HOW TO BAKE PERMASEAL HEADLIGHTS

[@Wretched2JZ]

That's the easiest "permaseal" I've ever seen.. lol. The stuff I usually deal with is like tar and you have to heat the oven even hotter it isn't easy at all. This has to be a different kind.

[@RetrofitSource]

weak ass Camaro permaseal!

[@hakzman11]

Your lucky the permaseal I deal with is like tyre rubber but harder to cut and unaffected by heat

[@jarrettrobbins6744]

I just did a retro on my 2013 GMC Acadia, that permaseal was hard as a rock! Took forever to get the lenses apart and I actually had to dremel out the channel... seemed like GM used JB weld to seal them up.

[@RetrofitSource]

Fuckin GM.

[@707lonewolf]

im doing a retrofit on a 2015 Silverado, n i hate GM Perma seal, i set it at 235 for 20 minutes i taped up the lens for safety took about 1 hour

[@1979jjsolon]

Good info thanks for the help! I have a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd baked my headlights at 235 for 20 mins had to put back in the oven for another 5 min to finish opening the first one. Second headlight was same heat and time but I got it open the first shot without issues. It is permaseal but had little issue. The pain in the ass part was cleaning it out of the track. Took 2 hours but I'm alittle OCD

[@RetrofitSource]

Man, its never easy! good work Joshua!

[@reggie_m45]

That was too easy. You have to do a tougher one

[@RetrofitSource]

No joke we didnt plan this, it just so happened this poopy old Camaro headlight was the only one on the building sealed with any kind of permaseal. But you are right, MOST housings are more difficult than this demo makes it out to be.

[@reggie_m45]

TheRetrofitSource Inc I had a gm light that was easy also. 2007 Cadillac srx. First permaseal light I opened and it was just as easy as butyl

[@robertapple6837]

The 14+ Tundra has been the easiest permaseal for me, hardest has been the RAM. Tempted just to go back to cutting open all perma lights just to avoid the damage caused by prying.

[@mikesulakov]

robert apple yeah, that’s what i do, but it’s super time consuming lol

[@jperk323]

What about VW headlights? I’ve been fighting with a 2014 GLI headlight on and off for weeks! No matter what I try and I can’t get the lens off. I’m to the point where cutting it open seems to be the only viable option.

[@AndrewLeet92]

Worth to mention that the oven is in fahrenheit, because 220 celcius is 428 fahrenheit. Pretty sure you'd no longer struggle with the permaseal though. Lol

[@TRICKYBYRD]

If you didn't know this beforehand you have no business modifying your several hundred to thousand dollar headlight and I'd go as far as saying you have no business modifying your background on your cellphone

[@XxXnonameAsDXxX]

Yeah I hate it when people don't specify their degrees. Also Fahrenheit is so backwards but with Celsius you always have 100 C=boiling water

[@ro63rto]

@@XxXnonameAsDXxX 2:15 🤔 they did

[@Oscar-512]

Love how the guy on the left is like, “safe practice is this” and guy on the right is like, “I just wing it” 😂

[@RetrofitSource]

LOL!

[@liamrae661]

That is the most easiest perma seal I've seen. The sealant just pulled out. I'd like to see you try a mk7 fiesta lights. 2015

[@greenrogue07]

Lmao, my first retro i did was on my 2017 fiesta st . Butchered the housing. Permaseal is a bitch

[@Cruzitolara7]

Quick question were you able to open up your Fiesta headlight? I’m trying and I just can’t 😭 what temp did you use and for how long?

[@greenrogue07]

@@Cruzitolara7 yeah i did, just gotta work it little by litte. idk the temp, i used a box and heat gun in it. take your time and get some reverse pliers, i did it with 2 pliers

[@Cruzitolara7]

@@greenrogue07 thank you will definitely try again this weekend!

[@codyprice0295]

Doing a 2014 Taurus limited headlamp, trying to save 460$ for a headlamp from the ford dealership I break my knuckles at. I’m going in to repair some wiring internal to the case. Somehow the assembly filled up with water. This is challenging as heck. I’ve been heating for 40 minutes now, I didn’t even need gloves when I took the assembly out the first time.

[@RetrofitSource]

Interesting, make sure that you do not overheat those headlights! Let us know if there is anything we can do for you with this build, have a good one! [e-mail]

[@aaronadkins7406]

DOING MY HEADLIGHTS FRIDAY, I CANT WAIT.

[@RetrofitSource]

Get it!

