Does Anyone Know Where To Find The Cleared Out Headlights For An 02 Or Newer Escalade? The One That Has No Orange Reflector On The Side. I Have Found A Few Pictures Of Them, But Can Not Find Where To Purchase Them.

I don't think they make the clear headlights yet. The ones you see in the mags are custom made. They split the headlights in half and remove the orange. The only problem is they sometimes leak when they are not sealed properly and they start fogging up. Most places want you to send your lights in. I would wait until they make them for the Escalade. Hopefully its in the near future.

After an hour or so of scouring Google results, I finally came across this article (http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=95438), which details the process for removing the amber plastic in a '03 Chevy pickup's headlight units. Chevy/Cadillac, it's all GM, so things ought to work out nearly the same.

DOT requires amber turn signals in MA, and I already purchased some snazzy titanium-coated 194 bulbs to insert onces the plastic lens is removed (I already replaced the 3157s on the front-facing signals to remove the orange glow during the day - very clean-looking). I plan on giving this a shot this weekend or next, and I'll be sure to post photos when I'm through!

cool.....can't wait to see. good luck.

do you think the process would be different for an '02?

After 4 hours, the project is a complete success!

There are obviously major differences between a Chevy's headlight enclosures and the one, humongous, Cadillac headlight enclosure - not to mention the HID lights and its powerpack which cannot be detached from the enclosure (at least not without major disassembly, which I wasn't in the mood for).

Needless to say, my headlights didn't get put into the oven.

What I did do was sit out in the hot sun this afternoon and wrestle with a pair of pliers and two flathead screwdrivers until I had popped the grey, RTV silicone seal apart. No easy task, mind you. Once apart, one torx screw and two 5.5mm machine screws hold the outer mirrored backing to the clear front casing (I always wondered when I would need that 5.5mm socket in my set!)

The amber lens unclips from the mirrored backing easily, and then we toss it all back together, scrape out a bit of dried RTV with a utility knife, and line what's left with another 1/8" bead of new grey RTV and seal the casing back up. Let set for an hour, throw it back into the truck to cure overnight, and I'll have photos for you all tomorrow during the daytime!

Something as simple as removing the amber lenses and throwing a pair of titanium-coated amber 194 bulbs makes for an entirely different look on the front end, and it looks stunning matched with the white diamond paint and all gold-plated badging.

*drumroll*

Here are the finished results - I'll spare you all the photos of my gouged and sliced hands - a few sharp, burred edges in these housings, as they're not meant to be taken apart!

http://www.mlspin.com/ext/

Looks much better, nice job.

looks great. maybe next weekend i'll be brave enough to do that.

what should i have ready before i start so i don't have to go get something in the middle of the job??

Remove the housing from the nose as normal, pull the wiring harness off. Just behind the grill you'll see the galvanized booster for the HID lights sitting in the plastic core support vertical, held in by two large clips. Push both at the same time and slide the booster out towards the front of the vehicle. You'll be pulling on the grill pretty well, you may opt to remove the grill if you fear snapping it.

The wiring harness connected to the booster has a red safety clip holding it in - use the small flathead to unclip it - slide it sideways and then you'll be able to unplug the harness from the booster. It will be tagging along for the ride during this project - try not to smash it when you're flipping the housing around prying it apart!

Since there's no putting these in the oven, I used a utility knife and a pair of pliers to pop out a 3/8" section of the black channeling on the inside (towards the grill) side of the enclosure, then forced a thin flathead between the now-exposed bottom of the black channel and the rim of the clear lense, then turned it to pry the pieces apart. Do this in the sunlight to help soften the silicone a bit.

Then just work your way around the casing, saving the fender side for last, as it is in the channel at an awkward angle.

Once you have the clear casing off, you'll need a 5.5mm socket or driver and a small torx driver to remove the outer mirrored frame, as it's actually screwed to the clear lense. It's a little tough to pull out, because it's wedged in there.

Use the small flathead to finegle the clips - nice ingenious clip design - that hold the amber lense to said outer mirrored frame.

