Headlights

[JazzyZ]

Inside the headlight of my Chim, I can see some sort of black circular rubber band coming off from the edge of the round shaped reflector inside the headlight.

I want to take out the headlight and stick this black rubber band back into where it belongs but I do not know how to take out the headlight!

It would be great if someone can tell me how to take out the headlight!

[SimonV8ster]

There are two wing nuts that hold the headlight cowling in place. These are accessed but putting your arm through the inspection hatch inside the wing (or as I found out over the weekend through the front of the car). Careful of the large washers that will fall off. The top of the headlight cowling is stuck in place with some sort of mastic/silicon sealant (call it what you will). You have to be a little brave here and ease it off by pulling it away from the body and then when you have a little opening insert a stanley knife blade or something similar and cut it away. There is indeed a rubber band that goes around the headlight and then sealant goes around that to hold it in place. Just rip the headlamp lens out if it all looks a bit of a mess and then buy a new rubber band (£3 each) and then seal it back up.

If its an older car you may find that the reflector has started to loose its shine and the silver is coming away. Best to replace it now rather than in a years time when you would have to go through it all again. (£35 from your local motor factors).

Just replaced my second one and now they all look shiny and nice as opposed to dull and dirty !!

Hope its of some help.

Simon.

[SimonV8ster]

I've just re-read your post and you suggest that you can see a rubber band around the reflector. This shouldn't be the case, these are just screwed in placed by three long screws with springs behind them allowing adjustment.

[That Daddy]

The rubber band goes around the lens(renew dont reuse about £2 each),then this is bonded to the body,the reflector is secured as Simon states 3 bolts with springs and wingnuts.

Edited by That Daddy on Wednesday 3rd October 09:37

[poorpeet]

I didnt replace them. I just sealed the whole lot back together with B&Q black silicon sealant. Been like it for 2 years & 2 MOT's.

[That Daddy]

poorpeet said:

I didnt replace them. I just sealed the whole lot back together with B&Q black silicon sealant. Been like it for 2 years & 2 MOT's.

I used a combination of both silcone and the rings,but you dont really need the rings to be honest as you saidjust a quick note i got all new adjusters springs etc from Racing Green in London,Phil was most helpful.

[SimonV8ster]

I've been wondering where to get black sealant, bought some black stuff from the local hardware store and after I put it over my clutch master cylinder cover I realised it was for roof and gutter repairs !! Smelt a bit funny when it got heated by the exhausts !!

[JazzyZ]

Thanks everyone !!

I will try taking the headlight out this weekend....