[@danielturko1278]

This video was awesome and very helpful I am just about to use the morimoto retro rubber and wanted a professional video on the how to of using it thankyou

[@bbqpls2569]

thank you guy's!!! Cheer's from the Philippines

[@RetrofitSource]

🙏🙏

[@dcchicken75]

I've probably done about 10-12 sets of headlights, most recently for my VW Touareg... brutal!!!

[@RetrofitSource]

Gotta love it!

[@cambiumtimberworks]

Any tips for Touareg!?

[@meorton]

Do you think the solenoid wire and the base to the motoh1olders will survive the heat okay?

[@jonathan5354]

This looked easier than some butyl headlights I've been working on

[@RetrofitSource]

These guys make it look easy!

[@dillondance1393]

Retrofit website says 265 degrees for 7 minutes.. should I use the 220 and 15-20 minute technique instead? I ordered the parts and did this a couple months ago, a long with some black butyl tape I got from autozone. I think the tape was primarily for windshields and it didn't really hold that well. More like putty consistency after it dried. I currently have my headlights apart and I'm going to order some black butyl from you guys before I try and reseal them. I hope it works this time!

[@knation92]

I would try the 220 for 15-20 minutes first then if that doesn't work I would try a higher temp for less time, I've tried the 220 for 20 minutes on my permasealed 04 silverado headlights and had no luck getting them close to separated

[@mujjuman]

idk you guys are such experts that you made it look SUPER easy or something.... lol

[@izzo4550]

My 2014 Silverado took hours upon hours of chipping the permaseal out of the channel piece by piece. Took 3-4 rounds in oven just to pull lense off. More to get out of the channel. There's no way the permaseal was coming out in a one piece strip like that. Hard to believe Camaro was that easy...

[@mujjuman]

i am shocked also... video looked fake lol jk

[@wailmaghazi854]

Same bro struggling as well with my w212 mercedes

[@Quesune]

And then some ppl will think thats so easy and trying to open BMW or Audi or Mercedes headlights they will shout how hard it is ..

[@RetrofitSource]

It just takes time an patience.

[@Quesune]

@@RetrofitSource i do custom lights and im avoiding permaseal ones as I open few and im tired of them

[@markkemp7531]

Hi What about Urethane windshield silicone will it work to reseal the headlight

[@RetrofitSource]

No, to re-seal we would recommend using headlight grade butyl.

[@SanMario95]

Is it okay to leave the dust cap on when heating the headlight in the oven?

[@mujjuman]

no, you should remove it

[@gg0wned]

You should be cleaning the inside before re-baking it. And you should be placing it on microfiber, not cardboard. Also, I’d recommend clamping it with plastic clamps, not metal pliers...

[@MasonAK.1]

Meanwhile I'm struggling even while using higher temperatures, longer times, and aftermarket lights for a Malibu... F U Permaseal

[@headlightdesigngradacac]

It's old video but you're right, this was too easy. Actually easyer then opening non permaseal headlights. Lol

[@legionluciano]

Awesome video.

[@Riley1524]

Good info, especially for BMW owners!!!

[@hbo7799]

why for BMW owners ? :D

[@mujjuman]

@@hbo7799 because it uses permaseal

[@tylerkimdura6690]

Same for Volvo!!!

[@user-mw5qb4nl8w]

I have wires sticking out the back of the headlight is that safe to put in the oven or do I need to take them off.

[@RetrofitSource]

Just tuck them out of the way of any metal or any other surface that would heat up and melt the jacket on the wiring and you're good to go!

[@mikezinchini8171]

Any tips on 2002 Porsche Boxster sealed headlight assembly? I believe they have a gasket that is glued into place??

[@RetrofitSource]

Hey Mike, send us a picture of that housing and we'd be happy to help! [e-mail]

[@oda0111]

I tried it on my W212, the aftermath was gruesome, it looked like a murder scene. I don't know what sort of permaseal ze germans use but it's impossible to remove without breaking the housing of the headlight. Have you guys worked with W212s? I'll trade beers for good pointers

[@outfit1994]

Alin Marinescu I am tryin to get my w212 E63amg headlight covers swapped and it is hard to get them apart, any advise or suggestions from when you did yours ?

[@oda0111]

@@outfit1994 Dremel. Didn't see your question when you posted it. I'm here again because I had to reopen mine and wasn't very happy with the sealant I used. I don't think these guys ever opened a W212 headlight, they'd know the struggle and mention it. The only way to get it open without completely destroying the headlight casing is to use a Dremel and cut around the perimeter of the lens. I used regular bathroom sealant and it held ok but came apart too easily after 1 year. I'm thinking we need something stronger.

