The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk AD headlight trim ring installation?

Ok, I feel really stupid for asking this, but how do I install the headlight trim rings on my '49? They came with 4 clips, 3 different styles. I see I need a screw as well, anyone know what size? If someone can explain how this all works, that'd be great! Thanks!!

First off position the ring where the screw hole will be at the bottom. Then you'll notice one of the clips has a "rectangular" tab sticking up on it. This one goes at the top and the "tab" will fit down in a slot at the top of the headlight bucket. One is long as you can see in the pic below. The other two go on the side.... If your using the new repop spring clips they sure don't work as good as originals!!

Not sure about the screw. Got to your hardware store and buy you a #6,#8 sheet metal screw about 3/4" long and pick the right one. They're only about 6 or 8 cent a piece.

EDIT: here is picture of the retaining clips
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r19/LutherParris/52Panel/img009.jpg

I never would have figured it out. This is the first time this truck has been totally assembled since I've had it, bought it as a total basket case. That pic really is worth a thousand words. I'll pick up a few different screws at the hardware store too. Thanks much for the help!

Here are a few pictures that I took during my headlight restoration they may help you out
with your installation:
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/1950_headlight_&page=all

The reproduction rubber seal is not made to the proper shape and the thin wire supplied
with it for the center does not support it properly when you install the clips:
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/138419308
I bent new center wire rings for the seals around a form using a 3/32” alloy welding wire
that had a lot of spring to it. This helped to support the wire seal when the spring retainers
were installed.


Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Wow, congratulations on putting together a basket case as your first AD truck. That is amazing. I don't know if I could do that even after doing my first truck!

> Smithtown27 - I use a #8 with a #6 head, slotted oval head chrome plated sheet metal screw to attach the outer bezel.

> Denny - The headlight backing ring (I call it the inner bucket) was originally zink plated. Did you paint yours? With what?

No Lonnie, that's the original cad plating. All of the headlight
is original to the truck except fot the wireing, I just had to
wash them good. There was a little surface rust on the back
side of the buckets where they stick out into the wheel well.

Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Denny, with your pictures, expertise, and willingness to share, you should write a definitive restoration book!

You're new here aren't you Dan! I screw up more than I help, taint no expert by any means. But I do have a '50 and a '54 3604 both are pretty much, maybe 95% original trucks so I don't mind sharing.

DG

Denny..... modest as ever,i'm not sure if you'll ever be aware just how much your concise descriptions and clear pictures have helped so many here.(me included)

I don't suppose you know where to get decent quality trim ring clips,I've snapped two of my re-pop ones already(junk!) but knowing you,you probably made your own!
I agree about the rubber seals too,they're a lousy fit.

I just picked up new rings from Jeff at Bowtiebits.com in Wichita Ks. I haven't gotten home yet to install them but with your pics Denny they will be helpful.

I have found that the wires that hold home insulation between the joists are some of the strongest little buggers for things like this.

You just may need to use a vise to get the bends you want - not sure of the fit inside a repop bezel, not much of a lip with those.