So I ordered these cool looking tail lights from eBay. I called a few body shops to ask how much they would charge for replacing them and they all ask $70 and up. I decided to give it a try myself... but I can't even start! I have no idea how to remove those damn plastic push pins that hold up the bumper

 

Go to the Pep Boys and get the interior panel removal tool. (I can't remember it's proper name.) It has a screwdriver handle and the end of it is split in two. It will pop those black pins out in no time. A couple of other things that might worry you when installing new tails...

1. After you remove the pins and bolts, the bumper is still held on by clips. Just give them a gentle pull and they will unclip.

2. After you remove the bumper, and bolts from the tails, be prepared. The tails don't come off that easy. They are clipped in as well. Another pull will loosen them. (It may take a couple of times.)

Good luck!

 

google it. i found this
http://www.yoursciontc.com/forums/in...8&#entry317258

 

thank you!!! i will get the tools and try. i will let you know if it works out :D thanks again!

 

so $70 it is! i was able to remove all the screws and the push pins using a screw driver... but the bumper doesnt come off! i was trying to pull but it felt like it was going to break in my hands. If that happened it would be way more than $70 to replace it! body shop, i'm coming!

 

you just have to pull out, i had to pull pretty hard

 

u have to be sure ur pullin off the bumper COVER!!!! not the piece under the bumper

 

A button Puller

 

you from north hills ca... come do it for me! hehe

 

I removed my OEM lights and changed them into Euro lights. Took me about 30 minutes to remove them and alot of "Damn Japanese with their damn small hands!!" yelling. Then took me another 40 minutes to install the new lights. For some strange reason, I was getting rain water in the taillights even when I installed them correctly? I said "F" it and summer came along; all of sudden no water came in anymore.


So if I can do it within 1 hour and 10 minutes...you can do it. Make sure you disconnect the battery!!! I got nice shock while screwing in the screws. LOL

 

Follow that (vague) tutorial and just remember to pull hard enough to keep pressure, but close enough to the clips so you don't bend the bumper while your pulling it. If that makes sense.

Don't be afraid of breaking something... once you get over that fear the limits are endless. It also helps if you have a "test" car. I work at a Toyota dealership, so when I can I tinker with the trade-in tc's to see whats what. Didn't know the mirror covers came off so easy till I took them off for the first time on a car that wasn't my own.

 

I MADE IT!!! I was able to replace the lights!

Thanks to everyone who helped me!!!

 

Was it that hard after all to remove the bumper? Just wondering cause I'm interested as well.

 

all u need to remove the pins is a flat head screwdriver. don't go out and buy a tool for that. once u gat the hang of one the rest will be easy.

 

sry didn't read u finished
congrats

 

it was kinda hard for me since it was my first time doing this stuff. you need patience and time. it took me almost 2 hours to do everything... but in the end it feels MUCH better knowing that i did it myself :D

 

Ill do it for you tomorrow, you live close to me, pm me if you want it done I have done plenty before.

 

what's next? being able to replace the tail lights myself got me excited! haha

do you guys think that a beginner like me could install the inside blue led lights with his own hands?

 

Nice try smart ****.

Upholstery Clip Remover for Plastic Fasteners

And the way I've taken apart my tC, $6 is a minor cost to avoid major inconveinences.