Author Topic: Fog Light Restoration (Read 5708 times)

CePa318IS · « **on:** October 25, 2008, 06:40:33 PM »

Hey guys,

I have 3 fog lights. One with a broken lens and the other two are just real dirty and have a lot of pitting on the lens. I want to completely restore these to like new condition. I have basically taken everything apart that I can as of right now. 2 of the fog lights screws that hold the bracket are rusted and almost stripped. I am unable to remove them.

Here is where I am at right now.

First, I would like to know the proper and safe way to remove the silicone adhesive around the lenses. I was thinking about placing them in the oven to loosen the silicone, but I dont know if the plastic brackets will melt.

Second, how can I remove the rusted and almost stripped screws?

Thanks for your help guys.
Scott

Matt-B · « **Reply #1 on:** October 25, 2008, 06:49:57 PM »

oven,

then use 400 grit, 800, 1000, 2000

then buff and polish

CePa318IS · « **Reply #2 on:** October 25, 2008, 06:54:50 PM »

what temperature should I use? I dont want to go to high. How long should I leave it in for? I am a pretty new to all of this so I dont want to ruin everything. I was thinking about trying one first at like 150 degrees for like 5 minutes. Should I go higher? Longer?

And what about that damned screw?

Matt-B · « **Reply #3 on:** October 25, 2008, 10:47:35 PM »

Pop the whole assembly in your oven. Shut the door and preheat to 350�F. Wait a little while after the preheated indicator comes on to let the part reach full temperature. Once you think it is up to temp go ahead and remove it with some gloves. Set it on a table and carefully start to push a wide flathead screwdriver between the lense and housing. Try several spots until you find a good one and start to pry up on it. Don't twist the screwdriver as you pry! This will put greatly more focused stress on the glass and can cause it to crack. Go slow and pry gently. It will lift up and come free if you are patient and careful.

Poooobaa · « **Reply #4 on:** October 26, 2008, 01:15:12 PM »

I rebuilt mine with new lenses from bmwlenses.com
Just break out the old lenses and clean the grove. then lay in a new bead of silicone and set the new lenses in to dry overnight. I then placed a protective clear plastic over the lens.

Matt-B · « **Reply #5 on:** October 26, 2008, 09:47:17 PM »

oh, use black silicone if you can, keeps light from seeping out edge

dark_islight · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2008, 06:53:46 AM »

Check http://www.bmwlight.com for replacements.

Here's the how to : http://www.bmwlight.com/bmwlightinstallation.htm

Rogan · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2008, 11:37:40 AM »

350*F wow! that seems high (hot) to me, but i haven't tried the fogs before. my WRX headlights (all plastic) took a low 225*F for 10 mins, and came right apart. Prolly different with glass lenses, tho..