(Home) Side lights, access, design

my 1989 masterace grand saloon has a blown side light bulb i have taken out the 2 screws pushed and pulled (and swore at it )but can not find out which direction it is supposed to go in (dont want to force it to muchin case it breaks) can any one help

thanks tony
(by the way sorted out the brake pads cost me £25 from andrew page in manchester )

- (#6169) Tony Dutka, 18 Nov 02

If the lights are the same as 91 townace (with orange indicator in a strip below all lights) I believe the side light pushes forward, as it is located on lugs with bulbous ends it goes with a bit of a jump.
The bulb in one side of mine was a bit strange 35 watt with a white spot on the end, I could only get a plain 25 watt in halfords, but that was the same as the other side anyway.
Some lights are different though (indicators in bumper) so maybe double check with others incase.
mark

- (#6170) mark j, 18 Nov 02

Mine is a Masterace Surf and they do pull forward. You'll find the lampholder is a push and twist type and the original lamps are a little strange. I think that blob of paint is to reflect the light back into the fitting to prevent glare of some kind but I put standard 25w lamps in their place.

- (#6171) Mark, 19 Nov 02

The lights are designed for use in Japan, where there can be little or no street lighting, and in the country sometines an open drainage ditch. When you indicate with headlights on these sidelight come on and show the way around the corner. They are also of use when parking at night, the strict laws of parking in your expensive parking place mean heavy fines if you go over the markings, so a little light on the kurb helps. Also the reason for the various mirrors.
Info from an ex American GI who served in Japan.
- (#6172) clive, 19 Nov 02