Reverse the process to put it all back together. Clean out as much silicone in the black back housing as you can, then line a 1/8" bead in the channel (I went right on top of the leftover that's already in there - you'll never get it all out) and press them suckers back together. Let it sit for at least an hour, or you'll have silicone all over when you try to put them back in, not to mention your clear lenses falling out all over the highway!

I used Permatex's grey 650-degree silicone, as that's apparently what's used by the factory on these lights.

The toughest part is wrestling the clear lense out of the silicone in the channel. My driver's side was easier as there was far more silicone holding my passenger's side together. Opt for a pair of safety glasses or at least sunglasses, because you're bound to pop at least a tiny chunk of clear plastic towards your face when your screwdriver slips out.

Use both screwdrivers at the same time, with the housing in your lap. Turn one sideways to make room for the other an inch further up, and continue hand-over-hand. Don't go too fast, though, or you'll risk snapping the clear lense if it's not 80 degrees out - just twist the driver and hold it, the silicone will eventually pop loose from the tension.

Good luck! I never looked up how much the replacement headlight unit cost, and had I known ahead of time, I probably wouldn't have risked it!

- Tony

thanks man.

yeah, the price of a new one is what's holding me back. i don't always have a lot luck with that kind of stuff.

Warning - I used a pair of Xenon amber/titanium 194 bulbs to replace the factory clear bulbs - the next day they were boiling the coating off the bulbs and barely lit up because of the charring. I have a second pair that I'll try just for comparison's sake.

I just ordered a couple pairs of LED 194 bulbs from http://www.autolumination.com (they have different LED 'cuts' that project the light out the side of the bulb, wide-angle, etc. so I'll try each to see what works best). They should be here this week and I'll post an update. The LEDs are clear when off, so they should work out well.

what would cause the bulbs to do that?? i would think they'd maybe test the bulb before they built it to make sure that doesn't happen :)

but the LEDs will probably be better. i think they're brighter and longer lasting. so if they're also clear when off, that's even better.

Received my LED bulbs yesterday afternoon and installed them in the side markers. They worked out, but I needed to wait until evening to see how well they lit up in the dark.

I checked on them at 7:30p on my way out, and to my surprise (and chagrin) the LEDs were not working at all!

Get this: When the headlights are on, the flow of current to the directionals REVERSES! I popped out the LEDs and reversed them, and they worked - now when I turned the headlights off (with the Auto override) the current switched back and the LEDs stopped working again!

:banghead:

Good thing I bought two pairs of those little chromed amber filament 194 bulbs. I threw those back in, hoping the first pair that crisped the chrome from the heat were a fluke. By the time I arrived at my destination a mere 30 minutes later, this pair was toast, too!

:rant2:

Grr. Arg.

so where do you go from there??

I'm on the hunt for amber/chrome 194 bulbs from a different company, or amber bulbs that I can smoke myself with the NightShades paint (I've used it quite successfully on other cars of mine).

Alternatively, out comes the soldering iron and a few current gates in order to crosswire the bulb socket and make the current always flow the right way into the LED - but that's a little more than I bargained for when I first popped open the headlights.

For now, I'm running clear bulbs and waiting for my ticket! :shhh:

I'm on the hunt for amber/chrome 194 bulbs from a different company, or amber bulbs that I can smoke myself with the NightShades paint (I've used it quite successfully on other cars of mine).

Alternatively, out comes the soldering iron and a few current gates in order to crosswire the bulb socket and make the current always flow the right way into the LED - but that's a little more than I bargained for when I first popped open the headlights.

For now, I'm running clear bulbs and waiting for my ticket! :shhh:

http://racerwheel.com/lighting-light-bulbs-xenon.html

Warning - I used a pair of Xenon amber/titanium 194 bulbs to replace the factory clear bulbs - the next day they were boiling the coating off the bulbs and barely lit up because of the charring. I have a second pair that I'll try just for comparison's sake.

Xenons stunk!

