How to assemble the front headlights and chrome cover on a 1954 Jetliner

[Deleted User]

I'm done the body work on both fenders just need to figure how to but the lights back in. There's a 1st pc that connects to the fender light moulding then there's another pc that holds the bulb/lens then a chome cover there's a spring and stuff? I'm confused. Also are there any detailed books about restoring these cars? I have looked at a repair manual from the late 50s on Jets and Jetliners and the diagrams in there are hard to read and bold on this area.

[Deleted User]

Nm i found out how i like this older style then todays plastic. Also is there some sort of gasket thats suppose to go into here ?

[Deleted User]

OK t&c hang on here we go! First remove clean, paint and prepare the headlight bucket for reuse. If you haven't replaced the headlight wire do so. Use a new or reconditioned 3 plug bakelite headlight bulb socket. Make sure the wiring has the correct continunity. Next, get the mounting pan (it has ears on the edge) clean it and spray paint it silver. Next, make sure you have the two aiming screws cleaned and in good condition. The same goes for the brass fastening /adjusting nuts. Next, check for the retaining spring. It should be in good shape with two sections of coiled spring with a stretched out place in the center for connecting. OK now for the connecting part. First unscrew the adjusting screws about 3/4 of the way out. Place the tabs of the mounting ring under the head of the adjusting springs. There is a slight groove under there for this purpose. Now take the adjusting spring and hook each end into the bottom of the mounting ring. To do this, look for the 3 rectangular holes on the edge of the ring. Connect the mounting spring so that the long straight part of the spring is visible in the middle rectangular hole of the mounting ring. If you now look at the bucket ,you will notice that there are 3 hooks corresponding to where the rectangular holes were on the ring. Now get an improvised tool made out of an old windshield wiper arm or similar flat narrow material and notch out the end. Not a very big notch just large enough to fit over the width of the adjusting spring . Push down on the spring (after having connected it to the ring) and connect the middle hook with the stretched part of the spring. The mounting pan will now be cocked in the bucket. Now screw down on the screws. Soon you should have the mounting ring neatly installed into the bucket. At this time get your sealed beam bulb and connect it to the bakelite connector at the base of the bucket. After having done that ,take the stainless steel ring and screw it onto the mounting ring . Place the headlight bucket gasket on the back side of the headlight bucket.The headlight assembly now needs to be installed & wired and when it is the beam needs to be adjusted. Once you have adjusted the beam, replace the headlight bezel onto the car. You're done!

[Deleted User]

Ok just finished taking some notes thanks alot. One thing my headlight bucket not the one that holds the sealed beam light but the one that bolts right onto the fender and holds the wire is rotted badly and i have no gaskets? Where could i buy these items.

[Deleted User]

I would just buy cork gasket paper and fab my own. The same with the headlight bucket wire. Just but 3 conductor 18 gauge stranded copper wire at Lowe's.

[Deleted User]

If it helps any the Jet used the same headlight bucket as the full size car,
Roger

[Deleted User]

My buckets are too rusted and full of bondo from previous owner i cant find any replacements online im thinking about geting a plastic shop to remake or cast out a new one made from hard plastic.

[Deleted User]

Don't do it. . I have restored ones. I'll sell them to you if you want. They are like new. Call 704 792 9110

[Deleted User]

Hey Hudzilla i like to buy some off you (2) il call but it cost me like $4 a min do you have skype ? Just Pm me for my e-mail address