Removing and replacing headlights - MG F

Originally I'd hoped to be able to have my dim lights resilvered on my MG F but in the end the carcasses weren't that good so I resorted to new fittings - either way you still need to remove and replace the lights like this.

First, remove the bumper - see http://www.the-t-bar.com/en/forum/54-how-tos/87328-removing-the-front-bumper-on-the-mg-f

Each headlight is secured (or not in my case) by 2 top fasteners accessible under the bonnet, a side fastener through a lug on the wing and finally a lug on the bottom of the light that goes in to a chassis grommet (assuming it's still there - I had one missing).

So unplug the wiring:




Remove the 2 top fasteners - these are replacements in stainless steel so no bother





Then have a cup of tea before tackling the machine screw in the side web





The chances are this will be corroded solid so if you force it the web will break off - if you are planning to re-use your lights you will want to avoid this of course so grind or cut off the head - you will then need to clean-up the fixing so that you can use a M5 nut & bolt as a replacement.

Lastly there is a lug under the light that goes in to an oblong hole with grommet - just ease the top of the lamp forward with a wiggle or 2 and is should be out....





I started with one broken side web, broke the other one, had a dodgy seal on one lamp and a few other issues so I did the sums and decided to go for new units (see: http://www.the-t-bar.com/en/forum/9-mgf-tf-pitstop/87314-mg-f-headlights-a-recommended-supplier)

As they say refitting is the reverse of removing...but there are a few tricks.

I used stainless steel on all the fittings so hopefully the side webs won't be such an issue next time but in any case...





I covered this new fitting in vaseline to keep some of the air off it. I then taped over it too to try to keep the crud off (it can still drain)





I started off the refit by plugging-in the wiring

When you refit the lights new units will be a bit tight because the external rubber seal will be un-compressed. It requires some jiggling. I located the tab first in the grommet then twisted the light in so that the seal was behind the wing (on the left wing it was so tight I had to loosen the wing slightly at the top first)





I then loosely put in the top fasteners then the side web fastener..





Then I tightened-up the fittings

Having checked that it was all working I replaced the bumper and then took the car to our local test centre who aimed the lights for me for a £5 contribution to the tea fund (top bloke Arthur MacArthur).

I can finally now see where I'm going in the dark...pity you can't replace the Mk1 eyeball so easily!

Richard

Well done thanks for sharing :]

Excellent!:broon:

Great how to and the m5 nut tip is very useful. I could have used this how to when I did my lights.
I might pop my bumper off and change the rusty lower bolts now I know the size :broon: