10 replies to this topic

[venkman]

Hello

I've got new plastic headlight bowls and new headlights, I got them from mini show 5 years ago,
The headlights in the e plastic bowl seem to have a gap of 5-8mm between the lamp and outer ring, is this normal? Don't think the outer rings are wrong as they came off car originally.

2nd question, making door cards out of 1/4 ply, what do people use to stick the original covering back on, it's black vinyl with red strip in mini Cooper.

Cheers Ian

[nicklouse]

1 pictures.

2 Contact adhesive 

[Spider]

As Nick suggest, pics would be best for the headlamp, but you may not have the outer ring fully clipped in, they often need a knock with your palm.

1/4" Ply is rather thick for a trim backer and strictly speaking may not be legal as in an accident, it can splinter.

 

I think you'd find a heavy card better to work with and easier to fit, or at most 2 - 3 mm MDF.

[Chris1275gt]

You should be able to get 3mm ply from Wickes.

[Steam]

I used a compressed hardboard stuff stolen from the back of an old wardrobe that had fallen to bits and contact adhesive or spray upholstery glue.

[venkman]

1 pictures.
2 Contact adhesive

I'll get some pictures but it will be next week. Car at someone else's garage

[venkman]

Thanks everyone, maybe a rethink on the ply

[venkman]

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Pictures of headlight and gap around the outer ring

[Rubbershorts]

Have you got the screw hole at the top? Shouldn't it be at 6 o'clock? Daz.

[venkman]

Have you got the screw hole at the top? Shouldn't it be at 6 o'clock? Daz.

Yes the hole is at top, I just put it on to shoow the gap around the headlight,it just seems a big gap to me.

[Ethel]

The headlight gap seems only a tad big. They need some space to move so you can adjust the beam.

 

You could compare, or possibly fit the original  retainer rings if you have them.

 

It seems 175mm lights are a thing (for motorbikes), so maybe somebody thought that was close enough to 7" to avoid retooling???