Headlight retainer ring - everything is so difficult ..... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

6600DURAMAX · 01-28-2023, 02:26 PM

Working on the headlights and need to find replacement rings for a 1972 Chevy 7'' headlight ...... sounds super easy ( I ended up breaking the tab off of one of the originals so it wont lay flat with only the two screws)

Purchased some off ebay/ amazon and they are way to tight of fit in both the inner and outer diameters - I worked on the inner diameter with a dremel for about 20 minutes ( just taking my time) but still cannot get enough clearance to slide around the headlight. Even if I keep working it the outside diameter is way to tight and there is no way to make it larger

Any one find some that non oem that are better and actually fit ?

Such an easy morning turned into a mess...

**Louisvillekytruck** · 01-28-2023, 02:40 PM

Chevelle and camaro and Monte carlo are the same

**truckster** · 01-28-2023, 02:43 PM

It's been a couple of years since I replaced mine, but I think I just bought them from LMC. They fit just like the originals, and so far there's no rust.

**Stocker** · 01-28-2023, 05:34 PM

Been wondering about this myself. I had a tab break off one, and the replacement I bought is too deep -- tighten the screws and the headlamp rattles loosely. I backed it up with some tape to keep it from rattling, but need to get a ring that fits properly.

**truckster** · 01-28-2023, 06:05 PM

I looked but I couldn't find the invoice. Sorry.

Thealien · 01-29-2023, 12:47 AM

The ones I received from GMC Pauls fit good.

**Richard** · 01-29-2023, 05:26 AM

My original retaining rings were in bad shape as well. Purchased replacements from Classic parts (my go to) and they seem to fit well. The attachment point for the spring is a little different. Could be modified with a die grinder to look like originals if desired. Many have no problems with LMC, but they are my last choice unless part is only available from them. For example, they seem to be the only place selling the correct radiator support bushings for my 72 K10. Purchased a set and they seem okay. Their cab bushings do not seem to be correct IME.

6600DURAMAX · 01-30-2023, 09:14 AM

I need to buy a handful of small stuff from Brothers so I will try theirs and see....

01-28-2023, 02:26 PM	#1
6600DURAMAX Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Wheatfield IN, USA Posts: 1,107	Headlight retainer ring - everything is so difficult ..... Working on the headlights and need to find replacement rings for a 1972 Chevy 7'' headlight ...... sounds super easy ( I ended up breaking the tab off of one of the originals so it wont lay flat with only the two screws) Purchased some off ebay/ amazon and they are way to tight of fit in both the inner and outer diameters - I worked on the inner diameter with a dremel for about 20 minutes ( just taking my time) but still cannot get enough clearance to slide around the headlight. Even if I keep working it the outside diameter is way to tight and there is no way to make it larger Any one find some that non oem that are better and actually fit ? Such an easy morning turned into a mess... __________________ 1972 K5 Build - plans - LS3-6L80e-One Tons..... 1971 CREWMAX Build.....at body shop for couple more years

01-28-2023, 02:40 PM	#2
Louisvillekytruck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Louisville ky Posts: 1,206	Re: Headlight retainer ring - everything is so difficult ..... Chevelle and camaro and Monte carlo are the same

01-28-2023, 02:43 PM	#3
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,795	Re: Headlight retainer ring - everything is so difficult ..... It's been a couple of years since I replaced mine, but I think I just bought them from LMC. They fit just like the originals, and so far there's no rust. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

01-28-2023, 05:34 PM	#4
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,497	Re: Headlight retainer ring - everything is so difficult ..... Been wondering about this myself. I had a tab break off one, and the replacement I bought is too deep -- tighten the screws and the headlamp rattles loosely. I backed it up with some tape to keep it from rattling, but need to get a ring that fits properly. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

01-28-2023, 06:05 PM	#5
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,795	Re: Headlight retainer ring - everything is so difficult ..... I looked but I couldn't find the invoice. Sorry. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

01-29-2023, 12:47 AM	#6
Thealien Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pine Ridge Florida Posts: 4,126	Re: Headlight retainer ring - everything is so difficult ..... The ones I received from GMC Pauls fit good. __________________ Click on my Not really a build thread, yet NOT SO RUST FREE RUST FREE BLAZER LS ENGINE SWAP INFORMATION THREAD BOLT RESTORATIONS 4l60 to an NP205

01-29-2023, 05:26 AM	#7
Richard Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,696	Re: Headlight retainer ring - everything is so difficult ..... My original retaining rings were in bad shape as well. Purchased replacements from Classic parts (my go to) and they seem to fit well. The attachment point for the spring is a little different. Could be modified with a die grinder to look like originals if desired. Many have no problems with LMC, but they are my last choice unless part is only available from them. For example, they seem to be the only place selling the correct radiator support bushings for my 72 K10. Purchased a set and they seem okay. Their cab bushings do not seem to be correct IME. __________________ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746

01-30-2023, 09:14 AM	#8
6600DURAMAX Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Wheatfield IN, USA Posts: 1,107	Re: Headlight retainer ring - everything is so difficult ..... I need to buy a handful of small stuff from Brothers so I will try theirs and see.... __________________ 1972 K5 Build - plans - LS3-6L80e-One Tons..... 1971 CREWMAX Build.....at body shop for couple more years



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