Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: psychnurse on 16 June 2008, 13:39:50

Title: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: psychnurse on 16 June 2008, 13:39:50
Could anybody point me as to how to remove the headlamp covers, as they are quite yellow and dirty looking. I did have a look this morning, but though I would ask first.  :y
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 16 June 2008, 16:34:02
Many prefacelifts get like this

The best cure - an upgrade to some projector lights :y
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: psychnurse on 16 June 2008, 16:56:39
That could be on the cards as a long term project! Just looks nicotine stained-yuk
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: Entwood on 16 June 2008, 16:59:54
It is possible, with care, to "refurbish" the lenses a little ... use 1500 wet/dry followed by T-cut, this can remove a lot of the scale/traffic film that causes the discolouration.

Needs to be done carefully or the metalwork surrounding the lights gets a serious and messy hit .. :(

Does work, takes time and effort though  :(
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 16 June 2008, 16:59:58
Quote
That could be on the cards as a long term project! Just looks nicotine stained-yuk
Estate is the same, they ALL get like that

Try T-cut on them with some fine wet and dry paper - it can help
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: psychnurse on 16 June 2008, 17:04:19
Is it on the outside??? I thought it was build up from the inside.
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 16 June 2008, 17:08:35
Quote
Is it on the outside??? I thought it was build up from the inside.

Bit of both !
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: psychnurse on 16 June 2008, 17:15:56
Will have a look just now. Thanks for that  :y how do I get inside, is it easy?
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: Pitchfork on 16 June 2008, 17:21:59
Quote
Will have a look just now. Thanks for that  :y how do I get inside, is it easy?
No it's not!!! ;D
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 16 June 2008, 17:22:58
honest answer is - I've never done it!
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: psychnurse on 16 June 2008, 17:28:03
o well, will stick to the outside for now and see if that improves the opacity. If not then I may have a look at getting it.  :y
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: lcdman on 16 June 2008, 19:03:26
I've just changed both my headlights for this exact reason! I had a go at dismantling one of those I removed to see if the front would come off (for curiosity's sake you understand)

FORGET IT.  ;D

It is held on to the rear case with some clips around the edge, but also some of the strongest sealant/goo I've come across - certainly keeps the water out.  Totally cracked the first one I tried and didn't even try the other.

Do what I did and replace the entire unit (with 2nd hand ones that aren't in such bad nick) - it is a 15 minute job per side tops!  Grill off (2 screws), trim strip off (1 screw each side), headlight assembly out (3 screws/bolts) unplug 3 plugs, reverse procedure.
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: psychnurse on 16 June 2008, 19:09:58
Quote
I've just changed both my headlights for this exact reason! I had a go at dismantling one of those I removed to see if the front would come off (for curiosity's sake you understand)

FORGET IT.  ;D

It is held on to the rear case with some clips around the edge, but also some of the strongest sealant/goo I've come across - certainly keeps the water out.  Totally cracked the first one I tried and didn't even try the other.

Do what I did and replace the entire unit (with 2nd hand ones that aren't in such bad nick) - it is a 15 minute job per side tops!  Grill off (2 screws), trim strip off (1 screw each side), headlight assembly out (3 screws/bolts) unplug 3 plugs, reverse procedure.



Thanks for that mate.  :y :y
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: bruce on 16 June 2008, 22:22:40
The lens can be taken off fairly easy..you need a hot air gun, I used the wife's air drier played around the lens edge where the black glue is..and made one good HID headlight from two F***ed up ones.

Bruce  
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: Vamps on 16 June 2008, 22:31:11
If they are too bad they can fail the MOT our old estate did, got two replacement lights of ebay...easy to replace. :)
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: HerefordElite on 17 June 2008, 01:17:26
Quote
Quote
That could be on the cards as a long term project! Just looks nicotine stained-yuk
Estate is the same, they ALL get like that

Try T-cut on them with some fine wet and dry paper - it can help


make sure it's VERY fine or you'll end up with even worse lights like me :-[
Title: Re: Removal of headlamp covers
Post by: Carfix on 17 June 2008, 14:04:15
I have done quite a few of these over the past few years.

I used strips of card to wedge under the clips then as Bruce suggested heat the area where the plastic lens joins the black casing with a hair drier or similar.

You then need a screw driver to prise the lens away enough to get a modelling knife in to cut the black glue.  Keep using the screwdiver and knife all around the join until the lens comes free. Easy once you have done one.

Note, don't touch the silvered reflectors inside. The silver coating rubs off!!!