MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - Headlamp Removal

Okay, experts. How do I get the outer retainer ring off the headlamps of my 69 MGB? The shop manual simply says to gently pry them away at the bottoms and then lift them off at the top. However, because of the steep recess on one side, I can't gain access to most of the bottom area. Do I need a special tool? Or what?
Tom Fisher

Tom. Take one of the cheap, long, thin screwdrivers, the small ones, and heat the end in a propane torch. When it is red hot, bend the end backwards to form a hook with about a 1/16" radius. Let it cool. Polish and deburr the tool, slip it under the bottom of the headlight ring, allowing the hook to move up under the ring. Pull forwards. This trick was mentioned, using a ice pick, many years ago on this BBS. Ice picks are uncommon here in Hel, but the screwdriver has worked just fine for many years now.

Good luck. Les
Les Bengtson

That did it! Thanks a million, Les. I figured there was some trick. Did just like you instructed and both my headlamp retainer rings are now off.

Boy, is this a slick forum...or what?!
Tom Fisher

Dear Tom. As you say, "Boy, is this a slick forum..Or what?!". Like this trick, I have learned so much over the years that it is almost imposible to mention all of the people who have instructed me. (Such as the original post of using a bent ice pick to perform the task of removing the headlight rim.)

I am quite honored to be able to teach a "young dog" a trick that I learned, here, as an "old dog".

I am happy that you found us. I am very happy that I was the first to be able to help you. (Others would if I had not.) I have been fortunate in my life to be able to associate with a large number of very fine people. I was an officer in the US Air Force and, later, a college professor. This group of people are the ones I prefer to "hang out with" today.

Contribute what you can. (But, be aware that we are a somewhat contentious group and will both build on what you may post and, sometimes, change the entire direction of a thread--always for the better, of course).

Glad you are here and glad you both took the time to post your problem and had the basic courtesy to let us know how things turned out. That is the sign of a gentleman and, as such, you are always welcome, both because of what you ask and what you are able to give to us as a group.

Thanks, Les
Les Bengtson

This thread was discussed on 26/05/2006

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.