The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Headlight trim ring mounting

I installed new headlight buckets on my '50 3600 and now I have the trim rings to install, but I cannot determine how the rings are mounted? There is a single screw hole at the bottom of the ring and I had assumed that there was a tab type connection at the top but none seems to exist.

I suspect the problem is just my not having ordered all the required parts but before I order something I would appreciate knowing what works.

I don't recall whether the tab is on the trim rings or on the bucket, but there is one on top that retains the top of the trim ring, with the screw on the bottom. You should have everything you need. I have a couple of original headlight rings out in my trailer that I could take a picture of if you need that.

Neither the bucket or the trim ring have a tab on the top, just a screw hole in the ring that lines up with a threaded hole at the bottom.

I did some more checking on the vendor websites and they list a sealing gasket that apparently is to seal the bucket with several wire formed pieces (sold seperately) that retain the seal, one of which may include a tab/feature for the top of the ring.

I looked at my original buckets and trim rings (poor condition) but they also do not seem to have a tab although I could swear I saw a tab on something previously. None of these were together when I got the truck but if it was like other parts they probably justed added sheet metal screws to hold the ring in place.

That seal gasket has nothing to do with retaining the trim ring, but does fit snugly around the bulb retainer.
Give me a bit and I'll go dig out one of my trim rings and spare headlight bucket and investigate some more.

Took a quick pic of my truck’s light. First two show the square ring that slides into the square hole at the top of the headlight bucket (3rd pic). You then press the headlight ring bottom end to the headlight bucket aligning the bottom hole of the ring up to the hole in the headlight bucket. Insert screw to tighten. Sorry if the 3rd pic is a little dark up at the square hole.

Looks like Craig beat me to the punch. I dug out a couple trim rings and one had a tab on top and the other didn't. I couldn't dig out a headlight bucket easily - i did find the bulb portion but that didn't help, so I took a trim ring off my truck. Like Craig's pictures, my trim ring uses the spring clip to go into the slot at the top of the bucket.

The spring clips for the seal (available from the usual suspects) will provide that tab to secure the top of the trim ring. Looks like Craig needs to invest in some new seals.

I was mistaken about the seals having nothing to do with holding the trim ring on. Sorry, it'll never happen again.

Here's my pics.

Thanks for the pictures and insight regarding the seals and wire forms. I added them to my wish list for next time I place an order (too bad I didn't do this previously as they would probably have not added to the shipping cost of my most recent order).

Kevin, Thanks for reminding me about replacing my seals. Totally agree, especially with winter coming soon. Seals ordered.

Beware that some, if not many, of the aftermarket seal retainers, including the one that retains the headlight bezel to the bucket don't like to stay in place. I gave up on the seal altogether and just used clear Shoe Goop to glue the aftermarket wire clip in the correct position to hold the bezel in place.

I had no issues with the seals and retainers I got from Jim Carter. 'They were just like the rusty originals (but without the rust )

The buckets and trim rings came from Jim Carter so I will probably get the seals and retainers from them also but I do recognize that the manufacturing source for these parts may be the same off shore location regardless of the vendor they are purchased from.

LG 161, out of stock at Jim Carter