Hi,

I've got a set of plastic clip-on headlight protectors (the proper Skoda ones). However, they don't appear to want to fit - if I align them so that the left & right edges of the protector match the corresponding edges of the headlight, the metal clip is not long enough to reach the main frame of the body to clip on (it's about 3mm too short, and it is partially obscured by a rectangular lug). If I move the protector closer to the centre of the bonnet, the clip will reach, but I cannot shut the bonnet, as the central grille will hit them.

I was wondering if anyone else had similar problems? Someone who lives near me has them, and they fit fine (although they've got Skoda written on them - mine have VW*).

Obviously, I'm not about to start cutting things...

Thanks.

* They're the same part number as the ones listed on Skoda's site, so they should be right...

I never had a problem when I had them on my Fabia. Maybe post up a photo with them in place? My guess at the moment is that you've got the retaining metal part in the wrong place. Also are the bottom lugs also positioned securely underneath the headlight?

Steve

I never had a problem when I had them on my Fabia. Maybe post up a photo with them in place?

Will try to get one - might take a while as I've got to find some time when it's not raining! :(

My guess at the moment is that you've got the retaining metal part in the wrong place. Also are the bottom lugs also positioned securely underneath the headlight?

The plastic lugs at the bottom of the protector are wedged under the headlight, and the plastic "balls" at the top of the protector are in contact with the glass, so it's about as close to the glass as it can get. The shaping of the metal strap seems to not match the "profile" of the headlight unit, and if you run it straight back, there's a (roughly) rectangular lug coming off the black metal strip (radiator support?) that obscures part of its "landing site".

The part number is the one taken off accessories.skoda.co.uk, but the instructions clearly show a VW Golf/Polo headlight..?

How about taking your car to the person who lives near you with the fitted, and then you will be able to see exactly where they retainers should go when comparing them.

I have these fitted to my car, they came with it. IIRC they are exactly the same shape as the headlamp lens and do not overlap the edge of the lens at any point.

If it helps I can try and get a photo of them in place and post it up for you. Let me know if that would help.

A wet photo would still be more help than no photo I feel

I still think the issue is with the location of the metal retainer. You won't need to modify anything, definitely not. I am confused by the inclusion of a VW part number on them. Mine had nothing like that on them. Have you got made in Australia/Austria written on them, along the top edge?? (sorry, can't remember which one it was on mine )

Steve

when i've had mine fitted, if they weren't fitted just right they would do exactly the same as you are describing

iirc i fitted mine then nudged them across so the bonnet would shut

pics as promised

HTH:thumbup:

Here's a pic I just took. A bit late now, but supports the above.

As you can see the clip fits okay.

On the top edge, below the clip, is "Made in Australia" and there are no VW markings anywhere that I can see. Perhaps you have the wrong parts.

Hope this is of some assistance.

On mine, I had to put the metal clip in with the protector sligthy to the side of the end position, then push it across if that makes any sense.

Thanks for the input, everyone. Sorry about the tardy response, but I've been busy with work, and I was also waiting for it to stop raining (it was pretty torrential on Wednesday, and I'm not sure my phone would have survived it - I'm also not weather-sealed, either )...

How about taking your car to the person who lives near you with the fitted, and then you will be able to see exactly where they retainers should go when comparing them.

Yeah, that would be an idea. Not entirely sure where they live, but one of their relations lives in my road, so I've been waiting for them to visit so I can pounce on them (), just they haven't been around yet. :(

IIRC they are exactly the same shape as the headlamp lens and do not overlap the edge of the lens at any point.

Same as mine then - it's just to get the metal fixing bracket to fit, you have to shuffle them over because of the lug.

A wet photo would still be more help than no photo I feel

Here ya go ...

Just the plastic protector held over the front:

The metal arm not quite reaching (lug outlined in red):

Sorry about the image quality - I was using the (crappy) camera on my phone (using my "real" camera would have been over-kill, and it was indoors :()

From Woolfy's pics, it looks like he had the same issue with the lug, so I might just need to apply a little more force than I'd like to get it to loop on...

I still think the issue is with the location of the metal retainer. You won't need to modify anything, definitely not. I am confused by the inclusion of a VW part number on them. Mine had nothing like that on them. Have you got made in Australia/Austria written on them, along the top edge?? (sorry, can't remember which one it was on mine )

Yeah, I didn't think modifying anything should be necessary. Mine have "Made in Australia" written across the top, and a VW logo on them. The chap I know with the Fabia's ones have a Skoda logo on them, not sure where they say they're made.

Perhaps you have the wrong parts.

I'm starting to think that, but I seriously hope it's just me being stupid - the box has the same number on it as on Skoda UK's site...

On mine, I had to put the metal clip in with the protector sligthy to the side of the end position, then push it across if that makes any sense.

Thanks

when i've had mine fitted, if they weren't fitted just right they would do exactly the same as you are describing. iirc i fitted mine then nudged them across so the bonnet would shut.

Thanks

Edited 8 October, 200916 yr by martinch