Alfa Romeo Forums banner

Carello Headlight Cover Install Help

3 reading
139 views 12 replies 6 participants last post by  DCMike  
#1 ·
After reading a ton of thread and watching YT videos, I decided to try and start the Carello headlight install on my '82 Spider. Lights themselves came out fine, however I have to "access panel" in the wheel well that I keep seeing to access the back of the headlight. The previous over sprayed a bunch of undercoat in the wheel well evidently, but even with that I can't seem to see this acess panel many others have. Any advice?

Inside the wheel well:
Image


Light bucket:
Image


Behind Light Bucket:
Image

Image
 
#2 ·
Most post 1979 did not have the access panel. It was kinda hit and miss.
Try APE or usual vendors.
 
#5 ·
The opening is 8”+/-. The cover will be slightly larger. It should be noted that this was used to change headlamp bulbs and adjust headlamp beam .. if you are using sealed beam headlamps you have to remove bucket. . Vendors are selling headlamp buckets with the removable cap to access bulbs And the thumbscrews to adjust alignment beam. I used my USA headlamps and buckets with some modifications..
 

Attachments

#6 ·
Decided since it doesn't have the internal studs as well, I'm going to keep them external but go with the thinner chrome trim rings from Re-Originials. Looks like it will be the best solution with regarding to ease of install and adjustment and looks.
 
#7 ·
Certainly faster and less complicated. You’ll still have to make the slots for the locating tabs on the fairing covers as well as the hold down brackets.
 
#8 ·
Welp back to square one, Re-Originals says that, despite have them listed on their site, they haven't have them available since 2021. LOL. Only option now is either forego the headlight covers, so try and design and 3D print something myself.
 
#12 ·
#9 ·
Without the studs, I think the only choice you have is the exterior mount. I have a pair of the thin headlight rings but will likely keep hanging onto them until someone makes me an offer I can't refuse.:)

Did you buy the covers? If so, did you confirm that they fit your nacelle? At some point in the 80's Alfa changed the shape slightly and the covers don't fit. Also as @not2old4toys pointed out, even with the thin rings you need to cut 2 tabs into the surround to accept the tabs on the covers. And more obviously drill a hole at the leading edge for the clampdown.

I was fortunate to be able to do the conversion without too much trouble but I took my time to avoid mistakes (eg breaking a stud). Good luck with whatever route you decide to go.
 
#11 ·
you might consider just mounting the headlamps from the rear and forgoing the fairing covers. It gives a completely different look. Cleaner and maybe a bit aggressive look.
Fairing covers yellow with age, can loosen and cause paint damage, and need to be removed each time you wash the car. Good luck with your project.
 
#13 ·
Heard back from re-originals they were able to source some, so looks like I'm in luck. Once I get them I'll see if I can get a good 3D scan of them in order to get a model together that could be 3D printed.

@spiderserie4 it's an '82 with the S2 body style, looks like the covers I have fit up pretty well with the body so that is the only thing that has worked out easily so far. lol.