'60 Headlight Trim Ring

[Bob Malone #35242]

An all too common problem I've seen on 58-60 cars is the misalignment of the top tab on the chrome headlight trim ring with the fender spear. Frequently the headlight trim sits noticeably above the fender spear.
I've been told that this can be remedied by gently bending the headlight ring tab.
I'm afraid..., very afraid that if I try this, the pot metal trim ring will break in my hands. Is this a valid concern? Has anyone ever really fixed this problem this way (or any other way for that matter)?

[John M.]

Re: '60 Headlight Trim Ring

Bob,
You are correct that trying to bend the tab on the top of the headlight door will probably just result in a broken tab! The only way I have ever seen the fit substantially improved on, is when the hump in the fender is built up the raise the windsplit molding. Keep in mind, that if you are planning on having you car judged, a good fit of this junction will be cause for a sure point deduct! These cars had a pretty poor fit at this area and judges look for this poor fit. A good fit would be evidence of overestoration. That being said, you can get the fit perfect in this area if you are in the bare glass stage and are willing to invest the time. I will be doing so on my 59/C4 Resto rod that I am working on now, but would not consider doing it on an original car.

Regards, John McGraw

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: '60 Headlight Trim Ring

Thanks John. Unfortunately, I replaced the top panels on both fenders and the car is already painted. The driver side fits pretty well but the passenger side has about a 1/2" offset gap. I expected the new fender panels to be a better fit than that. Guess I'll just have to live with it

[John M.]

Re: '60 Headlight Trim Ring

Bob,
You know, it is not that difficult to re-work that area around the windsplit hump and spot paint the area while it is fresh. It would be better to do it now then to grit your teeth over it for a year or so and end up doing it anyway! I would agree that a 1/2" gap is excessive by any measure. Have you tried just shiming under the windsplit molding with some putty to see if you can raise it up a little with making it look bad at the fender? Generally speaking, the closer you get to the headlight door, the more you can raise the molding without it looking bad.

Regards, John McGraw

[Dennis C.]

Re: '60 Headlight Trim Ring

This last Post of John's is a reasonable, do-able, credible approach to the common problem of fit in this area. Frankly, I believe the General may have done this same fix on an occasion or two. Best, Dennis

[Bob Malone #35242]

Re: '60 Headlight Trim Ring

Thanks John & Dennis. I know you are right. If I don't improve it, it will drive me nuts. I'll try the shimming method. I hesitate to take it back to the paint and body shop due to previous experience with that. I had to take it back to him to replace the top fender panels and repaint after his initial job and he kept the car for almost a year 'cause it was a re-do, low revenue job. I lost an entire season because of it.