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MG MGB Technical - Headlight Rim - Retaining Clip Question

Hi everyone,

I am replacing my current headlights with new parts.
All is going well, except for one small part which I can't work out. This maybe due to the fact that it was just after midnight last night when I was doing this... getting a little tired... yawn!

Anyway, my question lies with the 'spring' type component which holds the headlight rim on... It's the one for the rim which 'pops' off to get to the headlight bulb. I can't figure out how it connects. There seems to be an extra part on the new rim which I cant understand the use for. I have checked my old headlight, which is still intact, and it doesn't have this extra part.

Can anyone tell me if this part on the headlight bowl is necessary?
If it is... how do I get the separate spring clip in?


You know what they say... a picture says a thousand words... So click on the urls below to get to the photos I have taken. Should hopefully make sense.

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Photo 1: Showing the original headlamp from the car (I have arrowed the clip)
http://community.webshots.com/photo/552744167/2806420620084451528NEBJqg

Photo 2: Showing the new headlamp intact with the 'spring' clip on the workbench (arrowed to where it goes)
http://community.webshots.com/photo/552744167/2503919640084451528uDCIVQ

Photo 3: Showing the 'spring' clip in my hand beside the new headlamp
http://community.webshots.com/photo/552744167/2887174720084451528xFeuBE

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I will have another look tonight... Maybe clearer after a good nights sleep...?

Your advice is gratefully received.
Mark
Mark Duggan

I'm sure my car does not have that clip. I will take a pic of an old rim and fittings, but not tonight.
Stan Best

From memory I believe there are two different types of buckets and headlight rings. One is where there is a hole in the ring which a screw attaches the ring to the type of bucket you have. The other the clip is attached between the ring and the rubber between the bucket and fender. Looks like you are trying to combine the two different systems. I think you either need earlier rings with the screw, or later buckets and use your clip.

Good Luck
Dave
brdave

Sorry, but after looking at the pictures closer, it appears that the threaded area for the screw may possibly be removed by bending back the ears on each side and be replaced by the new clips by inserting the two ears on the side thru the hole then mounting the bucket.
dave
brdave

Hi Dave,

Great minds think alike!
I have been thinking about it and... That's what I was planning to do to make it work for my setup.
Its good to hear from Bulltin Board whether the clip on the bowl is really needed.

Thanks
Mark
Mark Duggan

Yes, the threaded bit is for cars that have the space for a screw, but are included in MGB items. Remove that, and I had to reuse the clip from the old bucket as a new one wasn't supplied. Fortunately it was sound.
Paul Hunt 2

Hi Paul,

Good that you could reuse the old clip.
I was a bit confused till the Bulletin Board confirmed what I had worked out... That the extra clip is superfluous to my model B.

Thanks guys
Mark
Mark Duggan

This thread was discussed between 01/08/2006 and 03/08/2006

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