Headlight buckets in metal

[durk]

Just about every 300 miles I have to disassemble my head lights an re bend the little tabs that hold the light to the ring. On many British cars that I have owned they had a surface mount metal bucket with molded notches for the headlight to index into. This plastic one with the thin clips just does not work.

[carlewms]

Durk,

There is a mod some have done that has strengthened the little metal tabs on this and the other forum. Some have strengthened the weaker tabs with additional aluminum while others have replaced them all together.

I chose to make some larger tabs notched to accept the older thinner tabs to match the indexing ... I will post some photos shortly.

Here is a thread on the subject where MPTech and others showed a solution ... it is a relatively quick fix.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?9974-Tabs-that-fit-over-bosses-on-headlight-to-secure&highlight=headlights+loose

Carl

[carlewms]

Durk,

Here are the photos of the method I used ... I think any of the suggestions will work.

This photo shows the one mounted with one on the left showing the rubber I put underside to avoid putting silicone to between the light and the ring.

https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a6da05b3127cceeba41136681e00000030O09AaOGbRo2bA9 vPhg/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00006064438420160424193705320.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

The notch keeps it indexed and the rubber keeps it from slipping around.

https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a6da05b3127cceeba52c62088000000030O09AaOGbRo2bA9 vPhg/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00006064438420160424193704867.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Here is the backside showing all three ...

https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a6da05b3127cceeba4d131e94900000030O09AaOGbRo2bA9 vPhg/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00006064438420160424193705805.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

For the final version I probably will use a small bolt and nut vice the sheetmetal screw to make sure that it won't vibrate off. I also will probably trim off some of the new tab outside of the ring.

HTH,

Carl

[aspbite]

I bought lucas metal headlight buckets and trim rings . They mount and adjust like the 60's type units.

[michael everson]

A 1 inch bead of silicone in three spots will fix it.
Mike

[steno]

I'm with Mike!!! Works great!

[aspbite]

http://jollyrogersmotors.com/store/p/738-Lucas-Headlamp-Bucket/Bowl-Assembly-Pair-British-Cars-1960s-70s-New.html

[j.miller]

Silicone gets my vote. ..da Bat