It's a simple matter to remove...
It's a simple matter to remove the screws that secure the lenses using a No. 15 Torx bit.
Carefully remove the entire...
Carefully remove the entire taillight assembly.
Remove the light-bulb socket...
Remove the light-bulb socket from the old assembly by simply twisting counterclockwise. (Install the new assembly by twisting clockwise.) Our sockets were in good shape, but you should check wire and socket condition. Look for exposed wire, cracked socket, etc.
Note the difference between...
Note the difference between the condition of the old rubber seal and the new one, and you'll appreciate the need for replacement. We don't want leaks!
If you look closely, you can...
If you look closely, you can see how the old lens (on the right) is cloudy compared to the new one (on the left).
Since you've got the thing...
Since you've got the thing apart, you might as well take advantage of the situation and clean the dust and debris from areas you can't reach otherwise.
The new gasket was too thin,...
The new gasket was too thin, preventing the socket from sealing against the outer light assembly. Old and compressed, the old gasket posed the same problem. We ended up using both gaskets, positioning the new one against the light assembly. This created the tight seal we were looking for. We replaced the black gaskets on the inner backup lights with no problem.
Here's the new rubber gasket...
Here's the new rubber gasket going into position. Note how thin the new seal is.
The light socket is put back...
The light socket is put back onto the new backup-light assembly.
The backup assembly is screwed...
The backup assembly is screwed back in using the No. 15 Torx bit. To complete the task, don't forget to check the lights for proper operation!
You've polished and waxed and buffed--you could shave in the shine you've coaxed out of the paint. The interior has been lovingly detailed with Q-tips and miniature brushes. You're gonna wow 'em at the show.
As you're backing out of the driveway, the wife says, "Uh, oh." You hate when she says that. You get out of the car to see what's wrong. She points to the taillights. All your hard work only makes it more obvious. Those lenses are positively jaundiced. How did you miss that? And, what to do?
Our problem car was a 1979 shark, but this can happen to anybody. Trim Parts to the rescue! Give them a call and replace those yellowed or cracked taillight assemblies. (You’ll need a No. 15 Torx bit, too.) The results of this quick and easy project will make you smile, and cut down on the "uh, ohs."