[@S.Madman]

@@oda0111 Yeah I may just sand the outside lens and clear coat it. Then clean the inside. I don't want to tear a $1000 headlight.

[@timothypatrick7030]

My Journey headlights are a pain in the you know what. I’ve somewhat butchered my drivers side but I think I’ll be able to reseal it. It’s just gonna be a headache scraping all of the permaseal out of the channel and off the lens. I did two rounds at 220.15 minutes the first time and 20 minutes the second time.

[@RetrofitSource]

Solid recommendation, thanks for the input Tim!

[@nathanmccain4338]

These guys argue about almost every step through the portions of this video....you guys should talk before shooting and get on the same page for your customers.

[@RetrofitSource]

We've gotten a lot better since this video was made, Thank you for watching!

[@mujjuman]

great video thanks for the tips. i love and appreciate TRS more than anything.

[@knation92]

yeah 240 for 20 minutes didn't even phase my 04 silverado headlights lol got butyl depos and one round at 240 for 20 minutes and they practically came apart by hand first try, I've been trying on the OEM set for a month and haven't had any luck, I guess it's time to turn up the temps lol

[@kevinkaveh5539]

don't waste your time. Those are pretty much sealed shut. Even us pros don't bother opening up those oem headlights.

[@RideShareConfessions]

Dealing with a 2019 suburban known to leak and make the blinkers hipper flash. I would send them off to get fixed but time and money are working against me. I have to do both headlights to be sure and would like to know what to use to reseal them. Any tips would be a big help thank you for your time

[@RetrofitSource]

Reseal these with some Retrorubber and this should fix that issue for you! www.theretrofitsource.com/morimoto-retrorubber-butyl-glue-A-BUTYL

[@mikesulakov]

You should maybe put a piece of wood or something in that oven, cuz if it’s too hot, it could probably melt some of the headlight, no? Like that little metal insert in the oven heats up no doubt

[@RetrofitSource]

Hey Mike, That's actually how our new oven is set up! It's definitely not a bad idea, especially as you get up in the higher temperature ranges for some of the more difficult headlights.

[@mikesulakov]

TheRetrofitSource Inc yeah, for real! One of the employees made the amazing mistake of putting a nice dent in the lens of a CLS550 LED headlight 😢

[@ronallen4491]

Hello thanks for the info. I need to open a 2005 tax rear tail light. How do I go about it.

[@RetrofitSource]

Tail lights are a whole different ball game as they are sonic welded shut. So that means you have to cut the housing open to access them.

[@gabrielgalaxygh]

@@RetrofitSource do you know why they glue the headlights but weld the taillights like what s the advantage in switching it up

[@danieldo9825]

Have you opened any 4th gen mazda 3's? I took my 2021 headlights out before seeing this video used a heatgun failed then oven at 200F 7mins maybe I did it too little time in oven but I failed again... where are you guys located?

[@RetrofitSource]

Not that we have on video! We're located in Atlanta, GA!

[@user-iz7lh5fu6z]

[@RetrofitSource]

Thank you! 🤗

[@gombie72]

Im preparing to dig into my 2011 volvo s60 headlights. Been reading on the forums that the seal isnt butyl, but is an epoxy based sealant, and heat wont help. Was wondering if yall have encountered those years of volvo headlights, and if they are actually epoxy, or if theyre just permaseal. My current lenses have major stress fractures all throughout, so ive bought replacements

[@RetrofitSource]

We know that the Volvo CX-90 units used permaseal from 2002+, the S40 Volvo models also used permaseal. Permaseal is going to be a lot harder to the touch, and can be more difficult to work with than butyl.

[@gombie72]

@@RetrofitSource gotcha, I appreciate it. Most of the P2 chassis cars had glass lenses, and screws, but P3 cars used plastic lenses and clips, much to the communities dismay. I appreciate the reply!

[@RetrofitSource]

General rule of thumb - glass lenses can generally be seperated with gas, especially the older units. Plastic lenses will mostly be sealed with permaseal or butyl, the newer the car... the more of a chance of it being permaseal.

[@fatt_hemi2606]

When you to the headlight back in. Was the oven preheated? And if yes what’s it at the previous 220 Fahrenheit?

[@RetrofitSource]

Yes and yes!

[@fatt_hemi2606]

@@RetrofitSource thank you. A little late. But thank you for replying back.

