A while ago someone reversed into my car and I discovered some time later that all the engagement lugs on the headlamp unit were broken

I managed to obtain what I thought was a suitable replacement. Correct year etc (hard to find) but have now discovered that whilst mine has the signature strip LED's the replacement I obtained does not. Just the normal DRL which covers the sidelight function as well

I was wondering whether it is possible and relatively simply to dismantle both units and create one good one. My original headlamp is fine except for the damaged lugs on the case.

Has anyone ever done this or have any experience of dismantling the headlamp?? Wondering how "sealed" they really are?? If it is a real PIA I will just sell the extra headlamp and continue the search for a replacement

Many thanks Steve

I suspect there is no easy way to separate your headlamps to rebuild one from two. Have a look at this thread...


http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic33092.html

Largered wrote:

Cook it in an oven at 220 degs F ... for 8 minutes.
That loosens off the glue, then part the lugs on the front lens.




YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK

.

I am still plucking up the courage to try this as my headlamps have a lot of broken lamp glass in them which I can't get out.

220F is hotter than needed to soften the glue, not to mention trying to stab the thing open with a metal kitchen knife - I have seen another video where they use 75C, and also someone using a hot air gun (but care needed not to melt the plastic). I think the difficult bit is getting all the clips off and getting it separated before it cools down, without burning yourself.

Powerful UK did a You Tube video a while ago about splitting and reverbing the headlights of a RRS which might give you some pointers and the technique should be similar.



This is the link to You Tube. MY13 HSE Lux Santorini Black Gone
MY11 HSE Santorini Black Gone
MY08 SE Blue, Gone
Alfa Romeo GT Gone
Alfa Romeo 156 Space wagon Gone
Volvo V40 Gone
Volvo 480ES Gone
VW Sirocco GTX Gone

Thanks for the link, that was the one I was thinking of that says 75C.

Although he also says he melted the headlight on his first attempt by putting it on the floor of the oven and had to buy a new one!

Yes the floor and walls of the oven get much hotter, hense the need to put it on the racks. MY13 HSE Lux Santorini Black Gone
MY11 HSE Santorini Black Gone
MY08 SE Blue, Gone
Alfa Romeo GT Gone
Alfa Romeo 156 Space wagon Gone
Volvo V40 Gone
Volvo 480ES Gone
VW Sirocco GTX Gone

I have a Bosch GHG 20-63 heatgun & you can set it in 10°C steps from 50 upwards. Around 70 it feeling about the right temperature. Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

Acoustic insulation ARB TPMS 3xARB air compressors After cooler Air tank On-board OCD pressure air/water cleaning Additional 50L fuel Carpet in doors ABE 2x1kg Waeco 28L modified fridge Battery 4x26ah Solar 120w Victron MPPT 100/20 DC-DC 18amps 175amp jumper plug Awning 6x255/60R18

I think I’d buy another and sell the one I didn’t want rather than melt the one I didn’t want and then buy another anyway.

Thanks for that info guys.

That Powerful UK video is excellent. I am thinking tho that it is probably a "step to far" for me and I will probably sell on the headlamp that I incorrectly bought and try to find the right version for my car

Many thanks once again for all the info. This forum is fantastic

Steve

Given this all seems to have come about after someone reversed into you, wouldn't it have been a case of having the other party sort all this out and ultimately pay up?
Hindsight, a marvellous thing

Assuming of course he knew who it was  my PC is slightly to the right of Genghis
2012 HSE SD4 In Orkney Grey now gone, best car ever.

Quote:

Given this all seems to have come about after someone reversed into you, wouldn't it have been a case of having the other party sort all this out and ultimately pay up?
Hindsight, a marvellous thing

Would you be able to vacuum loose glass out?


]I am still plucking up the courage to try this as my headlamps have a lot of broken lamp glass in them which I can't get out.

220F is hotter than needed to soften the glue, not to mention trying to stab the thing open with a metal kitchen knife - I have seen another video where they use 75C, and also someone using a hot air gun (but care needed not to melt the plastic). I think the difficult bit is getting all the clips off and getting it separated before it cools down, without burning yourself.[/quote]