'37 Terraplane headlight lens

Hudsonrules

I would like to know the interchange for the headlight lens on a '37 Hudson Terraplane. I am sure some Chrysler products of the period interchange. Lots of people on ebay know nothing about what they are selling, other thanit is for an old car.

 

Huddy42

Dodge used the same lenses.p

dave s

Check with the headlight expert Don Axelrod

35 Timson Street
Lynn, MA 01902                                                                                                     

Phone: (781) 598-0523

37hudterra

How are the lens installed / removed?

Jon B

Very complicatedly, '37Hudterra.  And carefully.  Very carefully.  First place pillows on front bumper to cushion glass if it falls, and lay blankets on fender around and above them.  Unscrew the retaining screw at bottom (if it's the original, you unscrew it, then it drops down but is retained.  If not, unscrew 'til it starts wobbling, indicating it's almost out).  Then press lens downward so bottom starts to move inward and down, and top edge of lens is exposed.  Starting from the exposed edge of lens at 12 o'clock and working clockwise and counter clockwise around the lens rim --  and using a soft yet rigid material like an old credit card -- carefully ease (but don't force) lens out from the shell. When about half the lens is freed, you can grab it and pull it out / up.  A very tricky operation.  Reverse to re-install, then finish by carefully tightening retaining screw so it passes up through retaining spring and captures the hole drilled in the bottom tab that's riveted to the 12 o'clock portion of the reflector.  This holds the reflector rigidly and prevents the lens from being pushed inward (and thus falling out).

Huddy42

Jon, just wondering what they used before credit cards to help pry the light out.lolrofl

37hudterra

Thanks Jon! I couldn't figure it out. 

ken1962

G'day Jon, 

You forgot to add the lens "crackles and tinkles like its seconds from breaking" when you remove/install. I found the lens really doesn't like going back in the bucket. I wouldn't ever remove the lens unless I had a spare or 3 - The first time it attempted can be quite frighting as you need to be quite deliberate yet not forceful pushing it in and down almost like you want to break it but don't want too - as I said don't remove the lens unless you have a spare as you need the confidence of having a backup when it doesn't go to plan - I would use good thin leather gloves in case it shards you   cheers Ken :-) 

Jon B

Frankly, I learned years ago to peel the chrome trim from around the opening of the headlight bucket before I attempt lens removal.  I started at the bottom (where the seam in the chrome trim is) and pried ("prised") it open so it no longer clung to the headlight shell.  Then I carefully pulled it away from the shell, working clockwise (or "anti clockwise", whichever way you prefer).  This gives much more room to get the lens out.  When the lens is back in, I move in revers, sliding the chrome trim back over the exposed edge of the shell opening and pushing it tightly in place as I work around the perimeter.  May not go "by the book" but works every time.