[@mujjuman]

first time i've done a retrofit was around 10-11 years ago, using FX-R projectors lol. what a pain in the fuckin ass... i also put my headlight in the oven @ 350F for like 5 mins... it felt like the scariest shit i've done. i dont recommend this. second headlight was 200F for around 10-15 mins no problem. since then, i've been sticking to 200-220F, for 10 mins and then 5 min increment after that if they dont open up easily. but you guys made this permaseal stuff look way too easy lol!!!

[@thomasjj1976]

How would you use the Morimoto Permatrator? If it's just time/temperature, why use that product?

[@RetrofitSource]

Permaseal is super hard to open sometimes, this helps!

[@jeremyguzman4464]

I’m assuming any electrical components such as what bmw uses with xenon lights should be removed? since the electronics may not resist the heat

[@RetrofitSource]

I am not exactly sure what you are referring too, but you will not have anything to worry about as they are designed to take the heat from both the projectors and the oven when baking them to crack them open! Let us know if you have any other questions or concerns, have a great day!

[@carolynhughes3290]

@@RetrofitSource I thought LEDs die around 150F? Isn’t that why they need such a massive heat sink?

[@oda0111]

That's not my experience with Permaseal. Maybe Mercedes uses a super strong version, I was not able to get it to unstick regardless of the temperature/time. Had to revert to the Dremel.

[@RetrofitSource]

Some permaseal headlights are definitely easier to open than others. Sometimes the ole' dremel is the easiest way. It all depends on that specific headlight!

[@oda0111]

@@RetrofitSource Definitely. Have you ever attempted to open headlights from a W212? The pre facelift one.

[@wailmaghazi854]

Broooooo!!! I am also having a really rough time trying to pry out my w212 lens I eventually used a soldering iron to cut out the lens and used a screwdriver to pry out the remaing part took me 7 hours to do one headlight with slight damage.

[@wailmaghazi854]

Could you tell me how to do it with a dremel

[@oda0111]

Post #36 mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212/682475-presentation-thread-w212-e550-gunther-2.html#post7512480

[@RGZ223]

Have you ever split the 2009 genesis sedan headlights?

[@gl958]

I have a 2019 Honda Pilot Touring Headlight with Full LED. Is it safe to bake this?

[@RetrofitSource]

Just keep an eye on it as you go!

[@Mr_frost467]

What if your headlight has fiber optic fiber? Would an oven melt that?

[@RetrofitSource]

It really shoudnt affect that at all! You should still be able to crack them open, shouldnt be an issue unless you have permaseal! Let us know if you have any other questions, have a great day!

[@TakeNoShift]

Baked my lights and they warped. Now the lens doesn't fit back on and i have to get new ones...

[@RetrofitSource]

That’s a bummer, We’ve definitely been there. Sometimes you can heat them back up and get them to go back together.

[@artramirez3506]

Started on baking open F-150 headlights. Permaseal sucks. Did 265 for 15. Didn't do chit.

[@RetrofitSource]

Permaseal is the worst.

[@AcTofGoD210]

Does Volkswagen use permaseal? I got my acme kit for my spec d aftermarket on my mk6 Jetta but I'm thinking about just putting them in my OEM headlight housing. I've read it's near impossible to remove the cover on them and to use a dremel to cut it open. I'm just guessing those who've done it didn't heat the light long enough.

[@RetrofitSource]

Oh yes, modern VW headlights are mos def permaseal

[@AcTofGoD210]

TheRetrofitSource Inc any tips? Let it bake longer?

[@donaldklemen7532]

Can you put it in hot water?

[@RetrofitSource]

That unfortunately will not get the permaseal loose enough, so you will want to follow the steps in the video!

[@mhaas2]

Any hints on a 2016 Mustang?

[@RetrofitSource]

If you still need some tips for your 16 Stang use the chat function on our webpage. One of our service reps will assist you with your needs. www.theretrofitsource.com/

[@pratyushghotge985]

What kind of oven are you guys using?

[@RetrofitSource]

It is just an old house oven, that will be all you need! Let us know if you have any other questions, have a great day!

[@jochembox3376]

What if ur headlight doesn't fit in the oven ... Like my fiesta mk8 Headlights 😩

[@RetrofitSource]

Perfect excuse for a bigger oven or a trip to the sauna...

[@jameswan670]

@@RetrofitSource sauna is best comment

[@loz_a8069]

Ok, now try that with a BMW or VW headlight. I’ll wait ..

[@RetrofitSource]

Some might be a little tougher than others!

[@redpillproductionscanada5563]

Jesus mine are awful, (2005 grand marquis ls) had to clean them up anyways so im currently painting the bezels black to match my marauder corners.

