Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2004 23:38:24 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Zeno <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Zeno <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Subject: Re: replacing plastic "adjustors" to attach headlights; license
plate light bulbs
In-Reply-To: <E1Bznbo-0002Wf-00@smtp01.mrf.mail.rcn.net>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Joy,
I've done several headlight adjuster repairs in a simular fashion to
JB weld, but I used body plastic, (AKA tiger hair). The adjuster has
to flex a very small amount. I can't see JB weld doing this, but
Tiger hair, if set to the proper location within 24 hours, will still
be flexable. I grease up the adjuster screw and plaster it in place with
the TIger hair. After it starts to harden. I aim the light I'm done.
Eric 86-VW4x4
vw4x4@fyi.net 86-SS Syncro
Pittsburgh, PA USA 1936-Chrysler
92-Jetta GWC
www.fyi.net/~vw4x4/vw4x4.htm
On Tue, 24 Aug 2004, Joy Hecht wrote:
> I see from Dave's email below that I could get new plastic "adjustors" for
> my headlights to screw into from the dealer.
>
> I also had a suggestion that I plug the holes with J-B Weld and then drill
> into it to screw the headlights back in.
>
> Any advice on whether doing it with J-B weld is likely to be straightforward
> and effective? I've never used it before. (surprised, aren't you?)
>
>
> And in case anyone else needs license plate light bulbs, I got a pair from
> my FLAPS (Carquest), part number "1618" - no brand name written on them,
> only that code. $1.29 each (except they gave me one free) and they work
> fine. Tracking down original bulbs doesn't seem necessary.
>
>
> Joy
>
> ****************************************************************
> Joy Hecht
> and Matilda, 1989 Burgundy Vanagon
>
> For musings about life and the vanadventures:
> http://users.rcn.com/jhecht/gypsy
>
> ****************************************************************
>
> :::-----Original Message-----
> :::From: MilosKitchen [mailto:sagmoore@zoominternet.net]
> :::Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 5:13 PM
> :::To: Joy Hecht
> :::Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you - and HEADLIGHT REPAIR!
> :::
> :::Joy,
> :::The "adjusters" as they are called (the white nylon housings / screw) are
> :::still (and only, I think) available at the dealer. I had to buy two for
> :::my
> :::Syncro, 'bout $8 a pop, two day wait. You do have to specify which
> :::position
> :::they are for, (LH, RH, upper, inner etc.). Hey, they get a little crispy
> :::after 17 years. If I were stuck to the front of a van for 17 years, I'd
> :::probably be cracked and crispy too.
> :::Dave Milo
> :::
> :::-----Original Message-----
> :::From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
> :::Of Joy Hecht
> :::Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 10:35 AM
> :::To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> :::Subject: Thanks to all of you - and HEADLIGHT REPAIR!
> :::
> :::
> :::Thank you very much, everyone who replied to my emails of yesterday. I
> :::really did want to hear lots of views on transportation modes, and I
> :::appreciate all of your replies.
> :::
> :::This morning I took to the headlight with the Bentley and the
> :::screwdriver,
> :::removed the assembly, drained out the water, and I'm studying the
> :::pinhole.
> :::
> :::I had a couple of suggestions on pinhole repair - clear silicone,
> :::aquarium
> :::sealant, and a windshield stone chip repair kit. Are these actually all
> :::essentially the same? Any advice on sealing the tiny hole before I
> :::start?
> :::Sealant outside the lens or inside? Or some of each?
> :::
> :::I also had a couple of warnings not to break the plastic housing into
> :::which
> :::the headlight assembly screws. Well, the PO already did that for me.
> :::The
> :::outer (low, rectangular) beams are attached with three screws, two on the
> :::inside (relative to the edge of the van) and one on the outside. The
> :::housing on the outside screws of both headlights is basically gone. In
> :::fact, the headlights have wiggled in place for as long as I've had the
> :::van -
> :::I'm surprised the inspectors didn't get me on that.
> :::
> :::Can I replace the housing? Or is there some other recommended fix for
> :::that?
> :::
> :::And I'm going to be a little less of a goody-two-shoes, and take the van
> :::to
> :::a different inspector, blow another $15, and hopefully she'll pass
> :::inspection with my sealed headlight.
> :::
> :::Next, gotta figure out why my new license plate bulb is dimmer than the
> :::old
> :::one.
> :::
> :::Maybe I'm even educable on the subject of really minor repairs?
> :::
> :::
> :::
> :::Joy
> :::
> :::p.s. To the fulltimers list - my apologies for this mechanical post! :-
> :::)
> :::
> :::
> :::****************************************************************
> :::Joy Hecht
> :::and Matilda, 1989 Burgundy Vanagon
> :::
> :::For musings about life and the vanadventures:
> :::http://users.rcn.com/jhecht/gypsy
> :::
> :::****************************************************************
>
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