Fitting 72 headlight support to header bar
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 713
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Fitting 72 headlight support to header bar
Need some advice and maybe a measurement please.
I am fitting two used headlight supports to the header bar on a new front hood surround from Ecklers for a 72.
Problem is the bolt holes in the front of the two prongs of both headlight supports do not quite fit the header bar. In the rear, it looks like it matches up ok on both.
The two headlight supports are 331825-6 driver and 331826 passenger which I believe are the correct parts for a 72.
Driver support measures 17-1/2" between the two holes and the header bar holes are 18-1/8" apart
The passenger support measure 17-1/4" between the two holes and the header bar holes are 18-3/16"
So, I could maybe spring both supports apart to fit, but they look like pot metal so I suppose you could crack them. Or I could modify the header bar. But I really think both supports are likely bent and the 18-1/8" is the right dimension.
Thoughts on what to do would be appreciated. Much thanks!
[IMG]
[/IMG]
[IMG]
[/IMG]
I am fitting two used headlight supports to the header bar on a new front hood surround from Ecklers for a 72.
Problem is the bolt holes in the front of the two prongs of both headlight supports do not quite fit the header bar. In the rear, it looks like it matches up ok on both.
The two headlight supports are 331825-6 driver and 331826 passenger which I believe are the correct parts for a 72.
Driver support measures 17-1/2" between the two holes and the header bar holes are 18-1/8" apart
The passenger support measure 17-1/4" between the two holes and the header bar holes are 18-3/16"
So, I could maybe spring both supports apart to fit, but they look like pot metal so I suppose you could crack them. Or I could modify the header bar. But I really think both supports are likely bent and the 18-1/8" is the right dimension.
Thoughts on what to do would be appreciated. Much thanks!
[IMG]
[/IMG][IMG]
[/IMG]
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,123
Likes: 4,196
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi 20,
I took a look at the supports on my 71.
The centerline dimension of the the front mount holes is 18 1/4".
It does sound like your supports are warped. Although you can probably spring them enough to fit.... I DON'T think I'd try.
Have you tried to determine if one of the support arms is warped and not the other? Does one bolt fit , but the other is far off?
I'd try to modify the clip's front steel insert. You will need to be careful that the supports end up in the right place so that the headlight door, when installed, can fit in the hood surround opening properly. I'd think it would be possible to get the support at an angle that wouldn't let the door be adjusted.
Be careful!
Regards,
Alan
I took a look at the supports on my 71.
The centerline dimension of the the front mount holes is 18 1/4".
It does sound like your supports are warped. Although you can probably spring them enough to fit.... I DON'T think I'd try.
Have you tried to determine if one of the support arms is warped and not the other? Does one bolt fit , but the other is far off?
I'd try to modify the clip's front steel insert. You will need to be careful that the supports end up in the right place so that the headlight door, when installed, can fit in the hood surround opening properly. I'd think it would be possible to get the support at an angle that wouldn't let the door be adjusted.
Be careful!
Regards,
Alan
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 313
Likes: 3
From: North of Boston Ma
The second pic down left side looks like theres a problem for sure. Warped or the angle of how the pic was taken? I would assemble the lights putting all things on and than start checking clearances and make a decision. Good luck
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 713
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Much thanks for the responses!
Alan, Thanks for the 18-1/4" measurement, that lets me know what it is supposed to be and what I am shooting for.
Also thanks 19LEW71 and that makes a lot of sense to assemble and see where you are.
I wonder if I could heat the corners and bend them slightly? or can you weld these supports? Or maybe you run the risk of further warping with heating or welding?
Thanks for the feedback and we will make this work! maybe with a "little f***ing hammer instead of the bfh,
Also thanks 19LEW71 and that makes a lot of sense to assemble and see where you are.
I wonder if I could heat the corners and bend them slightly? or can you weld these supports? Or maybe you run the risk of further warping with heating or welding?
Thanks for the feedback and we will make this work! maybe with a "little f***ing hammer instead of the bfh,
Last edited by 20mercury; Jan 26, 2013 at 10:33 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,031
Likes: 503
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
The head light supports are aluminum and can be welded. I would not try to bend them much or they will snap. I had trouble with my new surround from Eckler's also, but the hole locations were a lot closer than yours are. Good luck. Lou.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
the inboard mounting bolts fit into a cut-out in the bumper. if you have to play with these, try to adjust the outer bolts. as alan posted, watch for door fit. i'd assemble the headlight (at least the frame and door) and clamp it into place in order to determine which arms are out of position.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 454
Likes: 7
From: SB County CA
20mercury,
Any luck on this? I'm pre-fitting things, and I've got the same issues. Mine is a '68, and as far as I can tell, all original parts. One of the support arms (left outer) has been welded.
The car did have a sagging left-front corner due to the inner-fender bond breaking loose. Not sure if this condition caused the support arm to crack, or it was simply stressed over time...?
I do know that overall body adjustment on these things is a nightmare (especially the front-end) and the AIM sucks
Anxious to see what you figure out...
r,
Rob
Any luck on this? I'm pre-fitting things, and I've got the same issues. Mine is a '68, and as far as I can tell, all original parts. One of the support arms (left outer) has been welded.
The car did have a sagging left-front corner due to the inner-fender bond breaking loose. Not sure if this condition caused the support arm to crack, or it was simply stressed over time...?
I do know that overall body adjustment on these things is a nightmare (especially the front-end) and the AIM sucks
Anxious to see what you figure out...
r,
Rob
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 454
Likes: 7
From: SB County CA
This was one of the main reasons I researched this topic. Mine has been apart for a while...can someone verify that the same bolt also goes through the hole in the header bar as shown in the two pics? My outer support arm holes are closely aligned, but the inner(s) need to reach a little...suspect I've got the front support rod shimmed a bit too much...?
Didn't mean to hi-jack, with my issues, but thought the two were closely related.
r,
Rob
Didn't mean to hi-jack, with my issues, but thought the two were closely related.
r,
Rob
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 713
From: Lafayette Louisiana
got side tracked.
got side tracked. put this problem on the back burner. will keep you posted or if you discover fix sooner please let me know.
Last edited by 20mercury; Feb 15, 2013 at 07:54 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
assemble the lights, there are two support rods that go to each side of the surround, they are very flimsy without the supports. and I agree make them fit the hole in the front clip. I just bought a NOS part for the right side, hope it fits better than the drivers did. Also there is a cruise night tonight at Frostos in Crowley 6 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 713
From: Lafayette Louisiana
assemble the lights, there are two support rods that go to each side of the surround, they are very flimsy without the supports. and I agree make them fit the hole in the front clip. I just bought a NOS part for the right side, hope it fits better than the drivers did. Also there is a cruise night tonight at Frostos in Crowley 6 PM.
Much Thanks Mark! yes, they are flimsy, mine were used, likely got bent when the previous guy removed them.
Thanks for the invite to Frostos too, but have to wax Garnet's baby for Middendorfs tomorrow, LOL's. Hope to see you soon!
How is the 71 coming? the last pictures looked great!!!
Last edited by 20mercury; Feb 16, 2013 at 11:35 AM.