anyway to repair 126 headlight bezel

[Junkman]

Headlight was out on the 85SD. The bezel has been flopping around because the legs are broken. The legs are still in the case. Is there any reasonably long term fix to stick the broken legs back on the bezel?


I'm talking about the legs that the large white knobs screw to that hold the bezel in place. I will source a replacement if the repair won't last long term.

[Knownworldwide]

Probably best to just source replacement parts. Those bezels can be found poking around a local pick n pull. I don’t see how you could repair them effectively long term.

[Diesel911]

I wish there was a posted picture because I have never seen one and because of that can contribute no ideas about the issue.

[nastala]

When I got my 123, those legs/studs were simply glued in with the most jbweld I have ever seen, and it is rock solid.

[ah-kay]

Do you mean the headlight door? I have not fixed a w126 but I have fixed a w124. All the tabs on the w124 were broken so headlight door won't stay in place. I looked around to find any overlap area where the bezel ( door ) is mated to the body. Drill a small hole and put a screw in there.

[Diesel911]

I still cant visualize it. However, I have made L shaped sheet metal tabs where the sort leg of the L had the drilled hole and on the long leg I took a scribe and deeply scratch and rough up the surface and did the same on the plastic part and I epoxied it with slow Curing JB Weld. However, it has to be clamped in place for at least 8 hours and has to be done within the temp range that the epoxy will cure in.

The metal needs to be sprayed with Brake Cleaner so there is zero oil on it.

[Junkman]

Originally Posted by Diesel911

I wish there was a posted picture because I have never seen one and because of that can contribute no ideas about the issue.

I'm going to try using the JB Plastic Weld. It is supposed to be strong but still allow some flex. I may fit a nail or something in the center to help hold the broken part in place. The broken part at 11:00 is a little locating stub that will be easy if gluing the legs works.



This set is too nasty for the new paint so I'm in the market for some that look better - but I need something that will work for a time.

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by Junkman

I'm going to try using the JB Plastic Weld. It is supposed to be strong but still allow some flex. I may fit a nail or something in the center to help hold the broken part in place. The broken part at 11:00 is a little locating stub that will be easy if gluing the legs works.



This set is too nasty for the new paint so I'm in the market for some that look better - but I need something that will work for a time.

Good experiment. I have never used the Plastic Bonder before; post back how it works out.

[Rogviler]

TF are they called a door for, anyway?

[Junkman]

My initial impression is that it will work. I smeared some of the JB Plastic Bonder onto the bezel. It didn't want to hold and I didn't have an easy way to support the legs while it set up. Next step was to start over and let it get tacky. That process worked and the legs seem solidly attached. I'll reinstall later today.

I note that the packaging didn't require cutting the tip off or puncturing as is common with many sealers. You simply remove the cap and push the plunger. This leads me to expect that the material won't harden or otherwise go bad in the package.

[t walgamuth]

I have a pair of those I believe for the 85 SD that I sold after putting in euros.

[Hogweed]

the JB Weld plastic bonder sets up WAY faster than the regular JB Weld. i used it to repair the bumper cover on my w211 and it was a pretty decent product. i've used JB Weld to repair a radiator so i'm sure you can glue the studs back in and have it last for a while

[Junkman]

Update, I went to install the newly repaired bezel and the lower right leg snapped off with very little pressure.

The good news is that the repair held and the break was above where I had glued it back together.

[t walgamuth]

hah hah! a silver lining.

[Junkman]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

hah hah! a silver lining.

I've considered gluing and breaking the leg multiple times. It should hold once the leg is made of glue and very short pieces of plastic. JK - but I could.