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has anyone ever attempted to remove the headlamp assembly and how well did it go?
also, what about the external door handle and lock cylinder?
my last two pieces to remove and i am stumped/nervous.
I removed both headlight assemblys on my 70. Don't recall any problems. Just take your time. I may have removed the bezels first. A long time ago, can't help you with details.
I did remove, then reinstall my outer door handle. When I did it I had the door glass out while cleaning and regreasing the window regulator and guides. Not sure whether you can reach it with the glass in. If not, it's not that hard to take the glass out. Again, no unusual problems. I actually put the old handles back in since the new ones were repro, weren't quite the same shape, didn't seat well on the door skin.
Do you have an AIM? Lots of good info and illustrations there.
headlight assembly.....there are basically 4 bolts holding the whole assembly in place. the good thing, the 2 rear bolts (closest to the hood) only need to be loosened. Remove the 2 front bolts, loosen the 2 rear bolts, the assembly will slide forward and fall out (gently removed) thru the grille hole. Don't forget to remove the wires from the bulbs and the vacuum lines from the ...hmm..vacuum thingy
Door handles are somewhat tricky, but diligence will prevail. Windows up, unhook all rods, and 2 nuts hold handle in, if I remember the nut closest to the edge of the door is tricky to get at. Once handle is out, lock is held in with the usual spring clip.
Once you get your new handles in, use your shirt over your hand to open the door, saves the chrome and you will never have to replace it again!!!!
Purchase the assembly instruction manual (AIM) for your year. The AIM is not a How-To book, but does contain diagrams of how the headlights and door hardware were installed on the assembly line.
Headlight assemblies come out and go back in from the bottom. Don't try to fish them through from the top side.
When replacing the door handle I found it easier if you remove the door latch first. Its easy to remove and gives you a lot more room to replace the handle and lock cylinder.
When replacing the door handle I found it easier if you remove the door latch first. Its easy to remove and gives you a lot more room to replace the handle and lock cylinder.
Also while your at it, clean the latch & re-lube. Also clean & re-grease the channels, inside door handle, push rod connections, window regulator etc... You'll be surprised haw well & smooth it will work once done. Also good to have a helper with small hands.
If you don't have the AIM yet, you can go to one of the vendors online catalogs, which have the same diagrams as the AIM.
Glenn
You have probably already figured this out but if not, for the door lock, I used the longest 3/8 extension i have and slid it through one of the holes in the door and place the tip on that tab on the lock clamp. Then tap the extension with a mallet till the clip pops out.
For the headlight doors there were 3 bolts on the outside of each door mechanism that were very hard to get to. The tool that made it work for me was one of the new ratcheting box end wrenches. Its just such a tight fit...