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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,147
ECelica Staff
2000 Toyota Celica GT
ECelica Staff
2000 Toyota Celica GT
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,147
How To Install Headlight Inserts
By Tony @ EverythingCelica.com

[Linked Image]

Tater's Headlight Inserts...
https://celicahobby.com/gallery/index.php/category/kit-headlight-inserts

Tater's Headlight Inserts are relatively easy to install. It took Isaac and I about 5 hours (with a pizza break) to finish it. It involves opening the headlight assembly and replace the stock insert with Tater's.

There are many write-up's already exist on this board (and others) in regards to disassembling the stock headlights. Please keep in mind that this is what we did. It is not the absolute correct way, nor is it the only way. As with any install guide, this is strictly for reference and information only. eCelica.com, its staff and I are not responsible for any damage/injury to you and/or your vehicle if you chose to use this install guide. Please use common sense. When in doubt, take it to a professional.

Step 1 - removing the headlight

Remove the 3 screws securing the headlight. Two of the screws are easy to get to. The third one is covered by the front bumper. You may choose to remove the front bumper. I just had Isaac pulled open the side of the bumper while I removed the screw.

[Linked Image]

Step 2 - prepping the headlight for the oven

Once the headlight is removed, take out all of the light bulbs and rubber shields. Don't forget to remove the rubber shield from the DRL/high beam. Unlike the low beam, you don't need to remove the shield before removing the bulb. I almost left it on, which would not be good when the headlight is in the oven. Also, wipe-off any excess dirts. Then, remove the 3 screws from the headlight.

[Linked Image]

Step 3 - put the headlight in the oven

The headlight is not only held together by the 3 screws, but also by tons of heavy duty glue/epoxy. In order to open it up, the glue must be heated. We used a large cooking pan and lined it with a towel. Preheat the oven at 300 degree for 10-15 minutes, then turn it off. Put the headlight in and heat it for about 10 minutes.

[Linked Image]

Step 4 - opening the headlight

Take the headlight out of the oven and slightly bend the small taps along the side of the headlight. Don't use too much force. They should be soft enough to be bent.

[Linked Image]

Once the taps are bent, start pryine the headlights apart with a butter knife or similar tool. Work from one end to the other. This is the most difficult part. But, you will get there. Put the headlight back into the oven if the glue starts to cool and harden. Repeat this step as many times as necessary. I had to do it at least 4 times. Again, don't rush! Once you have a large enough opening, then just pull it open with both hands.

[Linked Image]

Finally, it is opened!! Once it is opened, clean up the excess glue before they get hardened on the clear lens cover.

[Linked Image]

Step 5 - replacing the inserts

There are 2 small screws holding the stock insert in. Remove them and pop the insert right out.

[Linked Image]

Put the new insert in and secure it with the same little screws.

Step 6 - Trim the turn signal reflector

The stock turn signal reflector must be trimmed in order for the new insert to fit. Remove the small screw holding the reflector. (pics courtesy of Tater)

[Linked Image]

Mark the area to be cut and trim it with a Dremel or similar cutting tool.

[Linked Image]

Reinstall the trimmed reflector.

Step 7 - putting the pieces back together

We are almost done! For a better seal, Tater suggested using hot glue around the edges. Hot glue gun and glue sticks can be purchased from any craft/hobby store for less then $10. Isaac and I skipped this because there were plenty of glue on the headlight already. Plus, I wanted to use silicon instead.

To reassemble the headlight, align the two pieces and press firmly. By this time, the glue should be cooled and hardened. Put the headlight back in the oven to heat up the glue again. Repeat this until the headlight is closed completely. Then, bend the tabs back. Apply an even amount of silicon on seam of the headlight. One is done!!

[Linked Image]

Step 8 - reinstalling the headlight

The last step is pretty self-explanatory. Reinstall the light bulbs and rubber shields. Put the headlight back on the car, and secure it with the 3 screws. Repeat steps 1-8 for the other side.

Test it. It works!!

[Linked Image]

More pics can be found here:

Tater's Headlight Inserts installed...
https://celicahobby.com/forums/ubbt...-Installed-lots-of-pics-56K-warning.html

Tater's Headlight Inserts additional photos...
https://celicahobby.com/gallery/index.php/category/tony-20040306


I hope you have enjoyed this install guide and have found it to be useful. Thanks to Tater for a beautiful, high quality product. If you chose to purchase one, please contact Tater. The current price is $275 plus shipping. Sam and I both paid $80 for paint.

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,650
Rebel
2003 Toyota Celica GT
Rebel
2003 Toyota Celica GT
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,650
Nice write-up, very detailed. thumbsup


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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,147
ECelica Staff
2000 Toyota Celica GT
ECelica Staff
2000 Toyota Celica GT
Joined: May 2002
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Originally Posted by Evan
Nice write-up, very detailed. thumbsup

rice thank you.


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Really BAD reality TV is the reason I stopped watching MTV.

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2005 Subaru WRX STi
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2005 Subaru WRX STi
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very nice thumbsup thumbsup


SUBARU TECNICA INTERNATIONAL

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4 All U Haterz!
2000 Toyota Celica GT
4 All U Haterz!
2000 Toyota Celica GT
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,578
Good job!

Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,147
ECelica Staff
2000 Toyota Celica GT
ECelica Staff
2000 Toyota Celica GT
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,147
Thanks, guys. I was hoping to get more pics during the installation. But, we were really running late. But, I think the info here is sufficient. Feel free to let me know if I missed anything. smile


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Really BAD reality TV is the reason I stopped watching MTV.

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,619
Specialist
Specialist
Joined: Jan 2003
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Tony, great install. This is one reason I love ecelica. The in depth guides to just about everything! These inserts look great on your car. Tator did a great job on them. thumbsup thumbsup

Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,147
ECelica Staff
2000 Toyota Celica GT
ECelica Staff
2000 Toyota Celica GT
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,147
Originally Posted by LostAngel
Tony, great install. This is one reason I love ecelica. The in depth guides to just about everything! These inserts look great on your car. Tator did a great job on them. thumbsup thumbsup

Thanks, man. smile And you're right. Tater makes a great product.


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Really BAD reality TV is the reason I stopped watching MTV.

Anonymous
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Anonymous
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nice job turned out perfect

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 297
Member
2003 Toyota Celica GT Turbo
Member
2003 Toyota Celica GT Turbo
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 297
cool! thumbsup


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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 863
Nole-hater
2000 Toyota Celica GT
Nole-hater
2000 Toyota Celica GT
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 863
Followed this guide word for word...took me about 3 hours but the turn signal housings were already cut for me. I must say it was easier than I thought. Tater's product is awesome thumbsup This guide is excellent thumbsup


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In case you didn't notice its good to be a Florida Gator. Noles Suck.

Joined: Feb 2005
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Member
2000 Toyota Celica
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2000 Toyota Celica
Joined: Feb 2005
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Hey I know this may sound stupid to some of the people who've known about this site for a while, but who is Tater and how do I contact him to get some of those hot headlight inserts for my celica?

Joined: May 2002
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ECelica Admin
2001 Toyota Celica GT
ECelica Admin
2001 Toyota Celica GT
Joined: May 2002
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Likes: 9


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It's not just your imagination...
Your day really does go by twice as fast while on EverythingCelica.com

Joined: Feb 2005
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2000 Toyota Celica
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2000 Toyota Celica
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Thanks!, they're pretty pricey

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