C2 Headlight Ring Finish ?

[Alan Drake]

Does anyone know the finish of the ring, Gr2.726, that sits behind the headlight, the one that looks like a pan with the bottom cut out.

Mine appeared to be a gal finish with a gold tint, however after cleaning it now looks like a zinc finish. If zinc was it a gold finish or was that just rust?

Are these still available at GM or should I refinish mine?

Thanks
Alan

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Headlight Ring Finish ?

Alan-----

There were several different finishes used on these rings. Some were painted semi-gloss black. Some were zinc plated with an irridite (gold) overplate. Some were manufactured from pre-punch galvanized material. Since each of the 4 rings are different, it is very possible to find a COMBINATION of finishes on the same car.

With the exception of the right side, low beam ring (outer), all of the rings remain available from GM. However, the configuration of the current ones is different from your originals. For one thing, I think that you will find that yours are stamped L-1, L-2, R-1, and R-2. Later, these were changed to A, B, C, and D and that's what the current version will have on them.

In addition, the holes at the rear of the original rings used from 1958 through ABOUT 1969-71 were completely round. Later rings, including current SERVICE replacements have holes with "squared off corners". ALL of the 58-82 rings for any given position are, functionally, completely interchangeable, though.

[Alan Drake]

Thanks Joe and some feedback info

The rings are marked on the 2 larger tabs that attach to the adjustment screws.
The outers are marked "2" on one tab and "00" on the other tab while
the inners are marked "1" on one tab only.

The R & L rings are marked the same and appear to be the same, not what I expected since P&A has four part numbers.
With the exception of the first ring I cleaned - the rest cleaned up very nicely and plan to just spray a little satin clear on then for protection. They all appear to galvanize with that gold finish. However when cleaning with RidRust the gold is removed which is not unexpected since the RidRust seems to remove the Black Oxide stuff also.