Source for OEM Headlight Bulb Cups for 68

[Anthony S.]

I'm looking for a source for OEM headlight bulb cups for my 68. A few months ago I purchased a kit which included new cups, springs, adjusting hardware and trim rings. Putting it mildly, the kit was garbage and when I attempted to aim the lights the portion of the cup in which the adjusting screw sits would bend causing the screw to disengage from the cup. So, I'm looking for some good old American replacement cups. Any assistance will be appreciated.

[William C.]

Re: Source for OEM Headlight Bulb Cups for 68

Have you considered having your originals replated?

[Anthony S.]

Re: Source for OEM Headlight Bulb Cups for 68

William,

[William C.]

Re: Source for OEM Headlight Bulb Cups for 68

As best I can tell, there are four seperate part numbers, the 5955490, 5955500, 5559123, and 5956629. the 5955500 changed part numbers in 1972 to 5963889, and was a standard part used on all GM lines. I suspect that a set of these could likely be obtained from almost any '67-69 GM car and would be functionally interchangable. again, perhaps needing replating, although the part is not visible when installed in the car if we are talking about the one behind the headlamp bulbs. Just remember to get a complete set as the adjusters locate differently at each position. I found them in Buick parts books of the 60's as well as Chevrolet and I'm sure others also used them.

[Joe L.]

Re: Source for OEM Headlight Bulb Cups for 68

I'm looking for a source for OEM headlight bulb cups for my 68. A few months ago I purchased a kit which included new cups, springs, adjusting hardware and trim rings. Putting it mildly, the kit was garbage and when I attempted to aim the lights the portion of the cup in which the adjusting screw sits would bend causing the screw to disengage from the cup. So, I'm looking for some good old American replacement cups. Any assistance will be appreciated.

Anthony-----


There were a PLETHORA of different part numbers for these rings ("cups", as you describe them) over the years of their use. As you may be aware, different rings are required for each position.

Some rings are marked L-1, L-2, R-1, and R-2. Some are marked A, B, C, D.

A= left low beam

B= right high beam

C= right low beam

D= left high beam

So, the first thing you need to do is to determine if the rings you have are properly installed as to position. The markings as described above should be found on the rings, but they are quite small. If the rings are of the painted style (both plated and painted rings were originally used; all originals on my 69 were painted), the markings may be obscured by the sometimes thick paint.

With the exception of one, ALL of the rings are now GM-discontinued. The one still available is GM #5950506, the left side high beam marked "D" ( for about 55 bucks each, GM list).

Another issue if you're concerned about strict originality: The rings for your car were originally of the type that had ROUND holes in the rear. Later rings had "squarish" holes with "45 degree corners". However, both type are 100% interchangeable as far as functionality is concerned.

You should be able to find these rings on just about ANY GM car with 4 round headlight systems. Of course, cars like these have not been manufactured in a LONG time. However, when they were, there were a LOT of them made (1958 to about 1982), so there should be pretty good "pickings" out there.

[Anthony S.]

Re: Source for OEM Headlight Bulb Cups for 68

[Joe L.]

Re: Source for OEM Headlight Bulb Cups for 68

Anthony-----


You shouldn't have too much difficulty. Some parts will present a real challenge when picking through boneyards. For these rings, I don't think so. Plus, there really aren't too many folks that are looking for these rings so you shouldn't run into the "picked clean" situation.

I would look for a 1968 GM "anything". That will give you the most correct pieces in terms of all elements of configuration. However, if you are mostly concerned about functionality, any 58-82 should do the trick. When you get down to it, there's really not much of these rings that can be seen when they're installed on the car, anyway.

[Anthony S.]

Re: Source for OEM Headlight Bulb Cups for 68

Joe and William,

Thank you for the information. Knowing now that the rings are not specific to a Corvette I was able to locate several reconditioned originals on "that" popular action site.