broken tail lamp lens? (backup light)

[Austin David]

I noticed my backup light lens was ... missing.  No other evident damage.  It looks like it just snapped off at the two screwposts, both sides were shorn at the screw head -- I had the clear "posts" left under the screws, but no lens, and no evident damage around it.  Bulb and reflector are intact.  I assume it happened while zipping around town on errands in the last ~ day.  I have a photo of the car from a week ago showing the lens intact.

 

I see a few posts like https://www.caterhamlotus7.club/forum/rear-fog-lamp-lens, seems this is not uncommon ... especially on the fuel fill side.  I won't say mine's never gotten any fuel on it, but the break didn't show any chemical damage so idk.  The lens wasn't particularly tight either, in fact I don't think I've put a screwdriver to the two cover screws.

 

[KnifeySpoony]

Adding lightness!

[MV8]

I'd eliminate the preload on the lens od that puts the mounting boss in tension so the tightness of the screw will not matter so much.

Easiest way would be to epoxy a washer to the base to keep it in place so replacement lenses won't have the same problem or sink the screw head seat in the lens. Careful filing of the base bucket edge is another option.

 

You can determine how much is needed (thickness) to unload the lens bosses by sandwiching a bit of clay/plasticine from a crafts store and lightly snug the screws.

 

You could also improve the strength of the lens with a clear epoxy meant for acrylics to fillet the corner between the bosses and the lens face to spread the load.

[Austin David]

I was able to find a local source (Josh @ Rocky Mtn) but I also modeled and printed one today while I was sposed to be paying attention in meetings.

 

The original unit is relatively weak, now that I've had to look at it.  Hopefully the next one will live a bit longer, but this temporary stand-in oughta work well enough 

 

[MV8]

Mid-90s Land Rover Defender is the source and not too hard to find here for $15-30 lens to complete.