For now, I'm running clear bulbs and waiting for my ticket!

i'm not sure you'll get a ticket for front bulbs. rear you would, but usually they let front go.

someone was telling me to get those LED's working right you need to get some resistors. heres a link that my friend told me about
http://www.superbrightleds.com/1157.htm

There has to be an easier way to get the amber part out. I looks amazing without it. I spoke to the guy who did my suede for my seats and he said he has not had much luck with sealing the light back up, has anyone found them already done? I am sick of that amber staring me in the eye when i look at my baby.

Hey guys, new to the forum. I've got a bmw but my good friend has an 03 escalade and i have been helping him mod it. Just wondering how the headlight is holding up after being taken apart. Any fogging issues? I want to do this for him but this sounds like a biatch haha.
-Andrew

The Escalade headlights aren't vaccuum-sealed to begin with, really. Just changing a bulb allows atmospheric moisture into the housing, and there is a vent tube for condensation (and heat expansion) to escape.

Using the right silicone to put them back together is key. Mine are good as factory 6 months+ after the mod.

- T

Hey guys,
Anybody have any input on removing the headlight in an '05 assy? I pulled the 2 pins but I was still not moving far enough to get it out. Does the grill have to be removed?

Thanks for your input,

CLC
'05 EXT

anybody put their headlights into the oven to melt the silicone?...if so what temperature and how long?

anybody put their headlights into the oven to melt the silicone?...if so what temperature and how long?

You can't put them in the oven because the booster for the HID lights cannot be (easily) removed from the housing. Use a utility knife and a flathead screwdriver to pry the housing apart - I sat in the sun on a hot day to help soften it up.

Please see my posts in the beginning of this thread for the walk-through on how I did my lights (and links to final results) for help!

- T

yea i tried using a needle tip sawdering iron (i think thats how u spell it) i still have it from building r.c cars so that worked at melting the silicone if any of you want to try, unfortunately it didnt take as short as expected, so if any of you are trying to do this, make sure you are planning on working for about 3-4 hours. Im probably just going to have my painter, paint over the headlight side where the reflector is, im sure it will look nice. I'll post pics soon.

I had a honda civic before my EXT, and i cleared the headlights using the same method you guys posted. i did something different, though. instead of using the heat from the sun to melt the glue, i used a blow dryer which seemed to work more effieciently. also, instead of throwing the amber reflectors away, i covered them with crhome sticker material i got from a hardware store and snapped them back into their original housings. keep in mind, this was for a honda civic and i never tried it on an escalade, so don't go ahead and try it on yours just yet. im gonna try it on my ext this week and let you guys know how things turned out.

I just did mine!! They came out awesome!!! But I used a heat gun to heat up the sealant and then pryed it open with some screwdrivers!!! I think its way way easier using a heat gun, its a pain in the ass with out it!!! It takes time but well worth it!!!!

Could you post some pix K808?

I also have searched everywhere for clear or chrome corners - obviously no luck. I did my homework before seeing the posting and its definitely in line with what I found. I am ordering a spare set of headlights in case I muck up so I should be able to take my time. Most shops wont touch the process described so wish me luck.

I just tried to remove the lens from my headlight assembly.... got the headlights out, used the hairdryer to soften the silicone..... began working it with the screwdriver; that's when i slipped and gouged the hell out of my finger. Immediately, I unplugged the hairdryer, reassembled the headlight and reinstalled it into the Esco. After the near amputation of my finger, I reinstalled the headlight while using many colorful words. I suck.

did u cut a piece of the black part out? do that then soften it up with the blow dryer .. its a very hard job with one person get some1 to help you .... you might wanna buy a heat gun to soften it up but watch yourself with it lol

Ragz,

The silicone sealing the clear cover to the housing was white in color and very firm. It seemed almost impossibly to separate to the two... I think I might just send them in to someone who has done them before and just pay them a nonimal fee for their efforts... you gotta see this battle wound I have now; you'd think I was attacked by a Samurai.

did mine in a little less than two hours. The trick is to take a dremel and cut the silicone out. The dremel also heats up the silicone making it soft so as I cut it I followed behind with a razar to get the little bit that was left. Had a friend hold the lamp as I operated. Need help on bulbs though. Was thinking LED or the titanium but havent seen a reply from T-dizzy..any opinions?

