hi guys,
i got 02 SE Coupe, so i'm thinking of taking out the stock OEM Headlight and put in a pair of BLACK HOUSING to increase the look, and i'm planning to do it at home, shouldn't a problem, but i was wondering if i have to take out the front bumper? is it necessary? thanks

 

the headlights have brackets that can be only reached by taking out the bumper. its pretty easy... 2 screws in the wheelwells and the rest are clips.

 

yes you have to remove.

Complete guide here if you havn't found it yet.

http://www.filtsai.com/accord/housings/index.php

 

Yup, you have to remove the bumper. I would suggest when removing the bumper, be very careful when removing the little plastic "screws" on the bottom. Removing and reinstalling the front bumper and taking out the headlights is a piece of cake, much easier if you can get a buddy to help you out. You might have to take a ride to the dealer to buy some more of those plastic "screws" because you're bound to break one or two of them. Like previously stated, you can get all the instructions here... http://www.filtsai.com/accord/housings/index.php.

One thing I would def. advise against is putting the headlights in the oven. DO NOT do it or else it can turn into a very expensive little project. The easier and safer way, in my opinion, which is what I did when I removed the amber strip from my '98 Accord, is to use a blow dryer to head up the glue around the headlights and slowly start to pry them with a small flat-head screw driver or something similair like a putty knife, etc. Be patient, it takes some time, but much safer than having the lights melt in the oven. Be careful not to scratch the glass, housing, or the reflector.

I would also recommend that when you have put the lights back together, get a tube of waterproof silicon (I believe 3M makes something like it) from Home Depot, Loews, etc. (found in the shower area where they have caulks, etc.) and place it all around the housing where it was opened from, just a little extra insurance to make sure you don't get any water or moisture in the lights.

 

blow dryer takes forever... its safe to use the oven at a LOW temperature

 

I'd recommend just heating up the existing glue when you put them back together...use a heat gun or oven to warm and soften each peice, push them together and use pliers to make them tight like they used to be, it'll seal up just like before. Done three sets like this, never had a problem with condensation, no extra silicone needed.

 

thanks guys, i will try.

 

Put my headlights in the oven...worked just fine. I just followed the directions I found on HAN in the Civic forum.