OK I was finally able to get it done by myself.
Here's how I did it. Removing was the real problem. I have to assume that in the process somewhere I removed the adhesive from the spoiler above the light. So keep that in mind. I tried the push and pull method but that wasn't working. Finally I taped up the spoiler with blue painter's tape. I placed a very thick piece of cardboard up at the top of the light. I can't remember where I got this but it was thick non-corrugated baord. I cut it to about as long as the light. Then what I did was open the hatch and put in two Stanley (made in CT!) nail sets into the screw holes to push against the light's screw holes. I lowered the hatch and used the lowering pressure to push the sets into the holes pushing the light outward. It'd be a good idea to put card under the sets too as I eventually scratched the paint under the hatch a bit, not visible at all, but still. Then I worked with the pressure of the hood and moved the card around in underneath and pushing the spoiler up and pulling the card a bit to pull the light out. Somehow at the last minute I broke one of the screw holes off of the old light, so that was bad, be more careful than I was I guess. =)
After the light was out I noticed the card had worked its way under the spoiler a bit. I left it there. Attached the new light and set it in the hole at the bottom. Using the card and pushing the light straight back, maybe a bit more on the top I got it in really easily. The only hangup was the little circuit board at the bottom had a few parts sticking out but it worked in very easily compared to removal.
Taking it out was about 20 minutes once I had this idea in mind. Putting it in was less than a minute job. Tested and works nicely. I'll eventually get pics up after a wash. I don't want to put in my taillights yet until I get reflectors but I figured I'd get this much done first.
Hope this helps someone. =) |