headlight mount on wing

Post by **Pascal** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:21 am

Hi,

I've attempted to remove the headlight bowls from the wings to replace the rubber gaskets but the nuts are completely stuck and the head broke on one. When you look from the wheelarch you can see a ring with 4 captive nuts, which I thought I would have to replace to get new nuts. However I'm told the ring on which the captive nuts are is welded to the wing.

What would be the best way of getting new nuts? Should I just drill through the old nuts and re-thread them?

Regards

Post by **Kevin** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:58 pm

the nuts are completely stuck and the head broke on one.

very common and its caused by dirt and spray while driving.

However I'm told the ring on which the captive nuts are is welded to the wing.

Well thats a new one, it might be welded in place by rust but thats all.
Have a look on one of the suppliers websites you should be able to see the seperate components.

Post by **chickenjohn** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:04 pm

On the front wings I've worked on the re-inforcing ring and captive nuts are part of the wing. So yes, just drill out the siezed nut/screw, re-tap the hole and fit a new one. A squirt of waxoyl on either side (inside the wing as well as outside) will help preserve the fixings.

Post by **wanderinstar** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 9:49 pm

You could just drill through captive nuts and fit new nuts and bolts of a slightly smaller diameter. Just use plenty of grease and dont leave 3/4"-1" of bolt sticking out. Measure lenth reqd and cut bolts down to suit.
Bought my car from a so called Minor Specialist and all bolts just left at original length. Sill finisher 1 1/4" bolts, there bl***y well everywhere. Collecting rust and muck. Sorry about the rant, it just gets on my wires.