Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax Aero8 S1 - replace headlights

Hi All,

I plan on swapping out my headlights over the Christmas break. I like to do a fair amount of research on these things before I lift a spanner as I find it helps things a go a little smoother! I have read a few conflicting comments about whether the whole wing has to come off to pull the headlights out or whether this can be done with just the wheel off?

Anyone know if the headlights can be removed without taking the wing off?

Thanks!

As simomjrw will tell you: you go to Angouleme, drive through an underpass at 40mph and the headlight just pops out. Simple😁

Just squeeze hard enough and they pop out?

No need to take the wings off! Simply turn the wheel on full lock and that should give you sufficient access. The brackets holding the lamps are a real Heath Robinson affair. If I recall correctly the adjustment screw is left hand thread as well but check first. Simple job. Suggest you put Waxoyl or grease between the lamps and the wings too. Good luck!

And oh! I forgot, jack up the front corner to increase access.

Indeed, easy peasy.

Taffy told me that you have to be careful not to overtighten the brackets that hold them in or it splits the glass from the backs. I think it might be worth checking out the torque setting prior to re-fitment.

No need to remove wings; jacked up and wheel off should be sufficient.

As others have said, the brackets are a pig

See Cerealsurfers buying guide -

"Headlights
The front head-lights are VW Beetle lights and due to the mounting of the light housing can “jar” the lense against the wing. This results in the lense being pulled off the housing letting in water usually from the bottom of the lense area. You can easily spot it by misted lenses and a visible split in the rubber on the inside of the lense. Do not just replace the light housing.
If the cause is not fixed it will only happen again. "

I like Taffmog's idea re. the Waxoyl; it should provide a little bit of 'slip' and allow the lamp to move slightly....

Final point; don't be tempted by aftermarket 'copy' parts - they are subtly different and you may have problems fitting.

I would recommend the Magneti Marelli versions.These are made by Automotive Lighting who were set up by Bosch and Magneti Marelli but are now fully owned by Magneti Marelli.

Have fun......

James

I agree with a James ref the aftermarket ones, I bought the LED lookalikes off fleabay and had to slightly enlarge the wing apertures to fit. They looked nice and made the car look less cross eyed but the beams were all over the place plus lack of adjustment. I had to replace the originals for the MOT.

Thanks all. Will be careful not to overtighten the fixings.



Thanks Taffmog. I have bought a pair of aftermarket replacements. I steered clear of LED because, as you have said, you normally get zero adjustment and for some reason they are all always crap! So have gone with a set that take a standard h1 bulb. The plan was to rip them apart. Color match them to my car and then install. Will see how it goes!