65 Coupe Headlight Covers

[JOE A]

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Took a little different approach to the FFR supplied sheet metal brackets for the headlight covers. Superformance uses a similar attachment and all parts are from Mcmaster Carr.
The threaded stud end needs to be threaded up to the top, a simple task. I shortened the threaded rod and drilled and tapped the fiberglass. I plan on using a small plastic washer between the bracket and the cover.
Now if someone has a recommendation on shaping the covers to size, I would greatly appreciate any tips.

[jdavis500]

I like the idea. Could you give the part number for MC? Can't seem to find it.

[JOE A]

I'll check my records over the weekend and see if I have paperwork. They are stainless and buff up nicely.

[Straversi]

Nice work. Details like that make such a difference.
-Steve

[jdavis500]

I found this headlight cover hardware on BRE. Another possible option, although I have no idea where to get the part.


109714

[edwardb]

Both great options. I'm stealing one of them. Looking at the BRE site, and don't see the hardware by itself. Only the complete cover (for a Superformance) + hardware. Did you contact them directly to buy only the hardware?

[JOE A]

The piece at Mcmaster Carr is called a rod end bolt. The rounded head version need to be threaded to the top and the hole comes unthreaded so needs to be tapped.
There is a "squared" end version that is fully threaded to the top but still needs the hole tapped. I tapped for 10-24 button head socket bolts.

[John Dol]

Joe,

Put blue tape on the edge of the cover. I used a shop light behind the cover but it seems like you have your lights installed already so you can use them. Lay the cover on the car the way it fits best.
Turn on your lights and trace the opening on the tape. Then put 120 grid on a belt sander and set it up next to the car.
As you get close to the sharply line start alternating test fitting/trimming until you have a good fit. Then get the hardware installed. Which would have been easier without a headlight installed probably but doable.
I like your solution
Good luck

John

[jdavis500]

I haven't called BRE about the hardware, but I will on Monday. I would like to see a close-up of the Superformance mounts. I enlarged a pic from their website and it looks like it might be the same mount as BRE offers.

[jdavis500]

FWIW, I called BRE today and they sold me the headlight lens mounts from their Superformance kit. They were $8 a piece, so for all 8 and shipping around $75. The McMaster-Carr rod ends were not much cheaper at 7.25. What the hell, I will be the guinea pig and post a pic when they arrive.

[JOE A]

John, Thanks for the tape idea. Not a big deal to remove the headlights, so I'll give it a try.

[John Dol]

Joe,

I didn't realize that was your car so you don't need to remove your lights. It's handy to not have the lights on when you try to line up the hardware, but since yours is already done just use your lights to light up the tape to make the lines.

John

[edwardb]

The piece at Mcmaster Carr is called a rod end bolt. The rounded head version need to be threaded to the top and the hole comes unthreaded so needs to be tapped.
There is a "squared" end version that is fully threaded to the top but still needs the hole tapped. I tapped for 10-24 button head socket bolts.

Can you confirm the thread size you tapped for the hole in the head of the rod end bolt? The one that looks most similar to what you pictured and described is part number 2434K54. https://www.mcmaster.com/2434k54. The hole in the head is 3/16, so is too large to tap for 10-24 retainer screws. Other styles of their rod end bolts with 10-32 shanks also are all 3/16 hole in the head. A larger size retainer bolt perhaps? A 12-24 taps directly into 3/16. Or maybe you drilled out for a 1/4 inch tap?

[JOE A]

edwardb, The rod end bolt I used had a 10-32 thread on the shaft and I purchased a die to continue the thread right up to the rod end. The hole was tapped for 1/4-20 bolt without drilling it. The threaded shaft was ultimately cut down to 3/8" length for threading into the fiberglass. Hope this helps.

[David Williamson]

thanks, I am going to "borrow" this idea as well, it just looks so much better.
David W

[edwardb]

edwardb, The rod end bolt I used had a 10-32 thread on the shaft and I purchased a die to continue the thread right up to the rod end. The hole was tapped for 1/4-20 bolt without drilling it. The threaded shaft was ultimately cut down to 3/8" length for threading into the fiberglass. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the response. That makes sense. 1/4-20 works. 10-24 doesn't. That confirms I have the same parts you do and will be incorporating those into my build. Thanks for the tip. Nice improvement over the kit provided right angle pieces. BRE pieces look nice too.

[jdavis500]

Just wanted to post some pics of the BRE hardware. I was surprised that the kit the BRE lens kit comes with 3 mounts per lens, so I received 6 mounts for $75. They look pretty good. I don't know if they are superior to the rod end idea, but they should work.

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Edit:

I called BRE about getting 6 mounts. It seemed wrong. When I talked to the guy who sent the order, he said that Peter(Brock) handed him 6 mounts to ship and it didn't register to him that I should have gotten 8 mounts. He is sending me 2 more mounts. So, I will have gotten 8 mounts from BRE.

[GSides9]

109710109711109712
Took a little different approach to the FFR supplied sheet metal brackets for the headlight covers. Superformance uses a similar attachment and all parts are from Mcmaster Carr.
The threaded stud end needs to be threaded up to the top, a simple task. I shortened the threaded rod and drilled and tapped the fiberglass. I plan on using a small plastic washer between the bracket and the cover.
Now if someone has a recommendation on shaping the covers to size, I would greatly appreciate any tips.
Joe,

Beautiful. I've been putting this off for two years. Strong, simple and clean. Time to get some tools out.

Thanks, Glen

[David Williamson]

Well that sux, Mcmaster Carr won't ship to Canada and so far I can't find these anywhere local. I will visit some "nut and bolt" suppliers next week but after that??
David W

[Gringo]

I have been waiting for Headlight covers from FFR since July. Mine were distorted and FFR said the would send new ones.
Now car is done but no joy.
Does anyone have a Gen 3 passenger side headlight cover?

[jwhit]

Just wanted to post some pics of the BRE hardware. I was surprised that the kit the BRE lens kit comes with 3 mounts per lens, so I received 6 mounts for $75. They look pretty good. I don't know if they are superior to the rod end idea, but they should work.

111564111565

Edit:

I called BRE about getting 6 mounts. It seemed wrong. When I talked to the guy who sent the order, he said that Peter(Brock) handed him 6 mounts to ship and it didn't register to him that I should have gotten 8 mounts. He is sending me 2 more mounts. So, I will have gotten 8 mounts from BRE.

hey if you can make drawing of part with correct sizes i can start cutting some from stainless and probaly do half price for fellow builders
also if you see somthing that needs to change i can do that.
i dont understand how they mount to body yet seems strange

also i have seen a few with rubber trim around cover .i might do that on mine

[Tuftster]

I'm still waiting on my covers, kit was delivered November 2017.

[FFinisher]

I'm still waiting on my covers, kit was delivered November 2017.


You need to call FFR. Sum ..... Ting..... Wong.......

[bil1024]

FFR had to switch suppliers, I just talked to them last week, quality was subpar. Just an FYI

[FFinisher]

I have been waiting for Headlight covers from FFR since July. Mine were distorted and FFR said the would send new ones.
Now car is done but no joy.
Does anyone have a Gen 3 passenger side headlight cover?

I have two extra passenger side Headlight covers, just as they come from FFR with the blue plastic covering the lens. I have no idea of the quality underneath the plastic cover.

Just send a PM if you want one.