Cleaning inside of tail-lights.. + more

[mak]

I just got a new (to me) set of crystalled tail-lights for my cb7, they look pretty damned good on my car, but the rubber seals are bad and they need have some minor discoloration around the backup lights and keyhole.

Is it possible to remove the outer lens and clean it up?

I was thinking I could sand the discoloration down a bit (on the inside of the lens) and clean the edges up (they're kind of dirty), then use some epoxy to re-close them, silicon around the edges and put some sort of weather stripping around the edges to simulate the original weather stripping.

These lenses are pretty rare, I've never seen a pair on a cb7 in person, I know people have them, but I think Altezza's were more popular... so I'm hoping there's a way to clean them up and restore them to their original glory

Here's a picture of the lights/lenses;



In case anyone is wondering, I intend to paint the car midnight blue, or black.. it's only green for now

-mak

[TypeG]

you can take them apart. i'd soak them in wd-40 for a few days. that or put then in the oven. later.

[93cb7alldway]

You can try separating the lens from the housing so you can really clean the inside good...

[jst_4_kiks]

just wondering what the wd-40 does to the lights????
does it soften the glue??? i always thought thats what baking them in the oven does?

[jst_4_kiks]

mak: i like you tails. did you buy them like that or diy them? if so, where did you buy them? also do you get unwanted attention from the cops cuz they are so clear? you have colored bulbs in there to stay legal?? just wondering

[BillKisme]

With something rare as thoses lights. I would be scared to put them in the oven. Yes the glue will soften when you put them in there. If you do put them in the over Dont set it over 225degrees. and only leave them in for a few minutes.

[N9netwoAccord]

i'd say use a heat gun if anything

[ChIoVnIdCa]

mak: i like you tails. did you buy them like that or diy them? if so, where did you buy them? also do you get unwanted attention from the cops cuz they are so clear? you have colored bulbs in there to stay legal?? just wondering

you cant make those truly legal anyways.

[mak]

mak: i like you tails. did you buy them like that or diy them? if so, where did you buy them? also do you get unwanted attention from the cops cuz they are so clear? you have colored bulbs in there to stay legal?? just wondering

Thank you, I bought them used and couldn't believe I even found a pair.

I was going to go with black-housed altezzas with smoked covers (to give the altezza appearance, but only when the lights are in use) and found these bad boys instead

(See below)

you cant make those truly legal anyways.

The lenses themselves are 'for off-road use only', but only because the OEM bulbs (and their replacements) are clear, and not red. I used deep red silicon jackets around 2057LL bulbs and they're red. The turn signals come in amber already, so no DIY there.

The lenses themselves are not illegal to use, unless you use OEM/OEM replacement bulbs without correcting the color issue.

----

The glue around the housings is already chipping a bit, I'm going to see if I can pull the lenses off (very gently) tomorrow using goo-gone, if I can, what should I use to re-assemble them? I was thinking JB Weld for Plastics, then some silicon to seal them and some small weather stripping so water drains down the front, instead of the rear of the lens when it's raining.

[bcjammerx]

I can't find this answer...are those lenses for a specific year? I like that look...90-91?

[Hondaman1984]

the taillight are ok

[mak]

I can't find this answer...are those lenses for a specific year? I like that look...90-91?

'90-'91. I've not seen them on '92-'93, but they might have made them for those as well.

-mak

[drew12000]

nice. i was never able to find all four taillights just the outer two. peace

[bcjammerx]

'90-'91. I've not seen them on '92-'93, but they might have made them for those as well.

-mak

cool...that's what I suspected...but I don't think they will fit on my 93

[kouzie]

are those legal/illegal in MN??
I know you had the bulbs color in there but..
I remember I got pull over for having them on my camry...
no tickets..just warning...