A question re replacing the lenses on a '90 sovereign… I’ve read all
the Archive comments re breaking the lens free from the whole assembly,
yet I didn’t see any detailed directions. Could any one provide? I’ve
got a Dremel which some say makes cutting off the lens easier. Any hints
or additional help would be useful. Thanks to Brett for providing the
parts houses periodically (Welsh Ent. - Lenses for $34)
John
Hi John,
Go to www.coventrywest.com and go to the “tip of the month”. It has
detailed photos and instructions on this delicate surgical procedure on our
cats. It really is quite easy after the first one.
The Oklahoma City Jaguar club is planning a tech session later in August to
replace the lenses on a fellow members kitty.
Roger----- Original Message -----
From: bluepuma@sprintmail.com
To: modern-digest@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2001 4:18 PM
Subject: [modern] Tail Light Lens Replacement
A question re replacing the lenses on a '90 sovereign… I’ve read all
the Archive comments re breaking the lens free from the whole assembly,
yet I didn’t see any detailed directions. Could any one provide? I’ve
got a Dremel which some say makes cutting off the lens easier. Any hints
or additional help would be useful. Thanks to Brett for providing the
parts houses periodically (Welsh Ent. - Lenses for $34)John
John,
It’s not easy to “gently pries” these lenses out - the comments on “busting”
them out and then clearing the old channels is probably more accurate. Be
careful when dealing with the outermost “flat” portion of the lens, as there are
(4) rectangular shaped lenses inside the lenses, held in place w/ a sticky
gasket type material. They fit together like a puzzle on a track inside of the
lens. Notches assist in achieving correct alignment. (3) Red pieces, (1) white -
They are the pieces that determine what color is visible from the rear when you
apply the brake, reverse, turn signal, and marker lights.
FYI - I used the Dremel tool start the process across the top (nearest to the
boot lid, and as far away from the outer “face” as possible). I “ripped” a slot
using the small end mill attachment (1/16", or 1.5mm if you’re a metric fan),
which, btw, you will more than likely need to dispose of after the job as it
gets gummed up from melting the plastic as it cuts through (like butter at high
speed !). At any rate - It gave a nice, even, smooth surface between “halves”. I
commenced “busting” on the sides and bottom w/ a chisel, and, gulp, a small pry
bar, which made the job quicker, but produces many sharp edges. I’d say I did
more prying here than chiseling though. Careful here - Eye protection is in
order !! When my pieces “gave”, some small pieces gave to the tune of 10 feet
across the garage from where I was standing. I also used a pair of needle nosed
pliers to “pick” some of the small pieces out of the channel that didn’t seem to
want to budge. Used a clear silicon exterior glue to seal and fasten the new
lenses into the channels. Oh - I didn’t read the directions on line, but I
removed the entire assembly from the vehicle - Careful not to damage the old
gasket when removing. After applying the silicon, I held the pieces together
with (2) heavy duty rubber bands overnight. Reinstall & enjoy !
When I bought mine, Mr. Birthday Boy Wells sort of told me “You’ll get nervous
when you see the lenses break into little pieces, but you’ll also see what I’m
talking about when you give it a go” - He was correct. This is a very fulfilling
job - Lots of nervous fun doing the “busting”, then the satisfaction of
rebuilding. I don’t know if I used all the right tools for the job, but I only
had to do it once, and they look great ! Good Luck !
John
'88 XJ40----- Original Message -----
From: bluepuma@sprintmail.com
To: modern-digest@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2001 4:18 PM
Subject: [modern] Tail Light Lens Replacement
A question re replacing the lenses on a '90 sovereign… I’ve read all
the Archive comments re breaking the lens free from the whole assembly,
yet I didn’t see any detailed directions. Could any one provide? I’ve
got a Dremel which some say makes cutting off the lens easier. Any hints
or additional help would be useful. Thanks to Brett for providing the
parts houses periodically (Welsh Ent. - Lenses for $34)John
Hey there, group !
Steve C. and I have been carrying on a little Lance Ito style side bar
conversation - We agreed later that there may be some value in the clips for
folks who may dig around some day…
About the “inside” lenses <>
John S,
You wrote:
<< (3) Red pieces, (1) white -
They are the pieces that determine what color is visible from the rear when
you
apply the brake, reverse, turn signal, and marker lights.>>
I noticed on my 90 that the lenses inside are red and blue. The blue being
the
backup light lens. The outer lens is kind of a purple color. May be faded
from
red originally. Strange! I guess blue and red make white? I haven’t gone
back
to look - it passed inspection.
Seen this before?
Steve <>
<>-----Original Message-----
From: @John_Scalonge-JF_PGI [mailto:@John_Scalonge-JF_PGI]
Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2001 9:58 AM
To: steve@sterlinges.com
Subject: RE: [modern] Tail Light Lens Replacement
Steve,
Hmmm - Nope, Can’t say that I have… It sounds like one of those subtle
PF/AF
thing (Pre Ford/After Ford). My '88 had white, but that may have changed to
blue
after the 1990 model upgrades ???..
My new outer lenses were only 1/2 shade darker than the originals - almost a
dark pink. I primarily ordered them because of the cracks in the lenses, but
I
was hoping for a darker red outer lens. Much to my chagrin, I found that the
new
ones are pink also, producing the red color when the inner lenses are
installed.
I guess it’s a jag thing - You get used to looking at darker rear lenses on
everything else, and kind of expect things to be a darker shade.
Of course, someone, someday, may produce some of those new fangled clear
lenses
with colored bulbs that you see these days on some of the new “import”
cars… I may vomit if they do… <>
<>
Steve wrote in his note, which I did not realize -
There are actually two colors of outer lenses. One of my
neighbors has a 90 VP with the smoke color lenses. If I
change mine, I will probably use the smoke color and add
the VP chrome trim.
<< End of Clipping >>
Steve -
Had I realized there was a “smoke” color, I may have gone that route - They
would probably look very good w/ the Dorchester Gray paint, although the evil,
opposite purist in me makes me double thing that strategy. I also didn’t realize
that the chrome trim was a VDP thing. I’ve looked at some Series III cars, and
that seemed to be standard, although I don’t remember if I was looking at VDPs
or not… All I know is that it looked a whole lot better than the plain,
“less than red” things on the back of my XJ40. I was planning on adding those
trim pieces when my Project Manager, Missuz S., releases funding for such a
thing. That may take a while, as she’s busy turning our contemporary quad level
home into a victorian. I think she’s creating her own style - “Victemporary”.
Betcha if the house had lenses, I’d probably get to put burled walnut dental
molding around them : - ) Thanks for the info !!
John
'88 XJ40