A couple of questions re rear lamp unit

[Philip Wardle]

I previously removed the two plastic reflectors from one of the rear lamp units so that I could restore the reflective surface. When you put them back the two plastic fixing pins on the back of each reflector must be fully pushed in, otherwise there a chance that the bulb will touch the plastic and melt it. In time honoured tradition, “don’t ask me how I known this”.

Q1: So having sourced two more reflectors from a scrap lamp unit, I now need to install them in the good one. Does anyone have any tips, please, for exerting enough force to push the fixing pins fully home without breaking anything in the process?

Q2: The gasket between the lamp unit and the body is flat on one face and ribbed on the other. Should I fit the flat face against the body or the lamp unit? Should I apply sealant of some sort, or fit it dry?

[Goldstar]

I previously removed the two plastic reflectors from one of the rear lamp units so that I could restore the reflective surface. When you put them back the two plastic fixing pins on the back of each reflector must be fully pushed in, otherwise there a chance that the bulb will touch the plastic and melt it. In time honoured tradition, “don’t ask me how I known this”.

Q1: So having sourced two more reflectors from a scrap lamp unit, I now need to install them in the good one. Does anyone have any tips, please, for exerting enough force to push the fixing pins fully home without breaking anything in the process?

Q2: The gasket between the lamp unit and the body is flat on one face and ribbed on the other. Should I fit the flat face against the body or the lamp unit? Should I apply sealant of some sort, or fit it dry?

I’ve never used (or seen in cars I have removed lights from) any sealant and ribs always seem to be on the lamp side. Not sure about replacing the reflectors etc but I’ve got some lamps disassembled so I’ll have a look.

[Lingen]

Phil.
The rubber gasket has a lip on the lamp side, which the lamp body fits in to. The "Panel" side is flat.
Mike.

[Philip Wardle]

Mike, thanks for the advice re the gasket.

Quick update ... this is what I did with the reflectors. Having re-finished the reflective surfaces with Stardust GO CHROME brush-on single coat mirror paint, I decided to slightly enlarge the fixing holes in the lamp body which accept the two plastic pins on each reflector. By enlarging to 1/8 inch imperial this created abot 3 to 5 thou clearance for each pin, and it is then easy to see, or rather feel, when the reflectors seat properly in the lamp unit. I found that a 4 BA nut will self-thread onto each fixing pin,and provide it isn't torqued-up too tight this will hold the pin in place. I put a thin crinkle washer under each nut as a precaution against vibration.

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[wilf]

If you end up with u/s reflectors for any reason, or are having issues with heat from the bulbs, then replacing them with LED bulbs will help a: becuase they are far lower wattage and run much cooler (and brighter) and b: because you can get bulbs that project light directly out of the unit, thus removing the need for perfect reflectors.

[Philip Wardle]

Quite right of course Wilf, completely see the benefits of LEDs in this respect but haven't quite made that decision for exterior light (yet). I have used used LEDs for the dash and interior though.