[@RetrofitSource]

They will look good with that black paint, do you already have a retrofit done to them? If not, now might be a good time to get that done since you have them all pulled apart right now! I have linked those kits for you here: www.theretrofitsource.com/projector-kits/retrofit-kits-universal

[@redpillproductionscanada5563]

@@RetrofitSource thanks dude, probably just gonna ad switchback halos, starting with something easy lmao.

[@RetrofitSource]

That will be a fantasti upgrade, that will really change the look!🔥

[@Legal_Addiction]

Just bought a aftermarket set for a 92 150 build from Walmart.Com and I was shocked they were Prema.

[@RetrofitSource]

Definitely unusual to find aftermarket's sealed with Perma. Always buy from AM Auto Parts, their prices & housings are great, from our experience.

[@Legal_Addiction]

TheRetrofitSource Inc I checked them out they didn't have a clear lense housing for a 92

[@c7uk]

How would you vary time or temp with glass vs 'plastic' lenses?

[@RetrofitSource]

No need, just run with the recommendations here and you'll be good to go!

[@nathanross3404]

How do you open up a 2010 Silverado oem headlight?

[@RetrofitSource]

That should be relatively the same process for that vehicle, as with most headlights! Go ahead and follow the steps and you should be able to get that completed! If you have any issues, shoot us an email at [e-mail] and we will be happy to assist you!

[@nathanross3404]

TheRetrofitSource Inc so you don’t have to cut the lens off you can bake an oem 2010 Silverado headlight?

[@RetrofitSource]

Cutting the lens will depend on what it's sealed with. If it's permaseal, most people do prefer cutting those.

[@nathanross3404]

TheRetrofitSource Inc how do you know what it’s sealed with they are factory Silverado headlights

[@RetrofitSource]

That is public information on the internet I would assume, but if not you would have to contact the manufacturer. Wish I could be of more help here!

[@Converxful]

This has been too easy, try BMW E60 please! :D

[@RetrofitSource]

😁😁

[@jeremyguzman4464]

I’m for this!! I tried my e60 today with a heat gun and flat head. Took forever to get minimal glue out. Trying the oven method tomorrow

[@Converxful]

@@jeremyguzman4464 How your Oven method worked? When I used Oven method (it was actually carton box with heatwaving gun), it didn't help :D

[@mrsweete9065]

@@jeremyguzman4464 How did you get on mate? I have the E90 PRE-LCI with the bi-xenons and these have some really hard black permaseal on. Used a heat gun and screwdriver but the plastic seems to be taking too much of a beating with the heating/cooling and bending and it cracked a tad in one or two places. so I'm going down the dremel route as the permaseal seems to come off so much easier when you can pry from under the first lip of channel.. So my plan for next week is dremel to top lip off the channel and directly pry between the lense and housing.

[@awd_gli9632]

Most guys end up cutting oven VW headlights because the glue is so fucking impossible to get to separate.

[@RetrofitSource]

We agree, VW perma sucks

[@awd_gli9632]

Any tips from the Pro's on splitting the housings ?

[@Blackinterceptor999]

Can ya please make the music in the videos quieter than the talking so I don't have to quickly turn it up and down...My wife is sleeping and my headphones are busted...she doesn't mind the talking level, she sleeps right though that...its the music that wakes her....And hell hath no fury like a Asian momma with no sleep! PLEASE!

[@RetrofitSource]

We'll keep that in mind for future videos! Sorry about that.

[@Blackinterceptor999]

@@RetrofitSource thank you a ton, awesome video's, I also follow on Instagram. I have a 1999 Lincoln Towncar Signature that I want to front clip swap to an '03+ facelift and possibly do quad biZennon with switchback halos, also might even use VW Jetta GTi driving light projector in my turn signal spot with a small halo around that as well, oh and demon eye's in all three of the projectors...I've never seen a Lincoln with an extensive retrofit before, I think it might look cool.

[@eclipsea23]

Will this work for 03 bmw m5

[@RetrofitSource]

Definitely will work on an E39

[@dolor1983]

@@RetrofitSource Did not work. Not a chance.

[@unspokendesign]

Until you work on ultrasonic welded lights :P

[@RetrofitSource]

You right!

[@bushcraftjeffrey4658]

All I can say is 2015 gmc headlights are fucking impossible to open

[@RetrofitSource]

Those things are very tough!

[@garforce2]

“clips, screws, staples on an audi”

[@RetrofitSource]

Silly Audi’s!

[@nova_squad_bossx1818]

Mercedes-benz permaseal is the worst have to cut lenses

[@RetrofitSource]

Oh 100% agree!