Has anyone had any problems pulling the side-tabs from the body when removing the headlight?

I'm trying to get in and replace some bulbs, but i'm having a real problem getting the unit to 'pop' from the body, i understand they're metal interference-fit tabs, but i just cannot get enough purchase on the headlight unit to pull it straight forward.

Anyone else experienced this issue?

 

I took a long Screwdriver/small pry bar and put it into a spot up top and gently pry it out a little, then you should have enough room on the side to insert a medium screwdriver with a rag on it and put it between the fender and light and gentle pop it out. My excuse is arthritis, A couple of years ago I was able to get them out with my hands pulling on the inside with one hand and getting your fingernails in between the light and fender and yank it right out. Getting Old Sucks

 

Yeah, i got it far enough to get my finger tips into the side by the fender, they're still hurting now i can't quite get it far enough out to get my fingers in there, just the tips, annnd, that's not working, except to annoy me.

 

I took mine out a few months ago and I remember them not coming out easy. Eventually I got pissed off and said I don't care if something breaks and just pulled them hard and they popped out lol

 

Take a long piece of gorilla tape and put it on the side of the headlight that's suck with some extra hanging off to use as a handle and pull the tape in as close to straight line as you can to keep it from just peeling off, a PDR guy showed me this trick for difficult headlights and tail lights, it really works great and the gorilla tape leaves no residue.

 

 

I have some trim tools, you're suggesting just shove them between the fender and light?

 

The tape option looks good to try too, my finger tips are still hurting today!! (getting old )

I did watch the 1a auto video and they seemed to pull it in-line with the bumper angle (diagonally in and forward) despite saying pull straight forward. I think they may have broken the lower locator tab in doing so though.

 

Finally got them off the truck, i ended up using one of those giant-*** (16 inch) harbor freight screwdrivers to leverage them out from the inside (twist against the top mount)

I applied a little copper-ease to the metal clips which should aid them being removed more normally in future.