North American Turbocoupe Organization

Full Version: Headlamp replacement question
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Hi guys...

I picked up an 88 TC a couple weeks ago and I am in the process of fixing things up (the prior owner(s) took pretty good care of it, there are just a few wear & tear items I want to replace).

The headlights and turn signals are badly "yellowed" and I am in the process of replacing them. It appears a prior owner may have attempted this as I am noticing some of the mounting bolts have been glued to the plastic housings. The adjustment panels have also been glued and screwed in various ways and are in generally poor condition. I have ordered new headlamps and turn signals from Ford (talk about getting raped) after deciding there isn't much that can be salvaged.

My problem is, of the 10 bolts I removed, there are two that came completely unscrewed from the light housings and the nuts are rusted in place and will not come loose. I have used about a whole can of penetrating oil and holding the screw-end with vice-grips have tried to loosen the nuts. The nuts are still frozen and the screws are pretty much mangled with nothing left to grip with. I am thinking of pulling out the Dremel and cutting the things out. If anyone has been through this nightmare and has a less drastic solution, please let me know.

Thanks.

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"I thought about being a veterinarian, an evil veterinarian."

1988 TC Black/Red Leather
2001 Audi S4 Silver (the fastest color)
Welcome to the expensive TC World and yes we all know if you go through ford you will be reamed a new one. As for the dremel, use it unless it makes it so you can't use the screws.
I have already wrecked the screws with the vice-grips. I think the car is worth $$$ investment for the lamps. At least then I can see at night.

Where are you at in Toledo?
Near the University of Toledo
Cool. I did my undergrad at BG and spent a lot of time in and around Toledo (and Put-in-bay).
Scott,I have a bunch of those 10 mm nuts laying around from when I swaped parts on mine and got new lamps,shoot me an e/m and I will hook you up,I'm right here in town so I could even bring them to you.I am on the north side,but actually my other car and parts are in Upper Arlinton on the NW side but I can get to them whenever. Would be great to meet another member anyway. [email protected]

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Too much fun, what's that mean?That's like too much boost,there's no such thing.
You've got mail...

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"I thought about being a veterinarian, an evil veterinarian."

1988 TC Black/Red Leather
2001 Audi S4 Silver (the fastest color)
How much did you pay for the lights?

I just went through the same problem today. It seems to be way to common. I ran another nut onto the front of it.It cross threaded on pretty tight.Then I turned the back one off. If the front one comes loose just run it back on and get it nice and tight.If you can get into there try scrubing it with a wire brush to take the build up off the threads.
Brace yourself. To replace every lense in front was $600 from Ford.

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"I thought about being a veterinarian, an evil veterinarian."

1988 TC Black/Red Leather
2001 Audi S4 Silver (the fastest color)
Oh man! I will not even tell you what I could have gotten you a set for.
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