rear light removal

[tobyholland]

hi if I remove the rear light cluster is there a Perspex cover over the light cluster, and what I really like to know is this removable in order to clean
regards
toby

[WienLot]

Toby,

Some photos that may answer your questions
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=20861

[tobyholland]

Toby,

Some photos there may answer your question
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=20861

that's great thanks !!

[hodge]

this is fairly straightforward but one thing to watch out for is the small clips which hold the perspex cover onto the cluster. iirc these are not symmetrical - one of the ' hooks ' has a slight lip,
They can be removed with a flat headed screwdriver or (preferably) fine needle nosed pliers.
They have a tendency to fly (less with needle nose) and hide from you so bear that in mind when you choose where to do this. To help prevent damage to the now unavailable cluster and perspex cover the clip is best levered out by lifting the hook with the lip first (with a twisting action). Reverse action to replace.
Sounds much more complicated than it is but worth knowing from the start to help prevent damage or loss of the little shockers.

[tobyholland]

hi thanks both of you, was a bit easier than I imagined, took them apart cleaned and put back in about 20 mins each
thanks toby

[TrevorB]

hi thanks both of you, was a bit easier than I imagined, took them apart cleaned and put back in about 20 mins each
thanks toby

Now this is a job I've been meaning to do (attempt) for ages. So today it's raining and I thought I can still get to the back of the car in my
small garage so lets do it, well it only takes 20 mins each side .

So took the trim off, got inside boot and took off light cluster cover (off side), undone the 4 corner bolts assuming (never ass-u-me ) that
the cluster would then come out and I could get to the lower clips holding plastic cover. It wouldn't budge an inch. After 45 mins I gave in
and put it all back together. Didn't even try nearside as this would be a little more difficult due to the amplifier position.

I was able to remove the top clips easily as they were visual once the trim removed but the lower clips are hidden unless cluster came out.

Am I missing something here when removing the cluster or should it just drop out

The photo's in the post and wiki don't really explain removal.

Another simple probem that I'm having difficulty with - dooh



Trevor

[hodge]

There is a foam seal between the cluster and the bodywork which can 'stick' a bit. Firm but gentle pressure worked for me. Some locally applied (from boot side) warm air (hairdryer/paint strippergun on low setting) might help but be careful, haven't tried this myself as firm gentle worked.

[TrevorB]

After my attempt back in April I have today had success with the nearside cluster which came out easily and I was able to give the perspex
cover a good clean and also a general clean all round the fixings. Now looks brilliant. But the offside cluster looks like it has been sealed by
something and I am unable to remove despite trying my hardest even using a rubber headed hammer on the bolts it would just not shift.
Obviously I now have a lovely clean unit and one that has dirt and dust behind the perspex. I'm a little annoyed. Presume a previous owner has
put some sealant of some sort around.



nearside clean




offside dirty

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Trevor: Try using a bit of hair-dryer heat around the perimeter. Most sealants even silicone will soften a bit if they are warm. Don't go crazy and scorch the body panel.