Big Thank You to MGB281 for your recipe!
I decided to give it a go today. Removing the bumper was very easy and I am shocked at how good the metalwork is behind the bumper.
I have to be really honest but the thought of baking my headlamp unit was a bit daunting! I removed the bulbs and placed it in the oven at 140 for about 7 mins.
It was hot enough to have to wear gloves and I started to pry the lens out. You were right MGB281 I did have to heat it a second time before it came out.
As I worked I realised that it was best to pry the lens and the seal together from the framework rather than try to pry the lens out of the seal.
I cleaned up the inside and gave it a final polish with glass cleaner.
I had decided from the outset that I would reseal it with Tiger seal. I cleaned out the locating groove in the headlamp unit and ran Tiger seal around the groove. It pressed back in fairly easily. Once I had the screw back in and the locating lugs folded back on the lens I placed it in the oven at about 50 for 10 mins. This allowed the sealant to harden enough to be firm.
I then filled in the gaps so it was fairly smooth and watertight. I will fit it all back together tomorrow and try and take some pics.
The only snag I had was when I tried to remove the microscopically small side light bulb where the whole holder thingy fell apart as it was so brittle. With a bit of a bodge and some superglue I got it back in the right place. I plugged it in briefly to see that the bulb still worked and it did.
The bolts and screws holding the bumper on were as good as the day it was built so I don't anticipate any problems putting it all back....hopefully. We will see how long the lens remains clear!
Thanks to all that contributed.
Read More...
I just found this on YT. I'm not affiliated in any way but it will give you some insight in to a coolant alarm system.
Coolant Alarm.
Read More...
As a new TF owner do I have to look forward to the many coolant issues alloted to these cars..I'm finding that they have a lot of..errm..character shall we say..
Read More...
On the task in hand..5.png
I have had the hairdryer on it this morning..the one I keep in my MX5 glovebox along with other products..and it is definitely condensation. I only had time to give it a short go because I was in my pyjama's and the neighbours were stirring.
It has a deep grey rim around the top and it's rather like swilling out a cup of coffee...most goes but you are left with a ring around the cup which needs physical abrasion. I think the lens needs the same.
I think that is a great anology guys..you have to admit...
Read More...
Managed to blow up a pic of when it was in the garage. I can assure you the outer lens has been finely polished.
Read More...
If it's condensation, try removing the bulbs, and as I did, use the blower function of a workshop vaccum cleaner to blow through one of the orifices. ( Presuming you can blow clean air!) The air from the blower is usually warmer, so it'll clear the moisture after a while.
I'm not 100% convinced it is condensation. It's not like fine water bubbles it's milky grey mainly at the top edge. I have power next to where it is parked so I will try a hairdryer on it tomorrow and see how I get on.
Read More...
Wow MGB821....you have certainly done your homework and got stuck in to all things MGF TF!
You make it sound so easy like baking a pie. Thanks for the info because if it doesn't clear on it's own I just might be having a go at that. I understand you have to remove the front bumper to remove the headlight unit?
I need to sell my MX5 so I can get my TF in the garage and lay it up whilst I do a few jobs on it. The kind of jobs that don't have to be completed in one day and the car can be left in bits.
I see you put Bilsteins on your car..B8's by chance? Did you use std springs or uprated? I have them on my MX5 and it's quite a firm ride with upgraded springs.
Thanks for any help on the suspension.
Read More...