So I finally figured out how to get the puddle lights out of my factory tow mirrors. I want to replace the bulbs with LEDs.

But how do I take this apart?
Looks like the clear plastic lens is superglued.
Anyone done this before?











Thanks

-ruli00

 

Perhaps a hair dryer to help soften the adhesive holding the lens on...

 

No go on the hair dryer. Got the heat gun out now.


-ruli00

 

no luck with the heat gun either, gonna let sit in the freezer for a while


-ruli00

 

Ok, stabbed myself in the finger with a xacto knife.... thats enough
for tonight.

Tomorrow, out comes the dremel

-ruli00

 

well I got it, hot knife did the trick. Hopefully the otherside wont be as sloppy




-ruli00

 

Like I said, a hot knife should do the trick

Hey, do you have the part number for those puddle lamp housings?

 

I dont have a part #. and the only #'s on this thing are patent #s

I would love an alternitive housing, cause i tore this one up pretty good.


-ruli00

 

The housing is not glued. It is welded using ultrasonic sound. Ultrasonic welding - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Why not contact Ed www.partsguyed.com and see if he can hook you up with the correct replacement. I would think it wouldn't be too expensive and it will likely be easier to deal with then trying to fix up the remains of that lamps housing.

Shorebird's right, ultrasonic welding of plastics is a commonly used process for joining certain plastic parts. Years ago when I worked for one an automotive parts manufacturer, I got my first taste of ultrasonic welding. Branson makes the welders and probably still offers some good reading material on the topic. That's assuming they are still in business and not under some other name now.

 

3F1Z13B375AA X2

 

Wow, thanks Ed. So is this as easy as drilling the correct size hole and inserting the housing (and wiring through the dome light supervision wiring of course)? If that's the case I'm all over this.

 

It may not be that easy.
Here is a pic I snapped of my housing.
The light is recessed and that thinner plastic around the hole is what the puddle lamp holds on to.










-ruli00

 

Good pics, thanks! Hmmm, I'm not so concerned about them being completely flush but if the lamp housing isn't a standard diameter (like inch or 2 inches uniformly) cutting a hole could be tricky.

Ed, this would be an excellent opportunity to "up sale" me on the complete mirror housing!

 

you want the housing you have to buy the complete mirror assy.