What do I do on a rainy afternoon? Install new Lamonster Garage LED Headlights in SpyderDeb's F3-L. But I have a strong dislike for removing the top panels - it feels like one is ripping the plastic apart. So I made a simple tool out of a cable tie, the plenum size. Takes a little finesse, but the panel simply releases. No snap (crackle or pop).
Image 1 - shows before and after modification of the head end of the cable tie. There needs to be a curve/bend in the cable tire to allow the end to find the space between the latch and the catch. A taper on the lead edges and a maximum height of 3/32". The first version was about .070"; I don't know what the minimum dimension would be to allow unlatching.
Image 2 - shows the approximate insertion location for the tool, marked by the pieces of tape.
Image 3 - where the end of the tool needs to end up to release the latch.
Image 4 - shows the inside of the top panel and the latch.
pauly1 - SpyderDeb's 'wrench'
2018 F3-T & 2015 F3-S Road Warrior Foundation Tribute customs
IBA #48220 SS1000 BB1500
This is great. I installed the LED headlights without taking off the top panel. It was a chore.
With this tool I should be able to remove the offending panel and have access to wiring and
the headlamp height adjusters.
Thank You.
David C
2016 F3T
DIY Garage Door Opener & GPS Mount
Battery tender cable
Rear IPS Pack Rack
I'm too new to get it. Video would be great!
So demanding I know.
Couple years ago I bought some automotive trim removal tools, they worked to remove the frunk. You are way above my pay grade. AA565A3B-4A61-4BAE-AC3E-E7306A15324D.jpg
As it continues to rain, the time was used to make the requested video. The 2 minute video is too large for posting on this forum. This link should allow you to view the video:
Low mileage in 2019, then went through 2 sets of Halogens in 5 montths. Figured it was a dreaded job and time for some good ones from Lamonster Garage. The dreaded part of the job was always removing those console panels.
pauly1 - SpyderDeb's 'wrench'
2018 F3-T & 2015 F3-S Road Warrior Foundation Tribute customs
IBA #48220 SS1000 BB1500
As it continues to rain, the time was used to make the requested video. The 2 minute video is too large for posting on this forum. This link should allow you to view the video:
What do I do on a rainy afternoon? Install new Lamonster Garage LED Headlights in SpyderDeb's F3-L. But I have a strong dislike for removing the top panels - it feels like one is ripping the plastic apart. So I made a simple tool out of a cable tie, the plenum size. Takes a little finesse, but the panel simply releases. No snap (crackle or pop).
Image 1 - shows before and after modification of the head end of the cable tie. There needs to be a curve/bend in the cable tire to allow the end to find the space between the latch and the catch. A taper on the lead edges and a maximum height of 3/32". The first version was about .070"; I don't know what the minimum dimension would be to allow unlatching.
Image 2 - shows the approximate insertion location for the tool, marked by the pieces of tape.
Image 3 - where the end of the tool needs to end up to release the latch.
Image 4 - shows the inside of the top panel and the latch.