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Subject Topic: replacing rear lights
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08/6/2015 at 10:04am
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hi my husband drove into the back of the caravan and broke the left cluster of lights and bent the awning rail.
im hoping there isnt any other obvious damage to it. the corner seals seem ok.
so i need to replace the lights, i've got some cheap chinese rubbush off eaby, they'll have to do the job for now as they're the only ones to fit my 20 year old abi marauder.

the screws are slightly in the wrong place. how can i fix them to the van without causing more damage and water ingress? thanks


08/6/2015 at 10:09am
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You could use silicone sealant and use masking tape to hold them in place whilst it sets.


08/6/2015 at 10:14am
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Or use one of the screws that does line up and those double sided tape sticky things they use for number plates as long as you clean everything well first.


08/6/2015 at 10:21am
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i dont trust silicone sealant. we used it on the number plate which fell off



08/6/2015 at 10:24am
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the lights sit on a plastic triangular plate which as the reflective triangle on, so id have to srill new holes both side so that it sits central.
could i drill new holes? but i suppose there will be nothing but polystyrene behind the aluminium?


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08/6/2015 at 10:54am
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Putting holes in thin sheet for self tappers is much better done with a nail as a punch instead of a drill.

Drill pilot holes in the plastic and then punch a SMALL hole with just the point of a SMALL nail into the alloy.

This gives a much better bite area for the self tappers.

Use double sided sticky pads as well.........and a bit of sealer around each self tapper.


08/6/2015 at 11:15am
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ok thats i'll try using self tappers and make a small hole with a nail.



08/6/2015 at 12:38pm
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i would use a small drill but i aint gonna debate the best method.. he he

i would hate mine to get busted i doubt i could find replacement ones the correct style and size very easily for my twenty year old van..

trog


08/6/2015 at 1:26pm
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Same here with my Knaus Starclass.
A cunning plan will be needed if I ever smash one.


08/6/2015 at 1:53pm
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Hi, if your replacement lights are cheap rubbish could you not carefully drill lamp base to make holes in the right place


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08/6/2015 at 3:14pm
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Rear of caravan is wood under ally skin so if fitting different lights drill small holes & fix with self tappers. run a bead of non setting mastic sealant around back of lights before fitting to keep water out. Thats what I did & I have old ABI.



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