Split Mk2 Headlights

[FocusSmudge]

Hi guys,

I know people have split MK1 Headlights for spraying the surrounding black, but has anyone split a MK2 headlight?

I've got some daytime running lights I want to try and retro fit inside the clear plastic lens. I know they are baked in the oven but on what heat and time?

[salsheikh]

there is someone on the focus ST owners forum that had his done as he had the insides sprayed black.

it could be a game of trial and error mate if you do it yourself. I would think that you heat the oven WITHOUT the lights and then leave them in there (oven off) to soften the glue for say 10 mins to see if it has done the trick and if it hasnt then another 5 mins etc until you get the job done?

[JW1982]

The lenses of the original Focus MK2 (and onwards) headlights are sealed with PermaSeal sealant. This PermaSeal sealant does not become soft when heated in an oven. The plastic of the headlights have a lower melting point than the PermaSeal. The only benefit of heating PermaSeal headlights is that the plastic becomes softer/more flexible which makes it a bit easier to bend the plastic and have access to cut the sealant. PermaSeal sealed headlights usually are a nightmare to take apart. It may even take hours to cut the sealant without any major damage and take the lense off.

Some aftermarket headlights like the DEPO/FK headlights are sealed with Butyl sealant. These headlights are much easier to take apart. After a bit of heating it only took me 10 minutes to remove the lenses of my FK AngelEyes headlights.

[salsheikh]

a bit of googling gave me this:

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/mk2-focus/163593-08-focus-headlight-baking-recipe.html

[JW1982]

This link shows the USA Focus 2008 model headlights which are completely different from the European headlights. Based on other forums these headlights are sealed with butyl sealant. Opening these headlights is relatively easy.

Last year I tried to open my original MK2 headlights. Heating the headlights inside an industrial oven did not help at all. At the end I got them open without any damage but it took a lot of time and effort. My plans were to install retrofit projectors inside the original headlights but I decided to stop this project after I sold the car.

[artscot79]

been there tried that you cant split the headlight without breaking it the sealant is frankly too good baking it makes no difference either

[Stoney871]

Better off buying Depo lights with drl' built in.

Saves breaking the original ones and having to replace them anyway.

Also quite a few aftermarket drl kits are trash and need replacing often due to flashing led's.

[artscot79]

agree given most leds hate heat the mk2 lights create a lot of heat so it will likely kill them pretty quickly

[salsheikh]

it IS do-able - see post No 241 on this thread (had someone do it for him)

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/37107-my-st-rs-mk2-build-up-project-phenomenal/page-16