Help! need pic of H4 spring pattern

Hirevtuner · 05-31-2009, 09:53 AM

Hey guys anyone have a pic of the H4 headlight assembly springs. Took mine apart last year for painting and can not remember how they go back together.

spuggy · 05-31-2009, 01:45 PM

Don't have a photo handy, but here's how I remembered doing it:

Put the short end of the spring clip in the outside edge of the headlight shell, the elbow bearing on the rim of the reflector. Lever the long edge of the clip to the outside of the headlight shell.

That's one clip; say that was at the noon position on a clock face; do the next clip directly opposite 6 o'clock, then go to 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock.

At this point you probably want to check that you're (still) happy with the placement of the reflector, lens and the gasket before putting all the clips in; you can take out a couple of clips and move it around slightly at this stage.

Keep adding clips until you run out; placement really isn't critical, you can space them around as desired - but be careful to leave room for the adjuster screws on the sides and the mounting screw on the bottom...

Hirevtuner · 05-31-2009, 02:03 PM

Thanks, I think I got it. I will know once I start driving to see if they stay together.

jcc911 · 05-31-2009, 02:25 PM

I actually should have a pic if you still need it, as I just replaced one of my lenses. It is really much easier than it looks, actually I never even looked at the pic I took before disassbly because it went back together well.
LMK, J.

deshetlr · deshetlr's Garage

I took this picture before I took the new H4 apart. I hope it helps.

Bob Goding · 05-31-2009, 03:14 PM

Many thanks ,folks --I needed this info,as My rings are being painted as we speak and I was dreading the reassembly.

spuggy · 05-31-2009, 07:18 PM

Ah good, you guys got a photo - just came inside with an H4 in my hands (had to take it out anyway to track down a running light gremlin...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Goding

Many thanks ,folks --I needed this info,as My rings are being painted as we speak and I was dreading the reassembly.

Uhhh, having thought about it, I think both you and likely the OP misunderstand what H4 trim rings are. Seems to be a common thing.

The short version is: "it's not necessary to remove H4's from the car to paint the trim ring".

Because the bit that the reflector locates on and that the spring clips hold it into is NOT the trim ring.

The trim ring clips over the H4 assembly once it is mounted in the fender bucket, and covers the screw heads for the beam adjusters.

It's why there is that funky two-piece screw - the inner screw part holds the H4 into the bucket in the fender, and the outer screw holds the trim ring over the H4 itself.

Canada Kev · 05-31-2009, 09:12 PM

On a slightly different note, is the reflector that goes in front of the bulb replaceable? I just put new bulbs in this weekend and noticed that its a bit corroded on the inside and likely reflects less light back into the reflector. If so, does anyone know part number?

spuggy · 06-01-2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syzygy

On a slightly different note, is the reflector that goes in front of the bulb replaceable? I just put new bulbs in this weekend and noticed that its a bit corroded on the inside and likely reflects less light back into the reflector. If so, does anyone know part number?

I had the same problem - as far as I know, reflectors are not available separately.

Try this thread for re-finishing suggestions Headlight reflector refurbishing--how to?

Canada Kev · 06-01-2009, 03:55 PM

Its not the main reflector that I was referring to. I was talking about the metal cup that sits in front of the bulb and then reflects the light back into the main reflector. It is about 1.75 inches in diameter and is supported by two metal tabs that extend out from the main reflector near the bulb. It does not appear to be mirror finished like the main reflector.

I just noticed that it seemed a bit corroded. I'm tempted to disassemble the whole thing and break out the dremel and shine up the inside. Does any one see this as an issue?

spuggy · 06-01-2009, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syzygy

It does not appear to be mirror finished like the main reflector.

Because it isn't there to reflect light back into the reflector, it's to prevent dazzling from unfocused light coming directly off the front of the bulb?

If it were designed to reflect light, it'd need to be a lot shinier than it is, even when brand new.

Knock yerself out, clean it up