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Anybody Deal With This Problem--Headlight Cover

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Old 12-30-09, 10:52 AM
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Anybody Deal With This Problem--Headlight Cover

I was messing with my headlight trying to resolve a problem with it going up and down, and by the time I had that worked out, I realized I had another problem. The attachment strip on the underside of the headlight cover has started to separate. I was wondering if anyone has come up with a way to repair it. I think I can glass the baby back together, but thought I would see what you clever guys have done.
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Old 12-30-09, 12:24 PM
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Epoxy = magic. Before I put any replacement covers in now, I add extra epoxy on all the joints. One time a cover actually flew off the car while i was driving, so now I try to reinforce it to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Epoxy is stronger than the material that the headlight cover is made with so you should be worry free afterwards.
Old 12-30-09, 12:51 PM
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See, I knew you guys would come up with stuff. Thanks RLaoFD! I think I may work in some mesh material with the epoxy for added strength.
Old 12-30-09, 12:53 PM
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I did the exact same thing as RLao, as I too had a cover fly off during a stint on the interstate. For peace of mind, might as well do both of your covers while you are at it.
Old 12-30-09, 12:59 PM
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The passenger one is usually the first to go, as people have a tendency to lean on it when working on the car. Don't EVER lean on the headlight covers.

Glue/epoxy can help, but there's nothing like brand new covers.

Dale
Old 12-30-09, 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by DaleClark
Glue/epoxy can help, but there's nothing like brand new covers.

Dale
Ah, save the $200.00 samolis for track time. I can probably get another 196,000 miles out of the repaired set.
Old 12-30-09, 05:18 PM
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That's one of the classic FD issues.

Make sure you thoroughly clean and even lightly sand both surfaces. I didn't and mine separated again after a few months.
Old 12-30-09, 07:15 PM
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just happened to both of mine too, around the same time. I will be adding a bit of fiberglass/resin to re-enforce it. just take it off and bond it, properly prep it though.
Old 01-04-10, 10:55 AM
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Wish I had pictures of mine; they're reinforced with some trimmed popsicle sticks and epoxy of course. Remember preping the surface is a must.
Old 01-04-10, 11:13 AM
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I epoxied mine a while back but didn't sand it beforehand. It flew off on the interstate.
Old 01-04-10, 12:13 PM
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+1 to losing one on the interstate. Wasn't any traffic so I went back for it (I saw it on the road in the rear-view). I was able to back up with just enough time to look out the driver-side window and watch it get shattered by a truck w/ a boat on a trailer behind it. Got a new one off of ebay and made sure the ribs were reinforced with epoxy. Just make sure you use the correct epoxy. And, keep some extra for when you break your door handle
Old 01-05-10, 09:48 PM
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Yeah, same problem here-flapping on H3 to Kaneohe. Anyone know where I can get some new covers?
Old 01-05-10, 11:55 PM
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fiberglassed mine there rock solid now
Old 01-06-10, 08:29 AM
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mine broke off i just used zip ties that i melted to add extra plastic to it and drilled holes, its actually acting like a plastic weld and holding strong for over a year. and i do a lot of night driving so they see a lot of wind, 100+ MPH and have not broken off.
Old 01-07-10, 09:37 AM
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Great Idea! I should use the fiberglass skills I learned while building my Kayak!
Originally Posted by turboIIrotary
fiberglassed mine there rock solid now
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