How do I change the headlamps on my series 1 E-Type?

Talk about the E-Type Series 1

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adebnam
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#1 How do I change the headlamps on my series 1 E-Type?

Post by adebnam » Sun May 12, 2019 5:47 pm

Hello all,

I have a LHD ‘67 series 1 E-Type roadster with covered headlights. One of the dipped beams has failed although both main beams still work. I guess I need to change a bulb or if the headlight is a sealed unit then change the whole thing.

My question is how do I get at the headlamps?

I’m told that the chromes are very fiddle to fit and seal so I should access the lights form the back of the bonnet, but from what I can see they’re not accessible from the back.

I know there must be a solution somewhere on the net but I’ve been googling all afternoon and can’t find anything.

Thanks so much for any advice!

Andrew

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cactusman
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#2 Re: How do I change the headlamps on my series 1 E-Type?

Post by cactusman » Sun May 12, 2019 7:36 pm

Remove the outer glass cover by releasing the retaining screws....care as if it has been on a while the rubber will be stuck to the body. Break the glass cover and it is £££.

Now unscrew the three self tapers that hold the chrome ring around the glass of the light unit.

The whole light unit will now drop out of the fitting. Unplug the wire to the bulb and you can now take the light away

The bulb can be released and replaced....use a good quality Philips or Osram 60/55 watt bulb.

Refitting is the reverse. Refitting the chrome ring and self tappers is fiddly. Replacing the outer glass needs cars as a slip with the screwdriver will damage the paint...use a little copper grease on the screws too..

A fiddly job but not difficult. :bigrin:
Julian the E-type man
1962 FHC
1966 MGB....fab little car too

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Durango2k
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#3 Re: How do I change the headlamps on my series 1 E-Type?

Post by Durango2k » Sun May 12, 2019 7:45 pm

It gets even better. If you only loosen the three chrome ring self tappers by about 2 turns, you can rotate the chrome ring by about 5 -8 mm, then it comes off. The holes are keyhole - shaped to allow this.

Carsten
Jag E '66 S1 2+2, 74’Citroen DS 23 Pallas iE, 73’ Citroen SM 3.0, 75’ Concept Centaur MK1, 54’ Citroen 11 BL, 71‘ Velosolex, 88‘ Unimog U1650

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cactusman
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#4 Re: How do I change the headlamps on my series 1 E-Type?

Post by cactusman » Sun May 12, 2019 7:52 pm

In theory but mine gets caught :geek: magnetic screwdriver :bigrin:
Julian the E-type man
1962 FHC
1966 MGB....fab little car too

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adebnam
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#5 Re: How do I change the headlamps on my series 1 E-Type?

Post by adebnam » Sun May 12, 2019 9:06 pm

Thanks so much for the very prompt replies but what you’re describing doesn’t sound like the lights on my car. I have the covered lights, for which the glass is secured with a chrome bevel held on by 6 screws...

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adebnam
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#6 Re: How do I change the headlamps on my series 1 E-Type?

Post by adebnam » Sun May 12, 2019 9:28 pm

Sorry, ignore my last reply. I think we are talking about the same thing. Just to double check one more time, however, is it not possible to remove the lights from inside the bonnet thus avoiding touching the chrome at all?

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Series1 Stu
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#7 Re: How do I change the headlamps on my series 1 E-Type?

Post by Series1 Stu » Sun May 12, 2019 10:17 pm

Sorry, no. You have to go in from above but removing the chrome rings.

Regard
Stuart

If you can't make it work, make it complicated!

'62 FHC - Nearing completion
'69 Daimler 420 Sovereign
'78 Land Rover Series 3 109

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adebnam
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#8 Re: How do I change the headlamps on my series 1 E-Type?

Post by adebnam » Mon May 13, 2019 9:22 am

This is very helpful advice, thank you. I do have a follow up question if I may?

Only the dip beam on one side (left) is not working. Both main beams are working. It seems (from looking at the part I have fitted: JLM 9609) that there is only one bulb for both dip and main beam. In this case, it can’t the bulb which is blown, since the main beam still works.

Is my thinking correct and if so, any ideas as to why only one of my dip beams is not working? I’d like to establish that it’s definitely the bulb before I do any unnecessary work talking off the chrome and glass.

Thanks again!

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Herzeg
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#9 Re: How do I change the headlamps on my series 1 E-Type?

Post by Herzeg » Mon May 13, 2019 9:58 am

The bulb has two filaments, one for dipped and one for main beam. As you use dipped more often, it is quite likely that it has "worn out". The two filaments are completely separate, just like a combined stop/tail light bulb.

John
1969 S2 OTS

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adebnam
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#10 Re: How do I change the headlamps on my series 1 E-Type?

Post by adebnam » Mon May 13, 2019 12:36 pm

Makes total sense. Chromes off then... wish me luck!

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Heuer
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#11 Re: How do I change the headlamps on my series 1 E-Type?

Post by Heuer » Mon May 13, 2019 1:19 pm

When it comes to refitting the chromes suggest you use Copperslip on the screw threads as you will be regularly taking the lenses off to clean the bowls. Water and dirt get in and there is little you can do to stop it happening.

Once you have the bulbs in place you really should check the headlamp alignment as per Jaguar instructions before refitting the lenses.
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