How To Remove Rear Lamp Lens . . . Please Help!

wjb-49 · Nov 17, 2012

What I thought would be a simple fix has turned out to be something of a challenge. I need to replace the Flasher Switch in the rear light of my Ford 4610.

I bought the switch at my local New Holland dealer and looking at the attached diagram thought it would be easy. The problem is removing the lens. It appears that the lens is held in place by screws in its corners, however, removing the screws does not let me completely take the lens off. The diagram attached below shows that the lamp assembly center plate is held in place by a 1/2" nut. Looking at the photos below of my tractor, it is easy to see there is no 1/2" nut.

View attachment Rear Lamp Square_02.pdf

Can anyone tell me how to remove the lens?

Thanks,

Barry

Grumpy Old Man · Nov 17, 2012

wjb-49 said:
What I thought would be a simple fix has turned out to be something of a challenge. I need to replace the Flasher Switch in the rear light of my Ford 4610.

I bought the switch at my local New Holland dealer and looking at the attached diagram thought it would be easy. The problem is removing the lens. It appears that the lens is held in place by screws in its corners, however, removing the screws does not let me completely take the lens off. The diagram attached below shows that the lamp assembly center plate is held in place by a 1/2" nut. Looking at the photos below of my tractor, it is easy to see there is no 1/2" nut.

View attachment 289245 View attachment 289246 View attachment 289247

Can anyone tell me how to remove the lens?

Thanks,

remove the flat washers that are still on the bottom of the 2 bolt threads that should let the box drop down , try that !

Jerry/MT · Nov 17, 2012

Have you tried gently prying the two lenses apart? I did this job about 12 years ago and I remember it was more difficult that I thought it should have been but i eventually got it done. As the other post says, you can slso try loosening the sheet metal "nuts" on the studs and see if that helps.

Grumpy Old Man · Nov 18, 2012

you can gently use a small screw driver and bend the tabs on the flat washers to make them easier to get off ,when your ready to reinstall you just flatten them back with a hammer .

wjb-49 · Nov 18, 2012

Thanks to all of you for your replies. Removing the sheet metal washers (I did not know what they were named) and replacing them with hex nuts sounds like the easiest solution. I had thought of this early this morning and appreciate the confirmation of my solution.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!:drumstick:

RickB · Nov 18, 2012

You don't need to replace the speed nuts at all. Their sole purpose is to keep the lamp together until it is bolted to a fender. Once the lamp is mounted, they are redundant.

Grumpy Old Man · Nov 18, 2012

RickB said:
You don't need to replace the speed nuts at all. Their sole purpose is to keep the lamp together until it is bolted to a fender. Once the lamp is mounted, they are redundant.

DITTO !