Headlight lens/glass?

[goltho]

I shattered the offside headlight "glass" on my daughter's 2009 C30 this afternoon (ladder blew over onto it) and am consequently in the dog house.

From what I've researched, I *think* that I can replace just the plastic front? Can anyone confirm this please? A used one is what I'd like. Cheers.

[iainmd]

It's a sealed unit. The plastic front is bonded to the headlamp unit and it's not designed to be replaced. You'll need to source either a new replacement or a second hand headlamp unit.

I would avoid the aftermarket cheaper ones available from Eurocarparts/carparts4less as the beam pattern is completely different (and pretty woeful) compared to the OEM Volvo units unless you swap the projector unit over from inside the old housing.

[goltho]

Originally Posted by iainmd

It's a sealed unit. The plastic front is bonded to the headlamp unit and it's not designed to be replaced. You'll need to source either a new replacement or a second hand headlamp unit.

I would avoid the aftermarket cheaper ones available from Eurocarparts/carparts4less as the beam pattern is completely different (and pretty woeful) compared to the OEM Volvo units unless you swap the projector unit over from inside the old housing.

Thanks for that. So is this eBay item not applicable then (I know it's for a C60)? I've removed bonded clear lenses from other vehicles to fit LED DRL strips using a heat gun.

[goltho]

Also, are S40 and V50 headlights identical to the C30?

[Sidonas]

Although it is not designed to be replaced, you could still do it if you somehow found a suitable replacement cover lens. It's pretty much the same procedure that you're familiar with.


I am unsure, however, wether there are any identification markings on the plastic lenses that would be checked for during an MOT inspection.

[IainG]

Hi

I shattered the offside headlight "glass" on my daughter's 2009 C30 this afternoon (ladder blew over onto it) and am consequently in the dog house.

I would be tempted just to remove the light unit, (1 metal peg to release)
Then just get the actual number off the unit and look for that number on breakers/ebay.

At least it will ensure you get the correct replacement weather it is from a C30 or other.
I paid £35 for one for my V50.

Iain

[goltho]

Originally Posted by IainG

Hi
I would be tempted just to remove the light unit, (1 metal peg to release)
Then just get the actual number off the unit and look for that number on breakers/ebay.

At least it will ensure you get the correct replacement weather it is from a C30 or other.
I paid £35 for one for my V50.

Iain

That's really helpful, thanks Iain (2 Iain's with correct Jockerese spelling replying!). I'll do that. I really don't want to cough up over £100 without exhausting every option.

Cheers,

Dougie.

[IainG]

Hi
If you can't get the exact same one as a replacement, it is possible to change over the lenses (if they are the same as the V50 ones.)
On mine there were about 6 small metal clips holding the plastic lens. The lens itself is bedded on a type of mastic.
I managed to prise off the old lense carefully without heat. Heat might have helped.
If you end up changing over a lens you can use the mastic off both to ensure a good seal when you reattach the lens. The clips ensure the lens goes back correctly.

Iain

[goltho]

Originally Posted by IainG

Hi
If you can't get the exact same one as a replacement, it is possible to change over the lenses (if they are the same as the V50 ones.)
On mine there were about 6 small metal clips holding the plastic lens. The lens itself is bedded on a type of mastic.
I managed to prise off the old lense carefully without heat. Heat might have helped.
If you end up changing over a lens you can use the mastic off both to ensure a good seal when you reattach the lens. The clips ensure the lens goes back correctly.

Iain

Exactly as I hoped. Heat does help a lot - in fact, I used my (electric) oven to heat the last pair of headlights I was fitting LED strips to on the inside which is another method, although a heat gun is less nail-biting!

Whilst reading your reply, I noticed the forum Tag option below so duly tagged this thread for searchers' future reference. On checking the headlight lens tag, I came across a similar thread with this link which graphically confirms my original question and your answer. So thanks again.