I know I am new here but I just did my escalade headlights yesterday it was easy i have the 04 headlights with hid and yes you can put it in the oven i think that is the easiest method I have done it to my 02 Ram one of the first, Acura tl type s and now my denalade. You can remove the hid bulb and ballast, just remember to pu tit back in before you reassemble or it will be tough to fish the wire back through. i put mine in the oven for 10-15 mins at 300 degrees i would pull it out and pry on it for a little to break the silicone off the lense and repeat it until it was complete should only take 45 for the first one and 30 mins for the second, don't ask why but that is usually how it works and to put it back together just heat it back up again and put it back together then reseal with a clear silicone. I never remove the old silicone cause it already has the mold of the lense so there should be no sealing problems. Good Luck. I hope I didn't miss anything if i did sorry. i didn't explain the removal of the orange lense cause it is self explantory.

did mine in a little less than two hours. The trick is to take a dremel and cut the silicone out. The dremel also heats up the silicone making it soft so as I cut it I followed behind with a razar to get the little bit that was left. Had a friend hold the lamp as I operated. Need help on bulbs though. Was thinking LED or the titanium but havent seen a reply from T-dizzy..any opinions?

Ask and thou shalt receive...

I contacted Superlumination about the ambipolar problem, and there are some LED 194 replacements that are ambipolar. Right now I'm running a 5-LED bulb because of the odd angle of the signal bulb in the housing. It's got 4 LEDs aiming out sideways, and one on top facing dead ahead.

I am ordering a new set of amber glass bulbs with titanium coating - different manufacturer, so we'll hope the coating won't sizzle off like last time.

http://superlumination.com/194.htm The 5-LEDs right at the top are the ones.

- T

Lets get some pictures rolling in here with people who have successfully removed the orange reflector in their headlights. I've been thinking about doing it. Seems like some people are successful and others are not.

If you have a 99-01, you can save the hassle of remover the side marker.. http://www.2kracing.com/product_info.php/cPath/18_254/products_id/2260

Lets get some pictures rolling in here with people who have successfully removed the orange reflector in their headlights. I've been thinking about doing it. Seems like some people are successful and others are not.

I stared last night on my 05 EXTs headlights. I only had time for one and will finish later today. I used a heat gun this time opposed to a hair dryer which seem to help out more. Im still waiting on my digital camera, should be here soon for pics.

Below is a picture of the 2002 I had.

Some quick pics of the clear corners.

Wow. The clear corners look awesome. Did you just remove the reflector or did you insert a new piece in the reflectors place? Either way, it came out great.

Thanks.

Wow. The clear corners look awesome. Did you just remove the reflector or did you insert a new piece in the reflectors place? Either way, it came out great.

Thanks.

Thanks. I removed the amber reflector and that was it.

Looks great! I've read several different ways of doing it. How did you do yours and how long did it take? Thinking of taking this project on either this or next weekend. Also, what bulb you running?


Walter

Is there an easy way to take out the reflectors from my headlights? I don't want to crack the housing to get inside so if there is any other way, please let me know. I think it really looks a lot better without the reflectors and I would like to remove them this weekend. Let me know how you removed it and how long it took if you can.

Thanks.

Is there an easy way to take out the reflectors from my headlights? I don't want to crack the housing to get inside so if there is any other way, please let me know. I think it really looks a lot better without the reflectors and I would like to remove them this weekend. Let me know how you removed it and how long it took if you can.

Thanks.

Read this thread and and check post #5. He tells you how to do it.

http://cadillacforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13668&highlight=escalade+clear

Also do a search in this forum for more info if that don't help. A lot of members here have done it and posted about it.

Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.

Thanks.

Anytime. Thays what where here for.

Read this thread and and check post #5. He tells you how to do it.
http://cadillacforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13668&highlight=escalade+clear
Also do a search in this forum for more info if that don't help. A lot of members here have done it and posted about it.

