Headlamp glass

I finally got round to removing both knackered covers this weekend.They came out fairly easy from the front.I have some polycarb replacements that look ok so will install these.Looking thro the manual it says that you
can do this without having to strip the front end down ( no garage/shit weather & 4 panels to take off and reinstall ) Has anyone done it this way seems sensible to me .

Also , when I had my windscreen replaced, the nice RAC man left some mastic and also a pot of primer The primer is a Urethane activator ,
will this be ok to use on the nosecone

I did mine (your old one) without taking the front end off. It wasnt too bad, the worst part was getting all the old glue off. I got a stanley knife and ran the blade through the glue between the lense and nose-cone. I took some time and effort, but eventually came out ok. You do need to remove the light clusters to position the new lenses and that makes them far easier to install and hold in place while the new addesive is curing... I would be very careful about what you try to stick them in with, as it took me ages to find the correct addesive. I can't remember what the stuff i used is called now, but i have still got the tube, so ill let you know when i get home today.

if you removed the old glass ones that are not flexible through the front without any stripping them why do you not fit the new flexible ones in the same manner? i have used clear silicon sealer to bond in the lens with no problems, and it also easier to clean up, unlike windscreen bonding.

The new covers are 6 mil thick and just as rigid as the old glass ones.
I'm sure it can be done tho, its just making sure they are held firmly enough whilst curing.

[pgoldsmith]

Insert an old inner tube in the space between the lens and headlamp, gently pump it up and it should help to hold the lens whilst the mastic cures.

[stephendell]

Use proper black windscreen adhesive if you can (tiger seal or similar). Clear silicone sealant can go off over time and lose it's bond.

The stuff I've aquired from having my screen done is DOW Betaseal 1402 an adhesive /sealant .It was the priming compound that I had doubts about as it may damage the nose .

Instead of using an innertube, I've got two junior Space Hoppers that will do the job Will let you know the results.

The addesive i used is called Loctite auto Flexibond...

Due to my GTA disagreeing with a pile of tyres I now also need to make plexi glass covers! What did you use as a template?

They came with the car when I bought it.I haven't installed them yet tho,so
if you need a template let me know.They were made by a display company and cost £80 back in 2000.

Have now removed the old covers (1broken 1 not) and have a pair of plexiglass replacements on the way. Its a complete nightmare getting all the glass out and what the hell did the frogs use when they fitted them originally??? Its blunted 1/2 a dozen Stanley blades and I'm not finished!!!!
When I do refit them, in what order should I do things? I have a vision of tigerseal getting everywhere if I'm not careful!

I haven't done mine yet but , mask both the lens and immediate area around the aperture.Remove indicator and headlight units,insert new cover and then apply sealant.I also have some 'suckers' that I can use to hold/pull the cover into position externally.I used a small paint scrapper to cut through the sealant as it was a tough little effer ,the stiffer the better.

[Alpineandy]

I don't know if it's done the same way, but I watched a german friend replace his on an A310. He used a hairdryer to warm the edges, a stanley knife to make a hole in the sealant and then slipped a cheese wire through and gently pulled it around the lens. Lots of thiners to clean the glass. I don't remember him having to clean the paint but that could be my memory...
When he put the new one in he followed the instructions to the letter and made a point to mention that the glue must be left for xx (can't remember) minutes before mating the surfaces. He used some of those cheap towel hangers with the suckers on (6 i think), available at the nearest pound shop and some string.

But maybe it's different with a GTA.....