Headlight upgrade

PM_240GLT · Jan 12th, 2006, 20:38

Hi,
Does anyone know if it is possible to upgrade the headlights on my 240 GLT. Assuming mine are working ok they seem pretty hopeless? Many thanks.
Paul

classicswede · Jan 12th, 2006, 21:03

I would say with most certanity that your light are knackered.Probably original.

Stick in a pair of complete new light units. It makes a massive difference.

Keep soaking the nut on the back with penetrating oil for a few weeks before you swap them.

PM_240GLT · Jan 12th, 2006, 22:53

Much appreciated Dai.

Regards,

Paul

TOOLS · Jan 12th, 2006, 23:12

I rebuilt my 240,s headlights with new reflectors obtained from GSF car parts.
The results were amazing, well worth the effort and not difficult to do. Getting the adjusters to turn.(two on each, which may be seized,) is the hardest part. This will be much cheaper than buying complete new headlights. The original lights had bad reflectors which failed the MOT.and gave a poor light output; but now they are like new.
The headlight plug which fits onto the bulb overheated, causing a bad contact on mine and is something I have yet to replace. although it's ok at the moment.

Erling · Jan 13th, 2006, 08:20

I'll second TOOL's advice, rebuilding the headlights is not difficult. The glass and the plastic housing are held together with clips, and once they are removed you will see if the problem is the reflectors. (They should have a mirror-like surface, if they looking like aluminium get them replaced.)

One word of advice: The reflectors are fixed to the plastic housing by three white plastic fasteners that have to be turned 90 deg. to free the reflector. But as they are exposed to heat from the bulb, they tend to get brittle and will easily break as you turn them. So it could be wise to have some new ones available when you start the job. Part number is VO1307452, and they are not expensive.

Good luck!

classicswede · Jan 14th, 2006, 15:21

For about an axtra £20 why bother.
The plastic goes brittle and if the nylon adjusters snap as they often do thats the best part of you £20 gone.
Also I have known ppl to have poor beam pattern of some replacment reflectors.
A new unit will look much smarter and simpiler to fit less time and a better job at the end of it.

If your thinking of the reflector option try and strip some spare units down before you go out and get them.

Dont get me wron I've rebuit them loads of times but for a couple of quid its not worth it unless you arer on a very tight budget.

ravennexus · Jan 21st, 2006, 10:57

yeah, get some new lights, then fit some small spots too for extra fun.

this is mine on dipped beam well adjustisted so not to blind MOT guy passed my ring 80/100W adverse weather bulbs

this is full beam (also triggers some 5" long range lights with 100W ring bulbs H3])

sorry for the big pics, i did resize but for the US market where every one uses DSL... but anyway, i really enjoy night driving on country roads

Jan 12th, 2006, 20:38	#1
PM_240GLT New Member Last Online: May 24th, 2017 20:59 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Goring, nr Reading	Headlight upgrade Hi, Does anyone know if it is possible to upgrade the headlights on my 240 GLT. Assuming mine are working ok they seem pretty hopeless? Many thanks. Paul

Jan 12th, 2006, 21:03	#2
classicswede Trader Volvo in my veins Last Online: Yesterday 23:38 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Anglesey	I would say with most certanity that your light are knackered.Probably original. Stick in a pair of complete new light units. It makes a massive difference. Keep soaking the nut on the back with penetrating oil for a few weeks before you swap them. __________________ http://www.classicswede.org www.classicswede.co.uk

Jan 12th, 2006, 23:12	#4
TOOLS New Member Last Online: Mar 26th, 2014 13:26 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Barnsley, south Yorkshire	240 Headlights I rebuilt my 240,s headlights with new reflectors obtained from GSF car parts. The results were amazing, well worth the effort and not difficult to do. Getting the adjusters to turn.(two on each, which may be seized,) is the hardest part. This will be much cheaper than buying complete new headlights. The original lights had bad reflectors which failed the MOT.and gave a poor light output; but now they are like new. The headlight plug which fits onto the bulb overheated, causing a bad contact on mine and is something I have yet to replace. although it's ok at the moment.

Jan 13th, 2006, 08:20	#5
Erling VOC member Last Online: May 8th, 2007 20:15 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Stavanger	I'll second TOOL's advice, rebuilding the headlights is not difficult. The glass and the plastic housing are held together with clips, and once they are removed you will see if the problem is the reflectors. (They should have a mirror-like surface, if they looking like aluminium get them replaced.) One word of advice: The reflectors are fixed to the plastic housing by three white plastic fasteners that have to be turned 90 deg. to free the reflector. But as they are exposed to heat from the bulb, they tend to get brittle and will easily break as you turn them. So it could be wise to have some new ones available when you start the job. Part number is VO1307452, and they are not expensive. Good luck! __________________ The older I get, the better I used to be.

Jan 14th, 2006, 15:21	#6
classicswede Trader Volvo in my veins Last Online: Yesterday 23:38 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Anglesey	For about an axtra £20 why bother. The plastic goes brittle and if the nylon adjusters snap as they often do thats the best part of you £20 gone. Also I have known ppl to have poor beam pattern of some replacment reflectors. A new unit will look much smarter and simpiler to fit less time and a better job at the end of it. If your thinking of the reflector option try and strip some spare units down before you go out and get them. Dont get me wron I've rebuit them loads of times but for a couple of quid its not worth it unless you arer on a very tight budget. __________________ http://www.classicswede.org www.classicswede.co.uk

Jan 12th, 2006, 22:53	#3
PM_240GLT New Member Last Online: May 24th, 2017 20:59 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Goring, nr Reading	Much appreciated Dai. Regards, Paul

Jan 21st, 2006, 10:57	#7
ravennexus Member Last Online: Nov 4th, 2018 15:48 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: rhyl	yeah, get some new lights, then fit some small spots too for extra fun. this is mine on dipped beam well adjustisted so not to blind MOT guy passed my ring 80/100W adverse weather bulbs this is full beam (also triggers some 5" long range lights with 100W ring bulbs H3]) sorry for the big pics, i did resize but for the US market where every one uses DSL... but anyway, i really enjoy night driving on country roads

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