I need some advice on changing license plate light lens assemblies. I bought the 2 lens and frame assemblies from Welsh. My existing frame was deteriorated. The frame has 2 pins and the lens has 2 matching holes which appear to require the lens to fit outside the frame with the frame screwed to the lamp housing. The problem and question is twofold: 1). Since the existing frame is secured to the housing with 2 screws and 2 fixed rivets, how is the existing frame remnants removed from the rivets and how is the new frame secured to the rivets? Two screws secure the other side of the frame to the housing. I think I need to somehow cut the existing frame from the rivets and cut large enough slots on the new frame to slide onto the rivets. 2). Since the holes on on the lens are larger diameter than the pins on the frame, how is the lens secured to the frame?, which indicates the frame may fit outside, over the lens so that holes in the frame. I think the lens might need to be secured to the pins with adhesive or someetaining rings. Is there a Jaguar instruction or procedure for theses lens replacements? I have pictures but not sure how to attach more than one.

 

Eric,

I use Welsh all the time. They're terrific. Amy is the best.

Your replacement lenses came with a flexible seam that bends. and fits back behind the metal studs the holes slide over. You have two choices.
1) slice off the part that bends OR

2) remove the trunk trim piece so things will fit up in there properly.

It's not difficult and will take about 45 minutes to an hour.

Open the trunk and you'll see a series of nuts. Begin removing them in no particular order. It becomes pretty self explanatory as you proceed. Nothing difficult. You will likely find lots of dirt behind the trim piece so you'll get he added advantage of getting rid of lots of old dirt that could eventually lead to rust issues. Hope this helps. Brad

 

Thanks, Brad. Follow up question: I removed rhe assembly and see those studs or tuner like posts on the assembly. The old remaining frame is secured to those studs. The holes do not appear larger tha the studs, which leads me to wonder how to remove those old pieces and how to attach the new frames over the studs. Do those holes press fit over the studs? I am considering cutting the old pieces out and cutting a slot at the holes of the new frames.

 

You don't have to cut anything. Just remove all the nuts and a little light tapping with a hammer should free the piece from the trunk lid. Just imagine it as a part that had to be assembled by someone at the factor. They would have done it (mostly) the easiest way possible.

 

I originally removed all those nuts you mention on the long assembly which includes the backup lights the license plate lights and JAGUAR emblem. With this removed I have access to the license plate lights with the associated lens and lens frame. The problem is the removal of the old frame and installation of the new frame. The new plastic frame has 4 holes - 2 large elongated holes echoes line up with holes and screws on the license plate light housing and 2 much smaller holes which line up with 2 permanent posts on the light housing. It is these posts which present a problem for removing the remnants of the old frame and for attaching the new frame. The old frame does not pop off these posts and it looks like I will Ave to cut it out. The small holes on the new frame will not fit over the larger diameter posts, so I think I will have to cut large enough slots to make this slide onto to posts. If there is a way to attach a picture to this post, that will show this situation.

 

The ROM says that removal of the long assembly you refer to is not required, but so far I have not been able to remove the "Jaguar" emblem nor the long assembly. The long assembly on my 1986 XJ-SC appears to be attached with adhesive in addition to the nuts. Was your long assembly held on with adhesive? How hard was it to get off?

 

Its been awhile since I did this so I don't remember all the exact details but I do know it was not difficult. Just get the nuts off and either wiggle the piece a bit or use something to apply a little leverage to separate it from the trunk lid. It will come off.

 

I finally did get it out. The 6 bolts acted like they were captive in that they would rattle around after being fully unscrewed but I had to wiggle the Jaguar emblem/light assembly and pull out each screw - which sometimes took more than a little force. Got the 4 rivets out and the pop rivet tool is ready to go to work. I discovered that I have some hidden rust to fix before I put the emblem/light assembly back in place. Nothing bad, just want to fix it while it is apart. The large holes are where the wire harness come thru.