Just got the bars bent, we will have them in the fixture and start milling these this week
Model T Ford headlight rim remover tool, copy of the Ford tool,Bob
Chalk me up for one !
Thanks Bob !
ME TOO!
Me three
Me four!
I also want one.
I have an orginial.
At the risk of sounding uninformed, what headlight rim does this remove and how is it used? I have the '26 headlight in which the rim just twists off so I doubt if I would have need for this tool, but I am curious as to what it is for and how it is used. Jim Patrick
Jim,
In an ideal world "it just twists off". However, in most cases, you need to push in while twisting, then overcome built up rust and dirt before the rim turns. This tool gives you a decent handle to exert the needed force to get off a troublesome rim.
This goes over two rivets and lets you push in to release the tabs and you can turn the rims to remove, a lot of these are very hard to get off so this is why Ford had this tool, Bob
Jim,
It's Bob's recent toy and you must be graced from above with your personal experience
Once that lens rim groove pits, or the dimple rusts, or it has sat around for decades, it is not so simple and next to impossible to just push the rim in in with your palms while turning the rim 'off'. Same thing on seating, turning and catching that last click on the detent when going 'on'.
Many find they can't get the detent to make up exact when they put a lens rim 'on'. Close and sticky may seem good, but half of the time driving down the road that way results in a clatter and a digging for a new 'H' lens
There have been homemade tools before that allow you to push in while turning. The blacksmith squeeze loop with holes drilled to catch the 'bump'...that circle of plywood with the detent notches, yet all have shortcomings...you usually need room and with the fenders on there isn't enough of it! The one shown above by Bob is almost no bigger than the rim, has the grooves to catch the dimples and the groove stops so that you should be able to one hand it, two hands if stubborn.
Looks good to me I'm waiting for the u-tube of something really cantankerous
I must type too slow....
Now that you mention it, I do remember when I first got my T in 1970 and it was a rusted mess, it was next to impossible to remove that rim for both the rim and the bucket were rusted and the circular spring rusted to pieces. Now that the buckets have been painted with tough Imron and the rims chrome plated, I have not had the problem I experienced in the beginning. Thanks guys for the education and the walk down memory lane. Jim Patrick
Bob, I would like one as well.
Well GEE! I don't want to be left out...so I would be interested in how, when, and where to order the light rim tool also.
The price is 24.95 plus 7.50 post in cont. U.S.A. Thank you I am getting orders like crazy, they will be ready next week. please e mail modelt2001@comcast.net
thanks Bob
Not wanting to sound negative, but with black painted rims, I suspect that tool will remove a fair amount of paint too? I've always use my two hands, and leaned against the rim and turned.
I would put some black tape on plated rims or nice painted rims but not worry on removing old rusty ones,Bob
G'day,
I wish I had one a few months back. Fought with the bloody things for a few hours till one of us gave up. I was determined it was not going to be me...
Peter
Another rim removal technique is to remove the complete headlamp from the car and place it rim/lens down on a piece of rubber - belting, floor mat, etc. then using your body weight, push down & twist - won't mess anything up !
Hmmm... Could these be made with replaceable polyethylene plastic or semi-hard rubber ends?
We are using just what Ford used, could be made from polyethylene plastic ,but the mold cost we bring the retail up a lot, Bob
trying to stay like original and keep cost down,
have not seen you Adam in a while
Received the headlight rim removal tool from Bob Bergstadt today ....
Works !
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Thanks Bob !
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Bob Jablonski
Thank you, they are selling fast,Bob
I would think these would work well for headlight rim installation as well as removal, no?
I received the tool today. Very quick delivery! I had a pair of headlights that had the rims solidly rusted in place. I soaked the rims for a while with acetone/atf and than tapped with a soft face hammer around the rim (carefully). I clamped one in the vise and used the tool. The rim turned & popped loose. I still had to take a wood block and hammer and tap the rim off from the back. I carefully smoothed the edges of the tool with a small file and then place 2 small pieces of shrink tubing on the ends using a heat gun. I tried the tool on one of my restored headlights. Worked great and left no marks or chips in the paint. Super! Thanks Bob for your effort and great service.
Jerry Davis needs one.....please......
I'll be calling soon for one as well.
Thank you guys, they are selling fast, Bob
if you need one just send me a e mail
Mine came today...in one word....spiffy!
The trial by fire was that I had a lamp lens that would not seat all the way, nor would it come off by conventional means...made the fluted lenses look like Marty Feldman if you know what I mean!
By the time the UPS guy turned the corner, the rim was off that quick and then back on with the flutes in the glass vertical. Impressed, it WAS that easy
Someone else is going to be happy too, I ordered a 2nd one at the same time as a gift in case they really did work!
Got mine today. Very well built useful tool.