21 replies to this topic

[s2ulk]

Hi all,

I purchased stainless headlight rims from Minispares. I have tonight fitted new Wipac Quadoptic headlamps with matching Wipac bezel (headlights fit perfect with the bezel lining up perfectly with the existing holes/screws). But when I go to put on the headlight rims the gap is very big - certainly not consistent with OEM. Am I missing something here or are the rims just not a good fit?

Thanks in advance.

[s2ulk]

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[MatthewsDad]

I fitted wipac quadoptics and didn't have that problem. Doesn't answer your question re. the rims but just to confirm your wipacs should be sized correctly.

Edited by MatthewsDad, 04 July 2024 - 10:41 PM.

[Bobbins]

It’s not the lights themselves, they’re fine. I did the same and bought stainless headlight surrounds (from Minispares) and the fit is lousy, they’re definitely too big. This is with my original Rover headlights.

I couldn’t actually get them to stay in place along the top, first drive and they popped forward so I gave up and refitted my original surrounds, I just need to keep on top of polishing them.

Another disappointing aftermarket product.

[MikeRotherham]

Have you got the old rims to compare?

 

Try against the new headlights.

 

I have the same setup as you new Wipac bowls, Quadoptics and bezel but I opted for the Rover chrome rims and the gap wasn't noticeable.

 

But I bought mine a few years ago

 

It could be that the quality and spec on newer stuff has diminished.

[MatthewsDad]

I really struggle to understand how it's possible to get such simple dimensions wrong. Spent last weekend fettling a sidelight back plate for my MG. The captive threads were a country mile out of alignment, and the bullet connectors were the wrong size. Apart from that it everything fitted perfectly.

[Shooter63]

I had exactly the same problem with the MS rims, total shi#e so out of spec it was a joke.

Shooter

[s2ulk]

Think I will need to source some used OEM rims somewhere…. and sadly the car won’t be going to the local car show tomorrow without headlight rims….

[Bobbins]

My experience is the stainless versions that are way out on size but the “chrome over brass” ones might be fine?

For info the stainless steel front indicator bezels won’t fit over the glass indicator lenses, in this case they’re too small. It’s great having a good supply of parts but there’s a lot being spent on rubbish.

[Ethel]

I really struggle to understand how it's possible to get such simple dimensions wrong. Spent last weekend fettling a sidelight back plate for my MG. The captive threads were a country mile out of alignment, and the bullet connectors were the wrong size. Apart from that it everything fitted perfectly.

They're likely spun or rolled. Possibly by someone without any dimensions at all.

[gazza82]

It could be that the quality and spec on newer stuff has diminished.

Only too common now. Plus suppliers fail to check they new stock and you get this ... they then end up out of pocket refunding or exchanging, etc

[MikeRotherham]

Think I will need to source some used OEM rims somewhere…. and sadly the car won’t be going to the local car show tomorrow without headlight rims….

I got the ones with the raised 'dimple' if that helps you to identify them.

[PoolGuy]

Think I will need to source some used OEM rims somewhere…. and sadly the car won’t be going to the local car show tomorrow without headlight rims….

Please send them back to MS with an explanation that they’re just not good enough, MS have really dropped the ball recently and they need to be picked up on the crap that they’re trying to fob off on us.

[s2ulk]

They’re out of the return period unfortunately so trying to sort out a goodwill exchange for a different set. It’s been suggested to me that the headlights are mounted too far back. However, moving them forward or back makes no difference to the very large gap. Incidentally, do folk have their headlight mounted tight against the headlight bowl or leave a gap?

[s2ulk]

Also, I see that WIPAC do their own set of headlight rims. Part number S5435. Has anybody fitted those? I would hope that WIPAC would make sure that their headlight rims are a good fit for their own headlights and retaining bezels.