Discussion
So, I'm in the midst of a front end refresh of my 09 Vantage, new discs, pads, hub bearings, suspension off, replace bushes, powder coat stuff, etc, etc.
While everything is apart I like to get to items you wouldn't normally see, clean them up check them over etc. During this I noticed the front mounting bracket to the right headlamp has a crack, seemingly not unusual on these cars given the number of units on sale on eBay with cracked or missing fittings. Are these failing due to over tightening of the locating bolts?
I've now taken this unit out and think I've got to it in the nick of time to effect a good repair.
When I then went to the left side to check that one, it seems someone has got to this before me and already done a "repair"
(Sorry, can't seem to get this image the right way up)
There's so much expoxy just gobbed in there I can't see what's what, but it looks like the locting tab is completely missing and I'm not sure if there is any bolt holding the lamp in place, I suspect it's actually being held in place by the glue.
I have never authorised reapir to the headlamps in the 6 years I've owned the car, and prior to my ownership it was only serviced at main dealers, which suggests this repair was done either by one of the two previous owners as a DIY fix, or at an approved garage as an approved method of repair. I can only hope the former, although I have direct experience of the latter on a rear lamp unit installed, broken and bodged by an AM dealership.
I now have a dilemma, as the unit is actaully currently well aligned in the aperture do I leave it well alone, or attempt to remove it and effect a proper repair if that's possible with no tab??
So the question is, does headlamp alignment require some movement in this front fitting or would I be OK to leave as is?
While everything is apart I like to get to items you wouldn't normally see, clean them up check them over etc. During this I noticed the front mounting bracket to the right headlamp has a crack, seemingly not unusual on these cars given the number of units on sale on eBay with cracked or missing fittings. Are these failing due to over tightening of the locating bolts?
I've now taken this unit out and think I've got to it in the nick of time to effect a good repair.
When I then went to the left side to check that one, it seems someone has got to this before me and already done a "repair"
(Sorry, can't seem to get this image the right way up)
There's so much expoxy just gobbed in there I can't see what's what, but it looks like the locting tab is completely missing and I'm not sure if there is any bolt holding the lamp in place, I suspect it's actually being held in place by the glue.
I have never authorised reapir to the headlamps in the 6 years I've owned the car, and prior to my ownership it was only serviced at main dealers, which suggests this repair was done either by one of the two previous owners as a DIY fix, or at an approved garage as an approved method of repair. I can only hope the former, although I have direct experience of the latter on a rear lamp unit installed, broken and bodged by an AM dealership.
I now have a dilemma, as the unit is actaully currently well aligned in the aperture do I leave it well alone, or attempt to remove it and effect a proper repair if that's possible with no tab??
So the question is, does headlamp alignment require some movement in this front fitting or would I be OK to leave as is?
Hi James - a common problem and 2 part epoxy and plastic welding, if the base of the bracket is still there is the usual fix from what I've seen.
Looks like you're lucky in that the headlight alignment is fine. If you did decide to fix it you can get the knurled threaded inserts to replace what would be missing on yours. The only issue is ensuring that it sits at the correct angle and in the correct place. I have a couple taking up space in the workshop. Ping me a PM with your address if you want them and I'll pop them in the post.
Item 1 on the attached is the large plastic nut that provides uppy/downy movement and 6 is the screw that holds the headlight in place. https://www.scuderiacarparts.com/en-gb/part-finder...
As you're doing the front end refurb, you'll also no doubt need some of the tie wraps that hold the brake wear sensors etc in place ? I also have a few spare knocking about, so shout if you want some of those as well.
All gratis, as I'm still in your debt for all the help you gave me on the rear subframe refurb.
Whilst it's all out are you going to go with a Powerflex re-bush ? I spoke to them 3 weeks or so ago and they were still awaiting feedback from a customer before going live with them That's no doubt Ali over at the 'Ring. Would be a shame to re-assemble everything and have the bushes come out soon after.
Cheers
Jonny
Looks like you're lucky in that the headlight alignment is fine. If you did decide to fix it you can get the knurled threaded inserts to replace what would be missing on yours. The only issue is ensuring that it sits at the correct angle and in the correct place. I have a couple taking up space in the workshop. Ping me a PM with your address if you want them and I'll pop them in the post.
Item 1 on the attached is the large plastic nut that provides uppy/downy movement and 6 is the screw that holds the headlight in place. https://www.scuderiacarparts.com/en-gb/part-finder...
As you're doing the front end refurb, you'll also no doubt need some of the tie wraps that hold the brake wear sensors etc in place ? I also have a few spare knocking about, so shout if you want some of those as well.
All gratis, as I'm still in your debt for all the help you gave me on the rear subframe refurb.
Whilst it's all out are you going to go with a Powerflex re-bush ? I spoke to them 3 weeks or so ago and they were still awaiting feedback from a customer before going live with them That's no doubt Ali over at the 'Ring. Would be a shame to re-assemble everything and have the bushes come out soon after.
Cheers
Jonny
Edited by JonnyCJ on Thursday 20th May 11:49
Hi Jonny
I'm all good for the tie wrap things thanks. I'm leaning towards leaving the headlamp in-situ for now, I just need to check the washer jet fitting is also not cracked and about to drop off, as the one on the RHS is cracked.
As for the bushes I'm still hopefull that Powerflex will come good, but I've been in a holding pattern of them saying in the next few weeks since March. Given that I had to destroy a couple of the bushes to get the arms off the car my back up plan is new wishbones which would be rather pricey. I've already aquired the upper and lower ball joints courtesy of Astonmartinbits, no significant markings on them so I suspect they are pattern parts rather than OEM.
I'm all good for the tie wrap things thanks. I'm leaning towards leaving the headlamp in-situ for now, I just need to check the washer jet fitting is also not cracked and about to drop off, as the one on the RHS is cracked.
As for the bushes I'm still hopefull that Powerflex will come good, but I've been in a holding pattern of them saying in the next few weeks since March. Given that I had to destroy a couple of the bushes to get the arms off the car my back up plan is new wishbones which would be rather pricey. I've already aquired the upper and lower ball joints courtesy of Astonmartinbits, no significant markings on them so I suspect they are pattern parts rather than OEM.
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