The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Replacing Headlight adjustment springs, 41', 46'

I was trying to replace the head light on my 41', which may have 46' buckets on it. One of the 2 tension springs, for setting beam angle was broken, and I broke the other - pretty rusty. I ordered new ones from Jim Carter, but can't figure out how to get the old remnants off, or how the new might fasten to the base assembly. Anyone know where I can get a diagram, or can give me some insight. I don't want to take off the bucket if I don't have to.

There is a diagram shown in the Master Parts Catalog editions for 1929-1948,(page 140) or 1929-1950,(page 110). I'm not as far along as you in my restoration project, so I can't offer any advice on the spring remnant removal, sorry. May be someone else can?

If the set up is like the AD light bucket. Then you will have to pull them and grind or drill the rivet that holds the spring to the bucket. Use a screw and a nut to replace the rivet. A little LocTite, a little paint and you are done. I drilled from the back side and it all came apart pretty easy. Added bonus, I could move the spring about to get it in a straight "pull" position. I did take some time to smooth out the wear/rub area before paint. I don't know if it matters but rust is not my friend.

I replaced my springs without removing the rivets. I wouldn't remove them, it can be done without.

I used the springs from Jim Carter on my 46. I was displeased with the fact that they sent Corvette parts and re-tagged the bag to say it was for a Chevy truck (you could see the Corvette tag underneath). I had to do a lot of fiddling to make them work, including removing several coils from each spring just to get them to pull enough to be able to adjust the headlight.