Midyear head light mounting end plates

[Michael G.]

Good evening Corvetters,

My drivers side out board head light mounting plate needs some attention. Time has not been good to it and may need to come out. To gain access am considering removing the fiberglass piece that is postioned and riveted next to the plate. Next step would be to removed the glued in plate to do the repair. Any thoughts on this process that might be more efficient? Any one been there.....done that?

Any one reproducing these end plates? Thanks for the advice.

Mike

[Joe R.]

Re: Midyear head light mounting end plates

Mike,

Yes, Long Island Corvette Supply lists the end plates for $40.00 each. They can be reached at 1 800 466-6367.

As for the bonding material to replace the end plates you will need to use 3M products as they bond to both metal and fiberglass. Consult your local paint supplier for details on which 3M products will fill the bill.

If your end plate is like most, removing the headlight bucket will give you all the access you need as the plate is probably not bonded to the fiberglass anymore. There are two bolts that secure the end plate to the header bar. Remove the bolts and the plate will probably fall out. Grind all of the old bonding material out before starting your replacement. Fit the headlight bucket in the opening after tightening the bolts and before you bond the end plate in place. Sand, prime, paint and enjoy your Corvette.

JR

[Michael G.]

Re: Midyear head light mounting end plates

JR

Wish it were that simple. Plate has rust in it. Head light bucket has already been removed exposing the outside plate as car is going through full restoration. Plate is glued firmly into place. This why I explained my proposed removal process. Any suggestions (other than mine) on how to remove the outside plate.

Thanks, Mike

[Doug F.]

Re: Midyear head light mounting end plates

just take a die grinder with a off out wheel and score the fiberglass on the end plate, the real problem you are going have is that the bolts retaining the plate to the header are going to want to break, sand blast, penetrating oil , heat, what ever it takes, you don't want to have to pull the header bar out

[Joe R.]

Re: Midyear head light mounting end plates

Michael,

If it's that rusty I would definately take it out! Like the above post says, just take the die grinder and cut it back as much as you can. After removing the bolts, a gentle tap with a hammer should be enough to break it clean from the body. Go for it! It's just plastic and can be fixed in a jiffy!

JR

[Michael G.]

Re: Midyear head light mounting end plates

NOW you've done it guys! Go for it.....huh? After some die grinding the fiber glass over the end plate was cut out with minimal damage to the surrounding glass. End plate was in poor condition with the bottom side of the plate mostly rusted away. Up next will be cleaning out remnants of the end plate bonding strip and adhesive...and of course some glassing . Oh yeah.....better give LI Corvette a call to order a new end plate. Thanks for the support guys .

Mike