Removing Headlights

I finally have a few days off and figured now is my only chance to do my retrofit for my headlights. I have a problem however, that darn hidden screw! I hear the easiest way to remove and later reinstall that screw for the headlight is to remove the front bumper. Does anyone know exactly how to do it and have pics? I'm hoping to get any useful tips and info before I start, otherwise I'll just figure it out the hard way

 

I got to it by lying underneath the truck and reaching up from the wheel well with a ratchet. Feel around for it with your fingers first so you know what you're looking for.

Once you get it, it is easy. I even reinstalled mine because now its easy for me to get to it.

Sorry no pics right now.

Edit: removing bumper seems too much hassle. Under the fender is he way to go!

 

Yah read about going underneath and feeling for it, guess I'll give it a shot.


Also aprreciate the pics on proper rotation.

 

i got to mine by pealing back the inner wheel well and holding a flashlight in my mouth so i could see the screw i needed to put the ratchet on

 

x2
Just be sure to wear safety glasses, got some dirt in my eyes when i pealed back the inner wheel well!

 

How do you get to the screw nearest the grill under the headlight?

 

Try this
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/128360-headlight-removal-pics.html

If you don't have good brain, hand eye coordination then your going to wake up with sore abs tomorrow. Be patient, use a light that you don't have to hold.

 

I just went under the truck like others. No need to take bumper off.

 

Go from under the wheel well and reach up, you'll be able to feel it. There used to be pics on here but not sure what happened to them. Also wear some safety goggles cause dirt and whatever else that's under there will get in your eyes/face.

Here's a good thread with big pics to help you out:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/128360-headlight-removal-pics.html

 

"nearest the grill"...........are u referring to the one right by the bumper skin?

make sure u remove the trim piece directly under the headlight.....then when u get to that "screw", I just pull the bumper skin away from the screw....its flexible and wont break........Ive done this probably 2 dozen times on diff trucks and projects



if ur refferring to the one under the truck (bolt) then remove the 2 screws holding the front of the mufguards to the skidplate area, and fold them back onto the front tires (they wont break).......then use ur hands and feel for a nut to turn up by the headlight....then reach about 1" above that, and thats the bolt u need to undo.

 

heres the bolt UNDER the truck most ppl have problems with.....

and another view


trim piece

 

dont forget to ROTATE the lights in order to get them out......

driver side orientation



passenger side



protect lenses with a shirt or something and watch those top portions of the truck where it meets the light, they can be sharp and do damage to the lenses.

gloves only used here to avoid fingerprints on the lenses (not neccisary)

 

yeah I got the one that was underneath and all hidden, really was a PITA...now the one I'm having trouble with is the one under the bumper lip...so it wont snap if I give her some stern love?

 

the bumper skin is VERY flexible pull it at an UPWARD/outward angle while using a cordless driver or screwdriver to unscrew the screw....the screw will do this also as it comes out....show her whos boss, or notch it out if u feel better with a sturdy blade.

Like I said, ive done it plenty of times.........may have to angle the screw on the way out .....u wll be fine, dont over think it.

pat urself on the back for getting the biggest PITA bolt out already!

 

It's flexible. I only pulled mines enough to get my arms in just to be safe.

 

Only reason I know its a LOT easier to get that bolt off with the bumper out of the way is because I was doing the grill craft at the same time. Takes only a matter of2 minutes to get the bumper off so to me it's well worth it

 

yeah it was wayyy easier after we just took the grill off. but that one underneath still gave me a lot of trouble...finally done though!!!!

 

Looks good man

Were you able to get that bolt back on or did u just leave it off?

 

I got em back on....took me like half an hour each haha. THANKS!!

 

Looks good......

If the output isn't good enough u may wanna run HID in those projectors....that will help some.

Also, keep an eye open for any condesation forming....keep ur old lights around till u go through a car wash, or drive through some heavy rain. That way if u gotta re seal the new lights, u can use ur old ones until the silicone dries.

If that's the case, use GE silicone II