427_Roadster

How do you remove just the bulb from the headlight assembly on a '69? Probably a dumb question, but I can't find it in any of the manuals, and if I don't ask, I'll break it.
Thanks...
Tom

Paul L

Is it not a sealed beam unit?

427_Roadster

Got em, thanks...
Just wanted to make sure I wasn't taking more apart than I needed to.
Tom

foundvettelifeisgood

I'm going to assume the 72 is the same as the 69. I went to Autozone and bought 4 halogens (2 hi and 2 low) right off the shelf and changed them all out. The bulbs were about $6 or $8 each. They were a big name like Sylvania or GE. I recommend this, because once you dig in to replacing just one, you'll want to replace them all while you're at it. The new halogens are brighter and much better than the originals, but they look stock.

Just raise the lights and turn off the car with the doors staying up. Take off the 4 screws that hold the body-colored bezel surrounding the lights. Two screws are on the sides and 2 are above the bulbs. The bezel slides out. Be careful not to scratch your paint around the opening. Release the small spring using needle nose pliers that links the trim ring to the headlight door and pull the bulb with the trim rings on away from the ajustment screws enough so you can unhook the wire coupling from the bulb. The trim ring flanges just sit in the adjustment screws, so don't turn the adjustment screws. Unplug the bulb and pull it out.

All that was easy. Where it can get tough is unscrewing the 31 year old small phillips head screws that hold the trim rings to the headlight bulbs. Use some wd-40 or blaster if the screws won't come without stripping them. I think you only have to get 2 of the 3 to loosen in order to slip the new bulb into the trim. You'll want to hit the trim rings with a fine steel wool to clean the edges while the bulb is out. I was lucky not to strip any screws, but I was worried with all twelve screws. I wasn't able to budge one or two of them, but I was lucky to get at least two off of each bulb.

Just reverse the steps to put it all back.

It's a fun and simple little cheap project with great results. Email me if you have any questions along the way.

Jay

:cheers:

427_Roadster

Thanks Jay,
That's exactly what I found. Got 2 of the three retaining screws out on each side and was able to pull the headlight out. Didn't think to do the halogens though, probably would have made a nice difference. Was suprised that the high beams were only $4 each and they had them on the shelves. Might be the cheapest part I've replaced so far!
:cheers:
Tom

RobMc1963$

Found this thread and my bezel will not just pull out. Light is a little lower than bezel needs to pull out. Is there a way to make the light go gigher so I can replace the bulbs? pulling up on light assembly did not seem to do the trick.
Rob

Mooser

You should really start a new thread for this
But to answer your question, on the side of the lights there is an up-stop bracket with an adjustable stop (should have a rubber cushion on the stop bolt as well) if you loose the stop or remove the bracket from the side of the light it should allow it to rise a little more if that's all you need
M

RobMc1963$

Thank you for your help. I will remember to start a new thread next time. So sorry.

kodpkd

Does your car have the fiber optic indicators? A standard bulb wont have the fiber optic nipple on the back side.

Mooser

Good point, I believe it's a 73 based on the avatar so no fiber
M

kodpkd

He did say '69.

Mooser

That's from the original poster back in 2002...
M

kodpkd

OH! I didn't see someone revived such an old post. Maybe the OP is a procrastinator? Ha....

RobMc1963$

Now I see whyI need to start a new thread. Sorry again. Newbie here.