But can't seem to get the &%$@ taillights out in order to do that, I took out the torx screws, but the lights are still held in with a tab and I can't seem to get it to release. Can someone give me some pointers because I can't imagine that the "bigger hammer" approach is gonna help.

I'm getting ready to get on the road for a weekend trip, but gotta fix the lights first so the faster the better.

Thanks in advance.