Same steps were done. I used a heat gun to melt the silicone around the heaadlight housing and a pair of flat head screw drivers. I took me 2 days since it wasnt in a rush and I took my time. Can be done in about 2 hours. I let the headlights cure over night before I installed them so the silicone could dry. I think thats the hardest part since you have to make sure its sealed correctly or else water might leak in. Good Luck. As for light bulb, I ran hyper white Polarg B1 194.

if your near san jose california you can go to california wheels on capitol and get it done for $200 ask for tommy

I will clear headlights for $125. Done it many times! It's easy!

Received my LED bulbs yesterday afternoon and installed them in the side markers. They worked out, but I needed to wait until evening to see how well they lit up in the dark.

I checked on them at 7:30p on my way out, and to my surprise (and chagrin) the LEDs were not working at all!

Get this: When the headlights are on, the flow of current to the directionals REVERSES! I popped out the LEDs and reversed them, and they worked - now when I turned the headlights off (with the Auto override) the current switched back and the LEDs stopped working again!

:banghead:

Good thing I bought two pairs of those little chromed amber filament 194 bulbs. I threw those back in, hoping the first pair that crisped the chrome from the heat were a fluke. By the time I arrived at my destination a mere 30 minutes later, this pair was toast, too!

:rant2:

Grr. Arg.

is it only the turn signal led's in the front that have this problem or all of them? i wanted to get led lights for all the bulbs in the tail light including the reverse light.

I am wondering what does the headlamps looks like with them on? Especially the ones with the titanium colored amber bulbs.

if your near san jose california you can go to california wheels on capitol and get it done for $200 ask for tommy

Ive met Tommy before. His Escalade is pretty clean, besides the fact that he isn't representing those Cadillac emblems on his lade anymore. I like it though and the shop is pretty clean as well. Tommy told me that they're a wheel distributer for a lot of these wheel dealers in Cali. They had to swap me a new tire when my tire split open on the freeway when I was down there for a show in November.

$200. Wow, he's proud of his work. GD, I'd do them all day long for that if it was steady. Holy moly.

Ive met Tommy before. His Escalade is pretty clean, besides the fact that he isn't representing those Cadillac emblems on his lade anymore. I like it though and the shop is pretty clean as well. Tommy told me that they're a wheel distributer for a lot of these wheel dealers in Cali. They had to swap me a new tire when my tire split open on the freeway when I was down there for a show in November.

tommy hooked me up too. i got my rims/tires from him and they dropped my car too. also hooked me up with 19s for my clk320.

Ask and thou shalt receive...

I contacted Superlumination about the ambipolar problem, and there are some LED 194 replacements that are ambipolar. Right now I'm running a 5-LED bulb because of the odd angle of the signal bulb in the housing. It's got 4 LEDs aiming out sideways, and one on top facing dead ahead.

I am ordering a new set of amber glass bulbs with titanium coating - different manufacturer, so we'll hope the coating won't sizzle off like last time.

http://superlumination.com/194.htm The 5-LEDs right at the top are the ones.

- T

1 ?. Did you ever run your lights(HIDs) with out a light bulb in the side marker. The reason being is that since I removed the amber piece out and left the sidemaker with a light bulb for day my HIDs seem to be real bright when I turn the truck on and them after a couple seconds they dim a little.

is it only the turn signal led's in the front that have this problem or all of them? i wanted to get led lights for all the bulbs in the tail light including the reverse light.

superlumination.com (and others) have bi-polar LED bulbs that will operate when voltage is run either way through them. That's what I'm running in mine now. Clear when they're off, amber when they're on. I have 5-LED cluster bubls. Single-LED just doesn't have the brightness.

- T

so for any bulb that is a turn signal and/or brake light i need to get bi-polar LED bulbs? how do i know if its bi-polar, it says nothing about it on the site when buying bulbs. im getting the 3157's for all the back lights.

hey im thinking of taking this on this weekend or next...do i HAVE to change the bulb or can i just leave in what is already in there?

Its up to you. I left mine without a bulb. It will be white if you leave it on.

really easy process, just getting of the plastic is a biaatch.
a heat gun will help a lot with the silicon<--great advice from jrs02

thanks again jrs02