Pulling apart 2011 XLT heads and tails to paint inner edges?

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Old Mar 8, 2014 | 11:16 PM
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Winchested's Avatar
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Pulling apart 2011 XLT heads and tails to paint inner edges?

How hard is it to pull these apart?

I realize you bake them to melt the glue and pry them apart. Is it easy to do with out destroying them?

And can you paint over the chrome with success?

I'd like to paint them black as it will cost me over $600 for OEM black out fx4 lights.

Afterwards what glue do you use to put them back together without having any condensation issues.

Thanks for any help or direction.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2014 | 11:21 PM
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Have fun those headlights are permaseal.
They are a pita.
Bake in the oven at 235°f for about 15 mins. Try separating the lens from the bucket, but this could take multiple times in the oven. Take your time and no rush. Also clear all permaseal out of the channels.
To reseal use butyl glue, this stuff separates allot easier for future modifications

Yes you can paint over the chrome. I suggest separating the reflector bucket from the headlight bezel as to not ruin the reflector bowl.
I used oven cleaner to strip the chrome finish, then used primer and ptm color to paint.

Take a gander
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...836&styleid=16

http://m.f150forum.com/showthread.ph...178&styleid=20
 

Last edited by thelariat02; Mar 8, 2014 at 11:26 PM.
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Old Mar 9, 2014 | 08:54 AM
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Thank you!
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 03:42 PM
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I have my oem headlights out and am going to start pulling mine apart within the week. I will be using a heat gun though instead of the over method. I'm pretty sure the rear tail lights are sonic welded though. I don't think you can take them apart. Rear tails are cheap. Nightshade them maybe?
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by ratherBstroked
I have my oem headlights out and am going to start pulling mine apart within the week. I will be using a heat gun though instead of the over method. I'm pretty sure the rear tail lights are sonic welded though. I don't think you can take them apart. Rear tails are cheap. Nightshade them maybe?
If you don't mind cutting the tails take a look at one if the links i posted it shows you how to open them on to seal them.

Take your time on the heads, you're going to have a very very hard time getting them open. I would suggest the oven one at a time just just i described
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 09:29 PM
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Why did he cut the taillights?? Impossible to remove the entire lens without doing so?

I have done it with '04/'08s figured it would be the same.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 10:26 PM
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Originally Posted by DarrenWS6
Why did he cut the taillights?? Impossible to remove the entire lens without doing so?

I have done it with '04/'08s figured it would be the same.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2pC6lFs5Sc
Not entirely certain. I haven't taken my tails apart yet on my 07 so don't know how hard it is to take apart.
 
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Old Apr 10, 2014 | 10:30 AM
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You can get the dark style OEM headlights on ebay for under $240 shipped. http://www.ebay.com/itm/250863268651...84.m1423.l2649

I recently painted the trim on my dark tail lights. It is time consuming. Luckily I had my stockers to swap back on while I painted my dark ones because it took several days. Took a razor knife and ran it around all the inside grooves to break up any excess glue, then used touch up paint and a rattle can to fill everything in. Sealed it all up with black silicone.
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Last edited by mossbum; Apr 10, 2014 at 10:30 AM. Reason: re-worded
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