Separate chrome headlight frame from plastic lens - method?

[beachbear]

I would like to refinish the chrome frame of my headlights. The plastic lens (mine are US) appears to have been set in place then fixed by melting tabs along the top. SO, I'm very reluctant to press too hard anywhere, fearing that the lens will break. But I see replacement frames and lens for sale. Is there a trick or tip someone would share? Am I just too cautious?

[114015]

Beachbear....,

IMHO..... please don't!
Please don't try to separate the chrome bezzel from your headlight door.
The plastic will break somewhere.

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/USLamp

While you can generally "harvest" the chrome bezzel from your headlight units (e.g. to get it separately re-chromed) but  the plastic will break for sure.
Better leave it as is - or try to find better headlight doors.

Yes, the chrome bezzels for the US headlight types AC, AN and AJ and the European = rest-of-the-world headlights are generally identical;
however the headlight door or the plastic part of your headlight cannot be separated from the bezzel without damage.


Achim
(with used but non-altered AC headlite units)

[beachbear]

Thank you! Your recommendation is heard loud and clear.