How To: Black Head Light mod

Well I'm not sure if I'm the first but I think I'm perhaps the first in this thread to not be able to get the 4th bolt off. I tried everything, wrench, socket, half sit up, bumper liner pulled back, for about an hour and couldn't get it close. I either need a longer skinnier arm or more dexterity, not sure which one.

 

What's the problem, you can't get the socket on it or it's seized in place? Try PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench to help free it up.

 

I didn't feel like there was enough room to get the socket on head square. I could get it on the nut at an angle but as soon as I tried to square it up it would slip off. By the end my hands were sore so I probably should have stopped after about 20 minutes, walked away and came back an hour later.

 

Are you using the correct socket size? Not trying to be condescenting, just asking because I never noticed that problem. My biggest issue was reaching the bolt to begin with. Try this, put the socket on the bolt heat, square it up, then put the ratchet up and press it into the back of the socket. Might work for you.

 

Try a 10mm 1/4 drive socket and 1/4 ratchet.......remember, the first projection ur prolly gunna hit will be a nut. Reach up another 1/2 inch and that's the bolt head.

Using the right size on the right bolt?
shouldn't be on too tight....it may be easier if u have a fine tooth ratchet also
Of course, counterclockwise to loosen


Sometimes u need to take 5.....give urself a break to calm down, ur gunna be pissed and lose ur fine motor skills.....shake out ur hands/shoulder.....then tray again when calm.

See with ur fingers, not ur eyes

I pop em off pretty easy with a creeper, even if there's a 3" lift......im all torso

 

I can reach without too much of a problem. It just seems like I don't have enough room to fit the socket and ratchet between the bolt and the fender. I'll try and put the socket on the bolt then push the ratchet into the socket. Yeah I'm using a 10mm socket. Neither of the ones I have are fine tooth though so that might make it more difficult.

 

You're not using deep sockets are you? You should have plenty of room to get the socket and ratchet on the bolt head. I could get mine on with my hand on the back, clearance shouldn't be an issue unless you've been in an accident and the fender is bent in.

 

I guess I just needed to work smarter, not harder. I was messing around with the nut above the rear most nut that was removed. As soon as I stopped and examined what I was doing and felt around I realized it was the wrong nut the whole time. The correct one took me about a minute per side. Just stupid.

 

this is awesome to see. The forum working the way it's supposed to. Great work to all who helped get him on the right track!

 

GrassyAss to all.

 

That other nut goes onto the bumper support. Easy mistake as they're in the same spot.

 

Good yob.....very easy mistake.

 

Got my windo weld and krylon satin black this week. Going to do this mod this weekend. I haven't seen anything on removing the grill to access the headlights. Is it easy and is there a thread with directions?

Thanks

 

U wont need a thread for the grill, trust me.

2 screws up top, 2 plastic body pins, then 2 clips on the bottom side that clip into the headlight housing.

U should be able to undo both screws and the body pins up top....then pull grill straight UP.

 

doing a spare set now... but I broke the tab on the bottom of one of the yellow blinker covers taking it out to paint... does anyone leave them out? I tried fitting it back in and it might hold... but if it doesn't I don't want to have to split the headlights again... any advice?

 

Some have.....but I also believe asianants may be able to set u up with parts.

 

thanks! who or what is asianants?

 

Member here......im on phone....u can check through the list of members alphabetically......

Iirc, sometimes u can contact sellers on ebay that unload tons of aftermarket headlights for tacomas. Ask them if they have any that were sent back damaged, and u need parts....see if u can get a break on em

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacoma-marketplace/253722-light-parts-sale-more.html That's his fs thread

 

perfect - thanks guys... I just pmed him... so you think I should find a replacement and use them vs leave them off?