Guest VTRex Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 I've ordered the headlight repair kit from Reatta Parts West.I have 2 questions:1) In the kit are supposed to be 2 "push in (upstop) nuts". Today I took everything apart and am waiting for the parts to arrive. But I don't remember seeing anything like these. Can someone shed some light on what they are for and where they go?2) How do I get all of that disintegrated bushing/roller crap out of my motor housing? Seems to be pretty well trapped by the grease but what a mess! Yikes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest steveskyhawk Posted July 15, 2013 Share Posted July 15, 2013 I've ordered the headlight repair kit from Reatta Parts West.I have 2 questions:First of all, thank you for buying my kit. I'm sure you will be happy when the repair is complete.1) In the kit are supposed to be 2 "push in (upstop) nuts". Today I took everything apart and am waiting for the parts to arrive. But I don't remember seeing anything like these. Can someone shed some light on what they are for and where they go?There are two "upstop" nylon nuts included in my kit. One is round and one is square. I have done this repair on many Reatta and have noticed a variation. The hole in the headlight bracket is round on some cars and square on others therefore I include one of each. You will use one or the other and can discard the unused push in nut if you wish. The "upstop" is actually a screw with a white plastic head on the outboard corner of the headlight bracket. The nylon nut it screws into is the part I include in the kit. It is always broken. Before you reinstall the painted headlight door and bezel you should adjust up the uptop nut so that it just contacts the tang on the headlight bucket when in the open position. The upstop gives the open assembly supplemental support thus eliminating any jiggle when you go over bumps.2) How do I get all of that disintegrated bushing/roller crap out of my motor housing? Seems to be pretty well trapped by the grease but what a mess! Yikes!Disassembling the housing is the hardest part. Often times the three small hex screws dont turn easily and can easily be broken off. Before attempting to remove these screws, to be safe I suggest a good soaking with WD40 or similar. It sounds as though you have already done this step however. Cleaning out the nylon gear can be done quite easily with a small pick and an air gun. When the parts arrive there will be complete instructions included. Contact information is provided should you require phone support during the repair. Feel free to call me. I want to see your cars lights working perfectly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handmedownreatta Posted July 15, 2013 Share Posted July 15, 2013 imo pb blaster is much better than wd40 at removing rusty bolts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VTRex Posted July 15, 2013 Share Posted July 15, 2013 Actually, everything is all apart and ready to go when parts arrive (expected today). Getting the gear out of the passenger side housing was the hardest part. I just worry that some of those little plastic pieces will make it into the worm gears somehow and mess things up. I was thinking WD40 to wash it out and then re-grease it. WD40 is afterall, a cleaner 1st (and a lubricant 2nd). :-)I'll have to go back when I get home and look for the upstops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest steveskyhawk Posted July 15, 2013 Share Posted July 15, 2013 (edited) LOL.One of the most often asked questions when I get a customer support call is "How do I get the gear out of the passenger side?" It can be stubborn. VTRex is doing great so far. Edited July 15, 2013 by steveskyhawk (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VTRex Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 (edited) Ok. Chore done. I have to say, overall not too challenging. Couple words of advice for anyone finding this post someday: Your life will be easier if you have a deep well as well as a standard 10mm socket. As near as I can tell, the plastic gear inside the motor doesn't rotate 360 degrees. When reassembling, line up a part of it that wasn't being used with the worm gear. The teeth will be in better shape and gear should last longer. Kind of like rotating your tires.I did both sides at the same time. As I took stuff apart a lined up the screws for each side and in the order I took things apart. There are a lot of screws. Come up with a way to keep them organized and putting the whole thing back together will be much faster.Patience with the passenger side motor. Both taking it apart and putting it together. If you do something to the gear getting it out, remeber what I said about putting it back in.If you buy your kit from Steve (recommend), don't hesitate to call him. Very knowledgable and very willing to help.Plan on 3 - 4 hours. That means you're gonna need a cooler for the beer. Edited July 17, 2013 by VTRex (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 the headlight repair is pretty simple,but does take about an hour if it is you first one.Indexing the big white gear is a good idea but it seldom goes bad. We are in South Bend and Buick owners are starting to arrive. It is a little more humid than we would like but there are 500 plus registrations, so there will be a lot of Buicks here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VTRex Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Well... I must be slow. So for all you slow guys: plan on 3 - 4 hours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machiner 55 Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Mr. Rex,It takes time to do the job correctly. John F. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mc_Reatta Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Mr. Rex,It takes time to do the job correctly. John F.And stay hydrated in the heat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machiner 55 Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 And stay hydrated in the heat. Yes, yes... VERY importante'!John F. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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