Headlight Covers - T350

[Skipe]

My headlights suffer from a bit of condensation etc and I'd like to remove, clean and then make a better seal if possible.

I have GV's Sag manual which is helpful but I read this is a difficult job (Lensey - I think you've done this right?) - am I just asking for trouble?

[darkmark07]

Am also interested - I've got some Sikaflex, just not sure that I've got the 'minerals'!

[Lensey]

No, I haven't done it, I have dried them out and re-sealed them before, I have bought some new covers and when I get the front end spray will get them put on as well. I have heard that they can be quite hard to get off and sometimes they break but I'm sure some have done the job successfully? Anybody?

[duff-man]

I have done it, an easy job compared to the rear lights and the quarter lights.

I used the set of knifes pictured below available from machine mart to remove the old "visible" sealant from around the outside and on the underside


I then pulled on the cover from the bottom corner of the lens near the vents, using a thin screwdriver covered in a cloth to help pry away the cover, cutting the sealant behind when necessary.

I then removed any sealant left behind using a flat blade knife for heavy deposits and rubbed away and smaller deposits with my fingers and the odd spray of WD40

In removing the lens I managed to scratch the black surround, I just masked up the lens and used a black paint to repair.

To reseal I used Sikaflex 221, I placed a bead around the recess for the lens to sit on and then filled around the edges using a wet finger to smooth. I also held the lens in place using a few lengths of wood wedged between the side of the garage and the car.

Any questions please ask!

[Skipe]

Excellent thanks chaps....

[TVR nut]

duff-man you said the rear lights are a bit of a problem. have you done them and if so how? had a look at mine over weekend and there is water up to the bottom reflector after i washed her on one side
dried out now but it needs sorted

[duff-man]

TVR nut said:

duff-man you said the rear lights are a bit of a problem. have you done them and if so how? had a look at mine over weekend and there is water up to the bottom reflector after i washed her on one side
dried out now but it needs sorted

Exactly the same way as the front, they were just a much tighter fit and as such more difficult to get the sealant out.

[darkmark07]

Thanks duff-man - another job to do then!

[duff-man]

No problem, take your time & don't rush it, you will only end up doing it again!

Also make sure you can hold the lenses in with something as it can take a while for them to "bond" (I left them two days) as the cure time on sikaflex is quite long.

[Lensey]

duff-man said:

Also make sure you can hold the lenses in with something as it can take a while for them to "bond"

Anybody got any ideas on what to use to hold them in?

[Targarama]

Lensey said:

duff-man said:

Also make sure you can hold the lenses in with something as it can take a while for them to "bond"

Anybody got any ideas on what to use to hold them in?

Lots and lots of masking tape with duct tape on top of that (masking tape better for paint). Also something like blocks of wood wedged in place between the car and another solid object. or get Str8Six to do them

I had my front covers replaced and the bodyshop said the hardest thing was cutting the new ones to fit (typical TVR with every car being different), and then keeping them in place while drying.

[duff-man]

Lensey said:

duff-man said:

Also make sure you can hold the lenses in with something as it can take a while for them to "bond"

Anybody got any ideas on what to use to hold them in?

I used a single garage and lengths of wood cut to fit, it was the only way I could prevent the lens flexing and protruding proud of the body.