H4 headlight lens swap-am I missing something?

[prototypical75]

I purchased a new lens from Pelican to replace one with a monster stone chip. I have the H4 upgrade on my 86. I removed the trim ring and the bottom screw(both parts of the double screw) and I figured it would be loose. It doesn't budge. The only other screws visible are the adjusters. What else do I have to do? Has heat over the years made the seal like glue and that's what's holding it? Maybe a penetrating lubricant could loosen the seal if that's the case. Thanks for any tips, Zach

[WFBowen]

Zach:
Did you have a painted cap over the metal trim ring? If you have the bottom screw out, it's being held on by the little lip on the very top of the unit. Gently pull out (if possible) & try a slight upward push. Does it look like someone re-painted the car with the headlights mounted?

[Early_S_Man]

Zach,

The rubber seal can become 'solidified' and stuck to both fender/bucket and headlamp assembly ... pull out from the bottom quadrants with fingers on both sides. Try not to lose your balance when the seal breaks loose suddenly!

You did order replacements for both fender and lens seals, right?

[prototypical75]

The seal doesn't have any paint on it, looks clean with no dryrot. I'll probably wish I had ordered a new seal, but I seem to like to learn things the hard way S_man. When I was working on it, I was pulling from the bottom with most of my strength. I even tried loosening the seal all the way around with my fingernails and still nothing. I figured it swiveled at the top. I think I'll try to add the upward push and see how that goes. Thanks for the input guys. Zach

[klaucke]

Mine were nasty too. Took some force to budge them from the seals.