The housing holding the light assembly is metal as well...And is screwed to the roof support...So yes, simply prying down will get the job done without damage...You'll see how it all works when you reassemble your headliner...Oh, and for me..I'm not out much after dark with the car anymore..What I do is keep the assembly's switch set between the two settings{right in the middle} so it won't come on with the door being open..