Headlight removal/replacement

[Keithy P38]

Hey guys

Have done a search here, Google, YouTube and the likes, even RAVE, with no luck!

I have acquired a set of P38 update headlights which Id like to fit up but I'm unsure completely on how to remove the old lights from the cradle!

From a glance, it appears like its a matter of winding the adjusters right out, then it should just fall out, just wanted to hear if that's correct before I go ripping mine out!

Cheers
Keithy

[Scouse]

The workshop manual appears to indicate that the headlight/cradle assy is one unit.


They fit onto 3 plastic balls - the socket side is on the headlight. I've found it's best to leave the headlight/cradle assy in the car as there's quite a bit of force needed to 'pop' the headlight off the balls & leaving them in the car enables a bit of leverage to be used. Lever as close as you can get to the joint otherwise you risk breaking the socket off the headlight.


It might be best to give them a spray with some lubricant beforehand & see if that helps with releasing them - I'll be doing that next time as I had to reattach one socket to a headlight.

[p38arover]

I did it when I had a cracked headlight but I don't recall any difficulty.

[Keithy P38]

Thanks guys! Should I wind the adjusters out, or leave them and just try and pry from the (3 I assume?) sockets?

Cheers
Keithy

[p38arover]

I don't remember. Too long ago.

[Scouse]

I didn't touch the adjustment side of things at all


In fact, I changed from LHD lights to RHD & didn't need to touch any part of the adjustment.

[Keithy P38]

Ok cheers.

I'll have a go at prying the light out as is (and I'll be gentle - I hope!)

Cheers

[Keithy P38]

Update:

Job done! You were correct in saying that you can "pop" the light off the sockets. I used a large screwdriver for leverage, and gave the lights a tug in the general region.

Next question!

The rh light has condensation, how would I go about getting it dry?

[p38arover]

Blow warm air in through the lamp opening? It will exhaust through the parking light globe hole. See this pic from Stefan Lindgren's website:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/03/222.jpg

[Keithy P38]

I took your suggestion on board Ron, had a 4hr drive today so I removed my park light bulb from the holder and drove the whole way with headlights on, allowing any heat (condensation) to escape through the park light hole. I don't have any condensation in the light any more!

Cheers
Keithy

[Keithy P38]

Just because :-)


Update headlight pic! Next on the list in new foglights. Right one holds water, left one found a rock in 2012 after I popped a spring and had to do Maytown on the bumpstops.



http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=92647&d=1428659630

Cheers
Keithy

[Scouse]

Next on the list in new foglights. Right one holds water, left one found a rock in 2012 after I popped a spring and had to do Maytown on the bumpstops.If you're using it off road, just replace the fog lights with the 4.0 blanking pieces.

[Keithy P38]

If you're using it off road, just replace the fog lights with the 4.0 blanking pieces.

I had thought of this, or the meshed ones the DSE's got, but I think i'll keep the HSE look! No offence to the SE/DSE boys!


Trying to find a factory bulbar is also on the list.


The aim is to keep it sort-of factory looking. The snorkel kind of ruins that theory, I should have said "I don't want to bastardise it or deviate too much from the HSE look".


Cheers
Keithy

[Scouse]

DSEs only had one mesh cover piece, for the transmission cooler.


The genuine bulbar is only good for carpark bumps. Anything else & it'll probably cause more damage than it protects against.