Assessment is key: Before buying anything, carefully inspect the damage. Look for:
* Cracks: Small cracks might be repairable, larger ones may require replacement.
* Broken Clips: The covers are held in place by plastic clips. These are the most common point of failure when forcing them open.
* Scratches and abrasions: These are cosmetic and can be addressed with polishing or repainting.
* Broken or damaged actuators (if applicable): Some headlight assemblies use electric motors to open and close, these may be broken.
Possible Repair Materials:
* Replacement Headlight Covers: This is the most straightforward solution if the damage is significant. You'll need to find a pair that matches your car's year and model. Check online auto parts stores, junkyards, or salvage yards.
* Plastic Repair Kit: For small cracks, a plastic welding kit can be used. These kits often include a solvent to melt and fuse the plastic together.
* Super Glue (with caution): For very small cracks, super glue can be a temporary fix, but it's not ideal and may not be durable.
* Headlight Cover Retaining Clips: If the clips are broken, you'll need replacements. These are sometimes available individually from auto parts stores or online. You might need to specify the make, model, and year of your Lebaron to get the correct ones.
* Plastic Polish and Compound: To improve the appearance of scratches and abrasions.
* Headlight Cover Paint (optional): If the covers are scratched deeply or faded, you may need touch-up paint to match the original color.
* Small flat-head screwdriver or trim removal tool: For carefully prying out any remaining broken clips or reinstalling new ones.
Repair Process (general outline):
1. Assess the damage: Determine the extent of the damage to the headlight covers and clips.
2. Order replacement parts: If needed, order new headlight covers or clips.
3. Repair small cracks (if possible): Clean the crack, apply a plastic welding solution or super glue carefully.
4. Replace broken clips: Gently remove any remaining broken clips and install the new ones.
5. Reattach the headlight covers: Carefully snap the covers back into place, ensuring they're securely attached.
6. Polish or paint (if necessary): Use plastic polish and compound to remove minor scratches or apply touch-up paint if needed.
Important Note: If you're not comfortable performing these repairs yourself, it's best to take your car to a qualified mechanic or auto body shop. Improperly repaired headlight covers can affect the performance and safety of your vehicle's lighting system.
