Headlight Removal

I have a 2002 Ford Taurus. The headlamp covers are starting to scum over. I purchased a product that says it will fix the problem. I would like to remove the headlamp covers, so I can do the sanding and refinishing in a controlled environment. Are these difficult to remove, or do they require special tools?

They can be frustrating to remove. I’ve done them right on the car with a drill attached buffer and some care and they cam out terrific. You can put some masking tape on the surrounding area if you want to be extra careful.

The plastic headlamp covers are intended to remain permanently in place, never to be removed. They are held on by a special waterproof sealant. That’s why nobody sells this part separately.

I’ve heard of folks who removed the lenses after heating the whole headlamp unit in the oven at 325F for 10 minutes. Suit yourself.

I cleared my own car’s lenses by wet sanding while the unit was still mounted on the car.