is body work neccessary to replace the headlight in this olds 88

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Old Oct 13, 2022 | 11:23 AM
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is body work neccessary to replace the headlight in this olds 88

Theres a car im interested in that has mustve hit something and the light doesnt work. wanted to know if i could have light functionality without needing to do body work





Last edited by bigmantinycar; Oct 14, 2022 at 08:19 AM.
Old Oct 13, 2022 | 01:02 PM
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Duct tape a couple flashlights into the opening? (Temporary fix)
Old Oct 13, 2022 | 01:05 PM
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Headlights w/ optional cornering lights...



Old Oct 13, 2022 | 01:41 PM
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My guess is that the edge of the fascia will have to be straightened before it will accept a new headlight. Probably wouldn't cost all that much to get a body shop to do a proper repair.
Old Oct 13, 2022 | 02:59 PM
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Originally Posted by BangScreech4-4-2
My guess is that the edge of the fascia will have to be straightened before it will accept a new headlight. Probably wouldn't cost all that much to get a body shop to do a proper repair.
Bet it would cost more than he is paying for the car to repair that.

Yes, you can make it function, but you'll need to get that structure somewhat straightened out. Alot of persuasion with a hammer and blocks of wood. Of course you'll need a replacement headlight.
Old Oct 13, 2022 | 04:30 PM
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Originally Posted by oldcutlass
Bet it would cost more than he is paying for the car to repair that.

Yes, you can make it function, but you'll need to get that structure somewhat straightened out. Alot of persuasion with a hammer and blocks of wood. Of course you'll need a replacement headlight.
ok so the asembly should still be good, its just the structur needs to be straitened/fixed

thanks for the input everyone, ill post more pictures tomorrow
Old Oct 14, 2022 | 07:37 AM
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Originally Posted by oldcutlass
Bet it would cost more than he is paying for the car to repair that.

Yes, you can make it function, but you'll need to get that structure somewhat straightened out. Alot of persuasion with a hammer and blocks of wood. Of course you'll need a replacement headlight.
i was told since its fiberglass it wont happen but doesnt stop me from trying lol apparently thse models are rare at junkyards so it might be a while until i can find a fender. i updated the original post with better pictures, hopefully that gives me a better idea what is expected

Last edited by bigmantinycar; Oct 14, 2022 at 08:19 AM.
Old Oct 14, 2022 | 11:34 AM
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Originally Posted by bigmantinycar
ok so the asembly should still be good, its just the structur needs to be straitened/fixed
No, I disagree. You will need a new headlight bucket. The bulb may still illuminate but since the bucket is destroyed you won't have lights on that side.

Here's a good search engine to find parts near you. These cars are still in salvage yards from time to time.

http://www.car-part.com/
Old Oct 14, 2022 | 01:01 PM
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You're not going to be able to "straighten" that fiberglass header piece. You'll need to replace it. The fender will need to at least be roughed into shape to accommodate a replacement header. THEN you can install a new headlight. Even if you could somehow get a replacement headlight into the current header, it would point at the RH shoulder, not down the road.
Old Oct 14, 2022 | 02:41 PM
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Perhaps go to junkyards and see if a header and fender and headlight are on a car there. Color does not need to match. Then buy the car, then go get the parts.
Old Oct 15, 2022 | 02:45 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by Koda
Perhaps go to junkyards and see if a header and fender and headlight are on a car there. Color does not need to match. Then buy the car, then go get the parts.
oh i already bought the car. is there any resourse on here to replace header/fender for this particular model? youtube had nothing

Last edited by bigmantinycar; Oct 15, 2022 at 05:59 PM.
Old Oct 15, 2022 | 07:13 PM
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Watch this from 24.01. Should tell you everything you want to know.

Old Oct 17, 2022 | 05:48 AM
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Originally Posted by gs72
Watch this from 24.01
Too funny, I haven't seen Red Green in years!

If women don't find you handsome they should at least find you handy.
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