Removing 328 tail lights

Be very careful, with age, the threaded metal studs can easily break free of the lens if over tightened. So re-installation must be done very carefully. I might even put a drop of oil or anti-seize lubricant on each stud (threads) before re-installing.

 

I used a deep socket and a socket extension where I could. Just takes time but I got them out just fine. Putting them back in took longer than anything because it was tough to get the nut started on some of the post.

 

I used a 7mm deep socket on my 85 308 QV Euro

 

The dirtyness of the lens comes from the outside and not the inside. As a whole the inside of these lights remain quite clean. With that said allow me to offer some advice from experience that will help you along:

1. Do remove all 4 rear lights. You will find that it will make detailing the area around the lights very easy and help you clean the light housings. From memory the nuts holding the lights in place are 7mm and you will require a deep socket to access them.

2. The coloured portion of the lights is bonded to the black base and cannot be removed without a lot of ungluing work. Thankfully there is no need for this. With the right tricks cleaning the lens on the inside is easy. With the light in your hand and the bulb removed, pour some bleach into the light and some plain uncooked rice. Cover the bulb opening with a rubber gloved hand and shake the light. The rice does an excellent job of scrubbing the light where your fingers can reach. I have used this trick on a number of narrow opening containers and the results are always spectacular.

3. With the inside of the light now clean you can concentrate on the outside. Chances are if your lights are dark this cannot be saved to much. Over time with exhaust soot these lights permanently stain. The plastic actually absorbs the soot and all the cleaning in the world will not bring them back. That said, some basic cleaning and polishing does go a long way to making the lights look better than if left alone.

4. With the lights out, be sure to clean and wax the area on the body that they bolt to. This will make future maintanance cleaning all the easier. Look for small chips near the thread holes and touch them up with some paint or nail polish to prevent rust.

Good luck with the project!

 

I've used Meguiar's plastic lens polish to great efffect on the tail lights. It also worked wonders on the rear fog lights - these had really picked up a lot of soot/road grime matting over the years. Maybe it's worth trying before disassembling everything.

 

Not sure how it is called in English but use this in 6x7 mm:
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Just finished doing this Mondial Cabriolet. Careful is the operative word when dealing with these bits. Remove the 3 small screws and slide it out. I leave all the wiring behind and if your not sure what goes where take "Digimages" and mark everythings. Take some warm mild soapy water and capture the swill the comes out! you'll be amazed just how dirty it is. I used Plexus aviation windshield cleaner, polish and anti static spray to reveal the jewel like luster to the lenses. If they are really hazy I use 3M Perfect-it Pad glaze to remove scratches and restore shine. It's the same stuff they buff the car out with.The rubber around the base looks good when re-moisturized by Vinylex by Lexol. Re-install with care and don't forget to wax around it all while it's apart!

Cheers

PS if you tackle the Fog lamps they are a mine field,it's easy to break the bulb holder and they are hard to find!

Robert Phelps
ZFFConsulting
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Thank you all yesterday I had the misfortune of breaking my Amber lens so I know need to replace it and also to find one ...any suggestions?
many thanks,
Art

 

@Iain, check this thread

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283385

 

Excelent advice given already.
Let me just add that my lens, at 22 years, were in fact very dirty inside. I've used the air filter detergent to clean them on the inside. Worked great!

I took the opportunity to also replace all light bulbs with new ones. Much better now!