New glass lens for headlights

[Cream 280SE]

Hello all,

One of my headlight glass lens has a hole in it.

I managed to purchase a new glass lens for both left and right, but cannot seem to work out how to remove the old ones.

There are these little metal “clips” that are riveted which hold the glass secure. I think that they may snap off if I force them .

Has any here any pointers or instructions
They may have come across?

Thanks

Daz.

[mrkozzy]

Hi Daz.

You are correct in your assumption.

These small metal clips will break if forced. I found out the hard way!

My tip. A very light spray/drop of any lubricant ( I used WD-40) on each clip and let them sit a while.

The rivet that holds them in is the actual "pivot" point. In each clip you will see the smallest groove or notch, in which a small FLAT bladed screwdriver will sit nicely. Or a set of large pointy nose pliers will work also.

Using the screwdriver to slowly turn the clip on the pivot, you will find all of them will eventually release the pressure on the glass.

Its at this point that you realize the glass is still held in place by its "seal". Now the tricky part begins, Trying to slowly and gently prize the glass from the casing without damaging the seal, will take a few minutes but can be done.

Let me know if you need me to post a pic.

[Cream 280SE]

Thanks Kozzy

I will attempt this task over the weekend, and be careful of the seal.

Post a picture if you have any. Will come in handy to look at.

Thank you,

Regards

Daz

[Cream 280SE]

Hi Kozzy

I sprayed the rivets, and the small lugs twisted to one side.

I didn’t realise there are 3 at the bottom as well, so I have to removed that plate underneath the headlights to get to the buggers!!

[mrkozzy]

The things we learn looking after our 116's !! :wall:

I'm glad to hear it worked for you.

[Cream 280SE]

Oh, just one other thing regarding these metal lugs Kozzy. I noticed that each lug had a small plastic cover over them , which would be there to stop direct metal to the glass contact.

Mine were so brittle, they just cracked away. As I turned the metal lugs.

Did you use anything else , or I wonder if they still make them?

[Ivanerrol]

WD40. - the WD stands for water displacement.
It’s a wonderful jack of all trade.

However the best stuff for that sort of job is Penetrene.

[mrkozzy]

Hi Daz

re; I noticed that each lug had a small plastic cover over them

I never had any type of plastic lug protecting the metal from the glass.
Something I questioned in my own mind, when I changed glass lenses some time ago.
Perhaps in the later models they introduced the plastic protector you mentioned.

I assume the seal having a minuscule amount of flexibility, and the clips having a spring action, this might help the with the pressure being exerted on the glass.

In any case, my vehicle never had them, so I leave well enough alone.

[Cream 280SE]

Thanks