Stress crack in headlight bucket......

[Michael G.]

My headlight bucket has developed a hair line stress crack near one of inside supports. Crack has showed in the paint on the top side and will need to be addressed. I believe the buckets are made of "cast aluminum" however would like to get confirmation on this. Obviously the buckets are delicate but believe with the right welder can be repaired.

Looking for feedback or opinions on the bucket material and process to repair hairline crack. Thanks.

[Mike M.]

Re: Stress crack in headlight bucket......

63 headlight buckets were skined in fiberglass whereas the 64 up c-2's buckets were metal. what year is your vette?mike

[Michael G.]

Re: Stress crack in headlight bucket......

63 headlight buckets were skined in fiberglass whereas the 64 up c-2's buckets were metal. what year is your vette?mike

Sorry.....buckets are from a '66, metal.

[Joe R.]

Re: Stress crack in headlight bucket......

Hairline crack in a 66 Headlight Bucket?????? Are you sure that it has not been cracked by a collision and just not repaired correctly.

Since you are going to have to paint it anyway, just go ahead and purchase a new headlight bucket.

Save a lot of time and a new one will just about guarantee that the "crack" won't come back.

JR

[Michael G.]

Re: Stress crack in headlight bucket......

Joe,

Let's not confuse the topic. Am looking for info as to bucket material and potential repair.

[Joe L.]

Re: Stress crack in headlight bucket......

Joe,

Let's not confuse the topic. Am looking for info as to bucket material and potential repair.

Michael------


The L1963-67 headlamp housings ("buckets") were fabricated from aluminum.

As far as a repair is concerned, the only really effective repair I can imagine would be a weld, possibly a low temperature weld using the special Muggyweld rod. However, I would expect that you'll find that re-establishing a nice, smooth, as-new configuration and surface finish will be very difficult.

[Russ S.]

Re: Stress crack in headlight bucket......

Micheal, A good aluminum welder(if it is aluminum and not pot metal) should have no problem welding it. I would sand it slightly low after welding and use a thin layer of filler over the weld before painting it.