That is what I have wondered.  My father uses this silicon all the time and
says that it will take the heat.  Time will tell.  It is just an experiment.
I know it would be best to weld this thing to the metal frame, but there
just isn't enough metal here in my opinion (everything is super thin metal
with reflective surface on the other side so any type of discoloration by
the welding would be bad).

Ha, Ha, Ha (this is for George so he can't accuse me of not having a sense
of humor:).

As for the adhesive argument, I am sure it is valid.  However if you take a
look at many headlight assemblies you will note that the glass front lens on
most of the ones I have seen are attached to the metal reflector by only a
thin bead of silicon (or some sealant).  So if a thin bead of sealant is
enough to hold the heavy glass in place for the life of the part, I think
perhaps my silicon idea has some merit.  I'll let you know my findings in
the year 2050 when they are concluded and I have just won the Nobel Peace
prize:-)

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
Phone: (856)-327-4936
Fax: (856)-327-2242

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Dana Morphew
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 11:24 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: FW: Rectangle headlight conversion to common 200mm
headlights

Did I misunderstand what Ken was saying?  I thought he was talking about
using the
silicon to attach the Cibie headlamp to the shiny concave side of the
original
reflector after removing the broken glass from it.  I assumed he would apply
enough
silicon to the old reflector "cone" so when the Cibie was pressed into it it
would
be held in place with a large area of contact with the silicon.  He used the
original Vanagon bucket.  I wonder if the heat from the lamp would jepardize
the
bond though?

Dana

> In a message dated 10/31/02 2:52:07 PM, kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET writes:
>
> << Then I took the
> Cibie lamp and siliconed it in place with this industrial silicon that we
> had. >>
>
> Oh yes, let's all run out and glue our headlamps in place.  People, this
> design problem was worked out about 70 years ago.  The solution is called
a
> headlamp bucket.  If you can't fabricate one yourself, search the wrecking
> yards for one that can be modified to serve your needs.

> My point?  Screw, don't glue.
>
> George
>
> .
>
>