it helps let people know your turning, but if your going for a certain look, dont think that will stop you from painting it

these headlights are huge and don't fit in most ovens, i had to use a heat gun, its a lot easier with two people, one holding the heatgun and one with gloves/butter knife pulling it apart

im assuming the tail-lights will be the same way

i had to buy aluminum foil tape afterwards because i did a bad job resealing it by myself (i didn't use any clamps) and used the tape to add some extra seal for it

[HJLee]

I think someone was going to remove theirs but said it left a huge gap inside so they just painted it.. I would paint it but if I had the money, I'd get the new 2012 speed3 headlight. they have clear/white reflectors

[Havocforming]

Don't try to open the tail lights!! They are plastic welded shut. More likely to destroy them (I almost did ) they are also very brittle and crack easily. Do unfortunately no painting of tails. unless u find a feasible way to do it, and if you do please let me know lol

And on th other ones, I painted my yellow thing cuz its mostly just a reflector. And as far as opening headlights, I recommend using a heat gun on low heat, and a knife and flathead screwdriver. As you heat up an area try to wedge the screwdriver in enough that you can see the glue stretching and cut it. And work all the way around. Best to do with a friend. Be very careful not to melt the lens, and don't pry too hard because you may break pieces off which is bad news. Hope this helps

[My spoon is too big]

Someone on the subaru forums dremeled his tails apart to modify them. Definitely do not bake them.

[mazda3UR]

tails are flash sealed, can't bake them
The headlights I had to use my heat gun on them. They are so large they don't fit in my oven to bake open.

[DVG]

Wow, thanks for all the responses!

Hmm I have a slightly oversized oven...maybe it will fit, I think I will paint the yellow thing.

I am going to have an extra set of G35 tail lights soon - I am going to try to dremel those open, paint and reseal. If all goes well I will give it a go on the Mazda. I dont think that tint suits this car well, but if I painted the non reflective parts - (and I am thinking of something to do with the red brake light lens - will involve cutting and painting so no red is left) - that would look boss.

[HJLee]

Originally Posted by DVG

Wow, thanks for all the responses!

Hmm I have a slightly oversized oven...maybe it will fit, I think I will paint the yellow thing.

I am going to have an extra set of G35 tail lights soon - I am going to try to dremel those open, paint and reseal. If all goes well I will give it a go on the Mazda. I dont think that tint suits this car well, but if I painted the non reflective parts - (and I am thinking of something to do with the red brake light lens - will involve cutting and painting so no red is left) - that would look boss.

check out junk yards for used tails..that way you can screw something up that wont matter to you. Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market just search and they will find it for you.. call the place before hand though so they can save it for you. good luck and do post your results!

[Frnchplayr15]

Darkspeed blacked out his turn signal reflector but personally it doesnt look as good heres mine if this helps

Tail lights can be done but it takes triple the time to open, patience, and lots of beer!

Originally Posted by Havocforming

Don't try to open the tail lights!! They are plastic welded shut. More likely to destroy them (I almost did ) they are also very brittle and crack easily. Do unfortunately no painting of tails. unless u find a feasible way to do it, and if you do please let me know lol

So whats next you gonna rip a hole in the rear bumper lol stop damaging your car lol