How Do You Replace a Headlight??

[bxtech]

Here's a dumb question in which I hope you guys can offer some tips......How do you replace a headlight on a D? I couldn't find anything from a search here.

I've changed out sealed beam headlights on other cars and it's pretty simple. Remove the frame that holds the headlight, unplug, install the new light and then the frame back. With the D, the screws to the headlight frame are pretty much covered by the front bumper/fascia and are not accessible. Looks like I will need to remove the front bumper cover to get to these screws and change the headlights? I don't see any way around it. I have no problem doing this and I am capable. I was just wondering if I was missing something, and there might be some simpler way that I'm not seeing? I haven't had a chance to take a closer look yet, but how involved is it to remove the front bumper?

Thanks in advance.

[DMCMW Dave]

Your description is accurate. There are 4 screws that hold each of the stainless headlight rims in place. The screws are hard to see and get to, use a flat blade tool to lift up and aside the fascia to see them. The ones between the headlights are hiding as part of the plastic divider trim.

http://store.delorean.com/c-341-3-5-0-lighting-system-front.aspx is about as good a drawing of it as you'll find. Part ID 7 are the 4 screws on each rim

[David T]

Your description is accurate. There are 4 screws that hold each of the stainless headlight rims in place. The screws are hard to see and get to, use a flat blade tool to lift up and aside the fascia to see them. The ones between the headlights are hiding as part of the plastic divider trim.

http://store.delorean.com/c-341-3-5-0-lighting-system-front.aspx is about as good a drawing of it as you'll find. Part ID 7 are the 4 screws on each rim

Be careful with the plastic trim, it is brittle and will crack if you apply too much force. It is not uncommon for the screws to be so rusty you can't get them out with a screwdriver. You may have to drill them out or grind the heads off. Before you go to all of that trouble verify the bulb is bad with a test light. It could be an electrical connection like a bad/dirty ground connection.

[DMCMW Dave]

--- Before you go to all of that trouble verify the bulb is bad with a test light. It could be an electrical connection like a bad/dirty ground connection.

That's pretty hard to do without taking the bulb out.

[bxtech]

Thanks for the info guys! Before I posted this question here.......Yes, I did see the screws and started attempting to pry the fascia up to access them. However, I was thinking that if I actually got those out, there's pretty much a 99.9% chance of dropping them behind the bumper. Even with a magnetic screwdriver, I'm sure I will lose most of them before the end of the job. Then, once you get all of the screws off, it looks like it's going to be real fun getting the frame out. The bottom screws aren't even visible on my car unless I probably do some serious prying of the fascia. Would it be much better to just remove the front bumper for this job? Seems like too much liability of damage to try and do this with it installed?

My headlights are working, but I think they're original. You can see some of the reflective finish has deteriorated in them and they look dark when the lights are off. It looks pretty ugly imo which is why I would like to install these new ones.

[Farrar]

It's my experience that those screws WILL be dropped into the fascia. Here's my technique: back the first screw out as slowly and carefully as you can, and then take it to the hardware store and get a box of the same screw in stainless steel. That way you will have replacements on hand. :)

(I wonder how many owners have removed their front fascias and had a bunch of screws fall out.)

Anyway, good luck. Just put some masking tape on the fascia so that you don't scrape the paint off with your screwdriver or pry stick.

Edit: This illustration may also help. (From the DeLorean Museum Facebook page.)
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=32182&stc=1

[DMCMW Dave]

(I wonder how many owners have removed their front fascias and had a bunch of screws fall out.)


Nah - they fall out on the first turn, and end up embedded in someone else's tires.

I generally get them almost out and then extract with needle nose pliers. Same going back in. Yes, extras are handy!

You could remove the whole fascia but that turns changing light bulbs into an all-day job, and you'll need an assistant to remove the hood. If you go to that trouble, definitely replace all 4.

[Farrar]

I generally get them almost out and then extract with needle nose pliers. Same going back in.

I use one of these:

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=32187&stc=1

Mine is slightly different from the photo shown above, but the function is the same: there are little springs at the end to hold the screw in place while starting it. You push down on the part at the end to release the clips.

[David T]

I use one of these:

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=32187&stc=1

Mine is slightly different from the photo shown above, but the function is the same: there are little springs at the end to hold the screw in place while starting it. You push down on the part at the end to release the clips.

You really do NOT want to remove the facia (front or rear) unless you have to. They tend to shrink over the years and you will have a hell of a time getting it back on and lined up. Even it it needs painting it is best done on the car because you WILL damage the paint job trying to force it into place. I use an old pair of hemostats to remove and install the screws. If the heads are not good (and you can get them out) you should just replace them all.

[Rich]

Anyway, good luck. Just put some masking tape on the fascia so that you don't scrape the paint off with your screwdriver or pry stick.

+1

I replaced 2 headlights over the years, fascia in place. Painter's tape over the fascia all around the openings does the trick. Then a good Philips head screwdriver of matching size plus decent lighting gets the job done. Don't hurry the job. And remember to get the new lamps aimed afterward.

My reward after pulling the right low beam out 2 years ago? A hex nut and a large fender washer (similar to those found on the door strikers) found resting on the impact beam behind and below it, as left in place by our friends at the DMC factory.

[bxtech]

After reading this and also doing a bit of searching around, there's no way I'm going to remove the front fascia. I didn't realize that the hood need to be removed too. Definitely too much work!

Farrar, thanks for the illustration and for the tip on the screwdriver. I actually have one of those and I forgot all about it. Thanks for jarring my memory. I just need to find where it is now! :) The illustration helps out quite a bit. I was already thinking of using masking tape to protect the surface, but I see the factory already recommended a similar procedure.

TBH, I never thought it would be this involved to change the headlights. I was hoping that there was a simple trick that you owners knew about but I just didn't see myself. Maybe these darkened ones in the car aren't looking so bad now! haha! I might leave them alone for a little longer now. ;)

Weather is been bad lately around here anyway, so I'll probably give it a shot when we have some nicer days.

Thanks everyone for the tips and advice! You guys are very helpful! I really appreciate it!

[bxtech]

+1

I replaced 2 headlights over the years, fascia in place. Painter's tape over the fascia all around the openings does the trick. Then a good Philips head screwdriver of matching size plus decent lighting gets the job done. Don't hurry the job. And remember to get the new lamps aimed afterward.

My reward after pulling the right low beam out 2 years ago? A hex nut and a large fender washer (similar to those found on the door strikers) found resting on the impact beam behind and below it, as left in place by our friends at the DMC factory.

Haha! Wow......a couple of NOS parts for your reward! :) Thanks for your reply and for the info.