markyman wrote:
> Today I replaced the driver's side taillight assembly in my 2004 2DR
> Accord. I was a bit shocked to see that the assembly not only has
> three bolts that basically surround the 3 bulb ports, but also two
> screw mounts on the bottom. I thought this was going to be a quick
> and easy job. Unscrew those 3 bolts and the old one should fall out.
> (Yeah, Right?) Accessing the two screws holding it from the bottom
> would (apparently) require removal of the bumper. My taillight
> breakage didn't include any bumper damage, so I really didn't find it
> convenient to have to do any bumper work. I pretty much tore out the
> old tallight assembly with a hammer claw and pulled out the screws.
> My new taillight assembly is just held in by the 3 bolts.
>
> Is anyone else surprised by what I found or am I just a little obtuse?


I was very surprised to learn that I'd have to remove the front
bumper cover to replace a headlight on my '95 Civic. I'm hoping I never
have to replace my Camry's taillight, because I see no way to remove it.
Manufacturers love to do stuff like this, probably to drive you to the
dealer. Volvo 240 airboxes have a nice pair of quick-release clamps to
open them. You just release the clamps, and then...disassemble the air
intake, because the cover isn't coming off until you do.