Simple question- How do I change the headlamp?

[DeMoore]

I know it's probably a stupid question, but I just got a 1978 280z coupe and I'm not entirely sure if I should remove the front headlamp shell to change the headlamp. I already have the new lamps to put in and I can't drive the car until I put the lamps in because I drive at night.

Also, I bought a lamp with replaceable H4 bulbs with blue city lights on the bottom. Do I need to change the harness, or will it still be okay? I heard the wires melt if the bulb is not a regular sealed beamed or a halogen. Thanks to anyone who can help. I need to change my lights today! I've owned a Z before, but it was a 300zx and the light assembly was different.

DeMoore

[MikeW]

The easiest way is from the back side of the lights through the wheel well. Just turn the wheels all the way to one side for easy access. Be careful, however, as the fasteners may have gotten rusty over time.

Be aware that the stock Z wiring can't really handle high wattage bulbs. For that you should add relays to avoid having the higher current going through the stock wires and headlight switch.

[240Z-Fan]

I had a 78 once. As I recall, I had to remove the plastic inner fender liner first, then there were three(?) screws (bolts?) that had to be removed to get the headlight out. I recall rust being an issue so be prepared to struggle a bit.

Al

[240ZMan]

I'm sure that my 73 isn't exactly the same as your 280, but I found it easier to just remove the front wheel. 2 of the philips head screws that attach the headlight bucket are positioned so that it's hard to get the screwdriver on them straight with no angle. It would be very easy to strip the heads. Taking the wheel off allowed me to get in with a better angle for my hands.

[ktm]

Daniel, which reminds me that I replaced those phillip head screws with hex head screws for that exact reason (stripping).

[240ZMan]

Bo, great idea. Next time I have mine out I may do that. Do you by any chance remember the thread size?

[TomoHawk]

Use PB Blaster to infuse the threads on the 3 screws holding the back plate on, and an impact driver ( the kind you hammer) would probably help a lot too; tapping the screws with a screwdriver helps loosen the rust a bit. Don't forget antisieze when you reassemble.

thxZ

[DeMoore]

Thanks to all who responded. I was ready to start removing the corner shell before, now I know better. Thanks again.

[TomoHawk]

That's why we usually say to use the search function. A similar question has probably been discussed before somewhere.

A copy of the Factory Service Manual (FSM) is great too.

[Walter Moore]

Daniel, which reminds me that I replaced those phillip head screws with hex head screws for that exact reason (stripping).

Do you mean that my headlight bucket wasn't supposed to have studs that attached it to the fender?

[240ZMan]

On my 73 the bucket is attached with 4 philips head screws accessed from under the fender. Perhaps it was different for the 71's?