Tabs that fit over bosses on headlight to secure

[skullandbones]

I did a search but could only find one thread about these small tabs that hold the headlights to the headlight bracket. They are very thin metal (very cheaply done). I was wondering if there is a product out there you can substitute that will do a better job. I remember someone fabbing their own, I think. It may have been Gumball but could not find the thread. It may be worth the effort to create something a little less bendy. Any thoughts? BTW, I was putting the stone guard covers on when I found these little clips would not stand up to the manipulation of taking them apart and re-installing. Thanks, WEK.:confused:

[michael everson]

After assembling the headlights with these flimsy brackets, I run a small bead of silicone in a few spots to help hold the light in place. Easy to remove if you need to change the light.
Mike

[Jester]

I did a search but could only find one thread about these small tabs that hold the headlights to the headlight bracket. They are very thin metal (very cheaply done). I was wondering if there is a product out there you can substitute that will do a better job. I remember someone fabbing their own, I think. It may have been Gumball but could not find the thread. It may be worth the effort to create something a little less bendy. Any thoughts? BTW, I was putting the stone guard covers on when I found these little clips would not stand up to the manipulation of taking them apart and re-installing. Thanks, WEK.:confused:

I think "old guy" may have posted a fix re fabricating new tabs out of body panel scraps. I noticed that mine are also loose and I plan to fab some new tabs

[MPTech]

Here's what I did: Fix for loose headlights (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/303723-fix-loose-headlights.html)

Not hard, just tedious cutting the tabs.



Keep the old tabs because they key the location of the headlight on the chrome frame. I straightened the old tabs and re-installed them, with the new reinforcing tabs on top. Really strengthened it. Then I applied a small bead of silicon around the edge just to further reduce rattling.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a78/MPTech/IMG_0710_zps0a6fab91.jpg

[Gumball]

Mark beat me to it by a couple minutes. Here's the link to my write-up... I did the same thing with some extra pieces of aluminum over the fitted tabs.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?9568-Head-Lamp-Test-Fitting-Lucas-PL700&highlight=lucas

[skullandbones]

After assembling the headlights with these flimsy brackets, I run a small bead of silicone in a few spots to help hold the light in place. Easy to remove if you need to change the light.
Mike

Thanks, Mike. I usually follow your advice on these kinds of things. After all, you have done a couple, right? I thought about the silicone off and on but dismissed it thinking there was a better way. I'll try it and then maybe fab some stiffer peices as a back up plan. It's always good to have a plan B! Thanks guys, WEK.

[skullandbones]

I missed the last two posts while I was entering a response on this. I remember seeing it but search engine did not catch it. I wonder if I should have used head lamp as key word. Oh well. I also had a thought about tapping the aluminum and using a small sheet metal screw. I have a heck of a time getting the self tappers to bite sometimes, especially if I am balancing and lining up some little part like the one we are discussing! Operations like this sometimes bring on the cursing and other foul behavior! Thanks for your advice and pics (always helpful). WEK.

Note: It's likely that after I strengthen the tabs for the adjuster ring that the tabs for the stone guard will go on easier becasue they should give before the new and improved tabs that I fab. I like the looks of the wire guard over the lamp.