tail light disassembly

[timsz]

How do you get the tail lights apart? The actual tail lights. Red on one side, grey on the other. I want to replace bulbs with LED's. I want to get it apart without breaking them. 71 240Z. Thank you very much, TimsZ

[ksbeta]

I believe I removed the wiring harness & bulbs, and then soaked the entire taillight assembly in warm, soapy water. Used a big pot to submerge the whole thing. That softened the glue/gasket, and some gentle prying with a flat-tip had them apart easily. Maybe there's a better (Read: More Professional) way, and I'm sure someone smarter than I will chime in.

[EuroDat]

Maybe there's a better (Read: More Professional) way, and I'm sure someone smarter than I will chime in.

I do the same thing. Sounds a bit like "hobby bob", but it has always worked for me. I have done 3 sets for 260/280z.

The glue is so old that it comes apart pretty easy. Scrapping the old glue out of the groove, once you have the lens out, is a PITA though.

I use a sealant very similar to the windscreen sealant to glue them back in. That way you can get then out without breaking them. Dont forget the felt plug in the drain.

Chas

[JLPurcell]

I am planning to post a thread on this similar to my retractable seat belt restoration thread. I have taken dozens of tail lights and the following is my process:

First step is to remove the bulbs and wiring

Second you have to remove the retainer in the middle of back of the tail light. This retainer is attached to the middle nipple on the chrome trim strip. The best way that I have found to do this is to take a very pointed set of needle nose pliers and squeeze the retainer end to end. The retainer being spring metal will break in the middle.

Third is the soaking in hot water this softens the original glues and you can pull the lens from the gray back.

If you want to remove the chrome trim from the lens you follow the same needle nose procedure on the two remaining retainers. I use clear adhesive caulk when reinstalling the lens and spring retainers can be purchased at most hardware stores.

[Zup]

Been meaning to do this for a while and the opportunity to get the chrome strips rechromed in 9teen7t240z's thread about the upcoming group buy put me over---

Thread title: Affordable Chrome Plating for plastic and metal parts

A few pics--

Start as JLP mentions above. Grip the pushnut with some sharp needlenose pliers. I found that by twisting and turning back and forth eventually you can work the pushnut up off the stem intact.

Use very hot water---as hot as your hands can stand---it'll soften the adhesive faster--and completely submurge the lens.

Be careful and patient----it will come apart by pulling the halves apart. Once it starts enough to get a small flat blade in there just carefully pry and it will separate further.

As above, once you have the assembly apart there are 3 more pushnuts to remove--2 round and 1 rectangular. Remove them in the same manner as before---these are much easier to get to and remove.

Lastly, here's a link to a replacement pushnut source I may order from for reassembly when the time comes.

It appears that 6-1/8" and 2-3/16" pushnuts are needed for each pair of tailights.

Washer Lock Speed Nut Products - Marshall's Hardware

Be mindful of the fact that your chrome strips are handed--left and right--and will only go on 1 way correctly.

HTH

Jim D.

"Zup"

Edited January 29, 2013 by Zup
clean up my mess

[timsz]

Thank you so much, TimsZ

[9teen7t240z]

Jim,

Excellent job on the procedure details and photos. As i get asked the same question quite often, I think in the future I'll just provide a link to this thread. Thanks from all of us for taking the time to detail the process and photograph it:)

Mike

[Zup]

TimZ and Mike,

I am flattered by your reply, but Blue is soooo much better at this sort of pictoral. :classic:

Now I just need to get these sent off to you Mike!

And yes, thank you, thank you, sir for providing this plating service for our members.

I can't remember how many times this had been discussed in the past at Classiczcars.com but you are making it happen!

Once I read Mike B.'s testamonial I knew your product was "as advetised" and would satisfy the most discriminating among us with the quality of the end result.

Jim D.

"Zup"

[9teen7t240z]

Hi, Jim,

Just send me a pm whenever you're ready.....I can give you the shipping info and details then. And, you're most welcome! As so many have echoed in the past, this community has saved me so much money, time, and grief with my own restoration and just regular repairs and maintenenance that I'm happy to be able to offer something in return. I've never been accused of being a mechanic, and I don't expect that I ever will. Yet, I have personally undertaken projects with my Z that I had never attempted with any car in 55 years of living.....thanks solely to the valuable advice and contributions from members of this community. And to your point, Blue is most definitely one of them, as he has helped me with some difficult situations on my own car. Really a great bunch of guys.....and ladies:)

Mike