removing head light assembly
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 60
Likes: 1
From: Carpinteria CA
It's a real bitch. I took mine out by removing the front bumper, then pulling out the radiator. There should be four or five bolts that hold the headlights in place, two at either side at the front of each headlight, and a couple in back. They're tough to get to; I ended up carefully prying up the front of the body away from the headlight assemblies, then working carefully to unscrew each bolt.
Once all the bolts are out, each assembly should just drop down, and you can pull it out the back. Have the lights down when you do this.
Also, do a search here for headlight removal. I'm no authority, as I've done this precisely one time, and it was probably the most annoying and difficult thing I've had to do on the car (save pulling the brake booster).
Once all the bolts are out, each assembly should just drop down, and you can pull it out the back. Have the lights down when you do this.
Also, do a search here for headlight removal. I'm no authority, as I've done this precisely one time, and it was probably the most annoying and difficult thing I've had to do on the car (save pulling the brake booster).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
It's been a while since I did mine but I can tell you I did not take out the radiator. Having said that, I think I disconnected lots of framework within the front. I do remember that, once I got them out, it was a fun little project cleaning everything up and replacing most of the old parts.
Be sure to tape the area on top of the car and around the holes where the lights go back. Otherwise you will chip the paint while struggling to get the assemblies in. Don't ask how I know..........
Old guy here, can't remember much anymore, the mind is the second thing to go..............
Be sure to tape the area on top of the car and around the holes where the lights go back. Otherwise you will chip the paint while struggling to get the assemblies in. Don't ask how I know..........
Old guy here, can't remember much anymore, the mind is the second thing to go..............
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
You don't have to remove the rad,. I removed the grill and front bumper which made it easier to get at the bolts. There are 5 bolts holding it on, 2 in front and 3 in the rear. Mask up the corners of the opening and the headlight to avoid paint damage.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 155
Likes: 3
From: torrington ct
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
That is true, but if they are not adjusted correctly the first time, when you raise them, it can and will chip the edges even if they are taped. Cars like the later model shown above is easier because of access, but it is still a chance that I am not willing to take, unless doing a jam up show job. You make the call.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
in order to get the headlight asembly out thru the grill opening, you'll have to remove the link arm of the headlight. remove the four springs, a cotter pin, slide the rod out and remove the link arm, and the assembly will fit thru the opening.
a word of caution, if you disassemble the head lights to rebuild, don't tighten the allen head set screws that control side to side movement until you have the reinstalled the headlight. if you have them tightened in the wrong direction, you can't get to them for adjustment.
a word of caution, if you disassemble the head lights to rebuild, don't tighten the allen head set screws that control side to side movement until you have the reinstalled the headlight. if you have them tightened in the wrong direction, you can't get to them for adjustment.
