What is the correct method to disassemble a head light and get the reflector out without damaging anything? The lamp in question is a '26/27, and I want to use it in my '21 buckets.
Doug
To remove the rim with its attached lens. Push in on the rim to collaspe the spring tension, and then twist counter clockwise till the notchs align with the rivet tangs of the lens.
Sometimes a leather strap helps, and if frozen from rust, use penetrating oil.
Withg the lens off, then twist the reflector to align with the tabs of the bucket edge, pry off gently, the socket remains in the bucket. The lens spring stays in the bucket rim, but should be removed to get the unit clean. Replace in the same order as removed.
Inside of lens rim showing the rivet tang that aligns with the retension slots in the rim of the bucket.
Thanks - kind of like a Chinese puzzle, aren't they
Sometimes a liberal application of a good penetrating oil and a few taps with a rubber hammer while pushing in on the rim helps. Just be gentle with the hammer. If it doesn't give up, just keep working with it. Dave
Sometimes a double palm counter-clockwise slap and shove works. Then again, I saw someone break one off the fender mount doing that about forty years ago.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
I like to wrap a layer of rubber tape around the rim so I can get a good grip on that slippery sucker. Works better than smacking and abusing.
When I got the '27 Tudor one light would work with the switch only one way.
Despite the rim and bucket looking very nice I thought I was going to tip the car over getting that #(*&^&*())#(*&^$#%^&* thing off.
It finally made its way past the pins but, holy crap, I was all in!
Be darned sure you have them anchored on the pins when you put them back on. You don't want to have one go rolling down the street like I did. I got real, real lucky, the lens didn't break.
Dennis, I lost a nice purple lens that came off like you said. I couldn't get the three pieces to stay together in the light after that.