Headlights

[alfasuddriver]

Push has come to shove as I can't find any new outer headlights for my old Sud so I'm having the rusty ones refurbished. The company I'm sending them to say I need to remove the lenses before I send them.

I've cut out the sealer around the lense and also tried heating the metal around the lense in the hope the metal will expand but it's not happening. Has anyone else tried this but succeeded? I'm trying not to crack the lense..,

[ed.bremner]

Hi,

Reckon my headlamps are in much the same condition, so am really interested in finding out how you are going about getting them renovated.

Who does this, and how much it costs....and of course, how in the end you get the lenses out.

cheers

eib

[Fiatchris]

Hi don't want to be the profit of doom (having a bad day... see earlier post...) but tried this on an X/19 I totally knackered them, had to go to sealed units, luckily Mini ones fitted, done the same on my Landrover, expensive bulb at £10+ a shot but I buy them cheap when they pop up.
Good luck with it,

Chris

[KevJTD]

the lenses are just held in by the sealant, cut around it along the glass edge all the way around and then try and cut underneath the sealer with something like a pick

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-Pc-Hook-Pic ... 541229efb6

when you get most of the sealant cut through you will be able to prise the lense off.

they aren't held on that firmly, i've had them fall out under braking whilst driving!

[alfasuddriver]

Kev, I've ordered that tool, it's looks perfect for the job. I've gouged the sealant out of both headlights-I was knackered by the end of it! Cheers

FiatChris- I think I was minutes away from cracking the lense like you say, very easily done.

Ed- there's a company called Ashford Chroming who I'm going to try...they re-chrome the reflectors and you have to refit the lense afterwards, think it's àbout £70 a lense but what else can you do? You'll find them on the interweb. Another option is to buy a left hand drive lamp and swap the reflectors but the cost will be the same I reckon

[Kegsti66]

If you can get the lenses off ok, new LHD ones only need the lens swapped. The reflectors are the same.
It is the lens that deflects the beam.
Hope that helps, or at least gives another option.

[alfasuddriver]

If you can get the lenses off ok, new LHD ones only need the lens swapped. The reflectors are the same.
It is the lens that deflects the beam.
Hope that helps, or at least gives another option.

It's a good plan B, there's a left hand drive lamp on ebay (new) for £130 at the moment. It's worth a shot at getting 2 re chromed for the same price. My Sud waits with eager anticipation...

[Kegsti66]

Good luck,
Have to admit I have just noticed you are talking S3 lamps. Mine were S1.

[Alfamet]

A slightly dodgy one in terms of health and safety is to immerse the headlight in unleaded petrol overnight*. This breaks down the sealant holding the lens in place making removal a cinch.
Use black No More Nails or similar when you replace the lens.

* For gawd's sake, wear rubber gloves (unleaded has a very nasty "searching" action and will be very painful on unprotected flesh) and also - obviously - keep away from naked lights and suchlike while you do this.
I've done this on many Alfasud headlights and it works well. In the past, I've bought new or nearly new LHD units and replaced the lens with a RHD one in this way.

[alfasuddriver]

Thanks, I think I'll try that tomorrow night...I'll keep you updated!

[Veesix75]

I bet Alfamet's post has given you a 'burning' desire to give it a try....'ignited' a 'flame' of enthusiasm to renew those lights.

Don't let a bit if danger 'extinguish' your plans to see your sud lights 'burn' bright once again.


It's late, I will get me coat.........

[alfasuddriver]

Haha, like it. Should be a blast, well hopefully not literally...

[KevJTD]

lol, defo not one for the smokers to try

[Alfamet]

I bet Alfamet's post has given you a 'burning' desire to give it a try....'ignited' a 'flame' of enthusiasm to renew those lights.

Don't let a bit if danger 'extinguish' your plans to see your sud lights 'burn' bright once again.


It's late, I will get me coat.........

Doh! You're a bright spark. Don't give up the day job though...

[PETROLHEAD]

I bet Alfamet's post has given you a 'burning' desire to give it a try....'ignited' a 'flame' of enthusiasm to renew those lights.

Don't let a bit if danger 'extinguish' your plans to see your sud lights 'burn' bright once again.


It's late, I will get me coat.........

Doh! You're a bright spark. Don't give up the day job though...

You're all terrible!

Now get on with the job at hand, stop just adding fuel to the fire!

[Veesix75]

I'm fuming at the inference my attempt at humour could blow up in my face.....

[PETROLHEAD]

Just when i thought it was just about extinguished!

The comedy exhausted even,


You have to go and reignite it Tim!

[Veesix75]

That's an incendiary accusation Shrew.....

[alfasuddriver]

The comedy in this thread is certainly running on high octane....

....update...headlights are submerged in petrol for the night! Let's see what tomorrow brings! Hopefully floating lenses...

[Fiatchris]

Who sparked this all off? I hope to be offering you my conflagrations.... I mean congratulations in the morning when the lenses are floating!

Chris

[Veesix75]

4* comedy at its best.....

[PETROLHEAD]

Good luck mate,

I'll be interested to see the results




See, i can be serious on occasion

[PETROLHEAD]

Just not for long!

Or ill explode! Lol!

[Veesix75]

Flaming 'eck Shrew, can see me and you 'aving a blazing row on this topic......

[PETROLHEAD]

Never realised you were so "volatile "

[Alfamet]

I wouldn't want things to flare up again.

[Kegsti66]

Now now boys, hopefully the lens's are off and there is light at the end of all this..

[alfasuddriver]

Aw gawd, shine the light!

[alfasuddriver]

Mission accomplished!

[KevJTD]

BOOM!!! and the dirt is gone