How to remove reflectors from headlight bucket

[dbuelke]

How are the reflectors mounted in the bucket on a 26 Coupe? I tried prying around the edge, hoping to release them, but I was hesitant to apply too much force.

[Moxie26]

Have you already removed the lens, retainer and lens from the bucket? If you haven't just have someone put their hands on the bucket to hold and then you go around to the front. Put your hands on the rim. Push in and rotate to the left, the retainer and the lens will disengage from the bucket. Easier with the reflector, just rotate to the left and remove reflector.

[George House]

Well, you’ll have to first turn them until the 4 reflector indentations line up with the bucket rim cams. Then gently pry on opposite sides with 2 screwdrivers at the indentations. Then do the other 2 opposite sides. The reflector sometimes get stuck to the headlamp bulb at the reflector’s center. Tiny spray of PB Blaster there might help….

[TRDxB2]

Pictures help.
There are more than one way the reflector can get stuck. The ring between the reflector an headlight bucket can get rusted to the bucket and/or pressing the reflector against the indents on the edge of the bucket.
First, compress the reflector against the bucket to loosen the ring (spring). Then you can rotate it so the cutouts on the reflector align with the indents (used to hold the rim) on the bucket. You may need to pry a bit to clear the bucket indents

[DanTreace]

The reflector cutouts have to be placed at the detents of the headlamp bucket.

Using a tool to rotate the reflector helps to align the cutouts with the detents. There are small holes in the reflector edge, so a small pick or hooked tool can fit in the hole for rotating the reflector. Then the reflector can be pulled away and lifted off the bulb socket.