What are the headlight assemblies made of?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, Nv. USA
What are the headlight assemblies made of?
I need to repair a crack in my 77 headlight assembly, I don't think it's pot metal or aluminum....any answers? I want to reinforce behind the crack with some metal and rivets and then braze the crack together. What kind of brazing rod might work, I've tried aluminum, solder, and a couple types of metal rods.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 156
From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: What are the headlight assemblies made of? (Rods77)
well, I can't help with what material it is, since I thought it was an Aluminum allow. However, I did break off the mounting tabs when I was in a wreck and I fixed them by fabricating a small reinforcement aluminum piece and screw/bolted everything back together. Whole project costed about $10, which is ALOT better than buying a new set. Been on the car for about 2 yrs with no problems.
You probably don't have to worry about the braze step. I'd just pop rivet/bolt a reinforcement piece on and let it go. However, can't blame you for wanting to go the extra step. Good luck. :cheers:
You probably don't have to worry about the braze step. I'd just pop rivet/bolt a reinforcement piece on and let it go. However, can't blame you for wanting to go the extra step. Good luck. :cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 3
From: South Central Louisiana
St. Jude Contributor
Re: What are the headlight assemblies made of? (Twin_Turbo)
Is it cracked where the headlight holder meets the lid? I have one that is cracked there, I see no repair but to replace.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 22
From: Marietta Ga.
Re: What are the headlight assemblies made of? (Rods77)
I have Richard Prince's Restoration book and it says "Later 1973 and all 1974-1977 cars have bezels made from fiberglass. All bezels are painted body color." Is that the part you are referring to?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Re: What are the headlight assemblies made of? (gtr1999)
Anyone know if there's a body filler on top of the cover-under the paint?
Thanks,
Gary
Thanks,
Gary
Marck
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: What are the headlight assemblies made of? (Twin_Turbo)
Both the horseshoe shaped frame and the door are of cast aluminum, they are TIG weldable, buddy of mine did my frames, but the doors are missing a piece and were unfixable....I have two good frames for sale if anyone needs them...
GENE
GENE
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, Nv. USA
Re: What are the headlight assemblies made of? (Rods77)
It is cracked under the lid where the pivoting bracket bolt is at. I've thought about using fiberglass but there are so many different shapes to work around I'm not sure if I can get a good bond. I may see if I can find someone to tig weld it....I also don't want to shell out the cash for a new one....thanks for all the feedback.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 0
From: Hampton Georgia
Re: What are the headlight assemblies made of? (Rods77)
All three pieces are pot metal and it is almost impossible to weld those .If you do find some one to weld those ,they are good and they know it .They will charge you a small fortune. It is probably going to be cheaper and easier to find a good used set. :seeya :yesnod:
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
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Re: What are the headlight assemblies made of? (paintdaddy)