Misty Lights on my Tam
Discussion
As the other guys have said, they all do that, especially at this time of year!
Some people have had a go at sorting it themselves by carefully cutting into the old sealant and prizing the lens cover off. However, the lens cover is easily cracked or split if your not very careful (apparently warming it up a bit with a hairdrier makes it easier and less likely to crack/shatter).
So, it is possible to do yourself, but you have to be very careful because if you do crack the lens cover while removing you'll have to get new ones, and they're not exactly ten a penny AFAIK (plus they don't necessarily come in the right shape/size so would need trimming/shaping before fitting).
Most garages wouldn't charge silly money to sort it for you!
Hope that wasn't too sensible an answer for you compared to the other guys!
Some people have had a go at sorting it themselves by carefully cutting into the old sealant and prizing the lens cover off. However, the lens cover is easily cracked or split if your not very careful (apparently warming it up a bit with a hairdrier makes it easier and less likely to crack/shatter).
So, it is possible to do yourself, but you have to be very careful because if you do crack the lens cover while removing you'll have to get new ones, and they're not exactly ten a penny AFAIK (plus they don't necessarily come in the right shape/size so would need trimming/shaping before fitting).
Most garages wouldn't charge silly money to sort it for you!
Hope that wasn't too sensible an answer for you compared to the other guys!
FWIW
I can be a clumsy oaf at times, but managed to remove and reseal the headlight cover myself.
A few points to note:
1: Although it looks like it'll work, I can assure you that gutter sealant is NOT the stuff to use - it doesn't have any adhesion whatsoever. Doh!
2: Black bathroom silicon sealant's not that good either due to the way the headlamp cover seems to be designed to "ping off" Doh again!
3: Sikaflex221 is utterly magic and designed for sealing headlamp covers (and various nautical applications) - get some at Brown Brothers / other motor factor for about £10 for a tube. you need one of those applicator gun things, but if you've already tried #1&2 above, you'll already have one!
4: There's probably an easier way to do it, but I found that I could exert enough pressure on the headlamp cover by jamming a length of wood at an angle against my garage door. This is important as the Sikaflex takes a while to properly cure.
5: Be careful not to put on too much (messy) or too little (ineffective). Some kitchen roll / old t-shirt [or even a new t-shirt that became "old" halfway through this process - grrrrr] comes in very handy for removing any excess.
If I can do it, anyone can.
When I had the right gear (Sikaflex) it worked perfectly first time.
Just be VERY careful when removing the old seal.
A craft knife can be used to cut the big bits off. I found that I was able to rub the residue off with my thumb / finger. but given I had blisters afterwards I'd recommend wearing garden gloves to save your poor fingers. If you're pedantic about checking oil levels you probably already have a pair in your boot!
Best of luck
Neil
Edited to add:
Actually, when I said it worked first time with Sikaflex, I really ought to have second time. That's how I learned #5 above!
I can be a clumsy oaf at times, but managed to remove and reseal the headlight cover myself.
A few points to note:
1: Although it looks like it'll work, I can assure you that gutter sealant is NOT the stuff to use - it doesn't have any adhesion whatsoever. Doh!
2: Black bathroom silicon sealant's not that good either due to the way the headlamp cover seems to be designed to "ping off" Doh again!
3: Sikaflex221 is utterly magic and designed for sealing headlamp covers (and various nautical applications) - get some at Brown Brothers / other motor factor for about £10 for a tube. you need one of those applicator gun things, but if you've already tried #1&2 above, you'll already have one!
4: There's probably an easier way to do it, but I found that I could exert enough pressure on the headlamp cover by jamming a length of wood at an angle against my garage door. This is important as the Sikaflex takes a while to properly cure.
5: Be careful not to put on too much (messy) or too little (ineffective). Some kitchen roll / old t-shirt [or even a new t-shirt that became "old" halfway through this process - grrrrr] comes in very handy for removing any excess.
If I can do it, anyone can.
When I had the right gear (Sikaflex) it worked perfectly first time.
Just be VERY careful when removing the old seal.
A craft knife can be used to cut the big bits off. I found that I was able to rub the residue off with my thumb / finger. but given I had blisters afterwards I'd recommend wearing garden gloves to save your poor fingers. If you're pedantic about checking oil levels you probably already have a pair in your boot!
Best of luck
Neil
Edited to add:
Actually, when I said it worked first time with Sikaflex, I really ought to have second time. That's how I learned #5 above!
Edited by neilboyd on Tuesday 11th December 19:53
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