Facelift Headlight upgrade without removing bumper

[dervcav]

How 2

Vectra facelift headlight upgrade without taking the bumper off… yes it is possible to do the job properly without removing the bumper.

My facelift headlights arrived today so I got on with fitting them straight away.

As shown on other how 2’s & various threads you will need the facelift wiring connectors to replace the pre facelift connectors, I haven’t bothered to photo them but will do if anyone feels it necessary.

Anyhow, on with the task…

I jacked up both sides & removed both front wheels at the same time but you could do one side at a time without problem.

Remove front wheels

Remove wheelarch liners ( only at the front, 2x Torx ( star bit) screws, 2x plastic rivets… just push the centre pin out, would be a good idea to have new ones available first!, & the front M10 plastic nut, the liner will then peel back sufficiently to reveal the bumper mount.
Theres a Torx ( star bit) screw holding the back end of the bumper that you need to undo then the bumper will push forward

Pics of both sides

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb318/steptoeandson/Vectra%20Facelift%20Headlights/e65eb906.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb318/steptoeandson/Vectra%20Facelift%20Headlights/4ebcf0be.jpg




This is the captive nut in the bumper

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb318/steptoeandson/Vectra%20Facelift%20Headlights/00eb440f.jpg


Now you have plenty of room to reach the bolt securing the lower mount for the headlight

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb318/steptoeandson/Vectra%20Facelift%20Headlights/2e351b54.jpg



http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb318/steptoeandson/Vectra%20Facelift%20Headlights/e65eb906.jpg


The bumper does bend sufficiently for you to get the old headlights / indicators out & once you have removed the indicator mounting tangs on the wings ( I used tinsnips then painted the edge to prevent rusting) theres plenty of room to fit the facelift headlights.
Don’t forget to cut the old headlight connectors off & solder on the facelift versions in their place.

Result…

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb318/steptoeandson/Vectra%20Facelift%20Headlights/ebc05de2.jpg

[dervcav]

As the eagle eyed amongst you will notice... I dropped the o/s wheelarch liner completely but it really isnt necessary, you only need to release the front of the liner

[dervcav]

Theres only another 4 plastic rivets underneath the bumper so its a lot easier to remove it fully than struggle round it.... but I didnt know that till I changed the radiator a couple of days ago