SherpaPilot

I realize this is a complex question and not for everyone but I think this forum is my best bet for an answer. I am in the process of having my 65 coupe repainted. In preparation, I removed almost everything I could to minimize my costs. I downloaded the information posted within this forum to assist in the headlight assembly removal. During this process I found only one retainer washer (the one with the set screw) fitted to the right assembly side only. This tells me Bubba was in here at some point and cut a few corners during the reassemble. Every diagram I have seen indicates two of these retainers positioned at the outer side of each outboard assembly. Most of the vendors indicates 4 of these are required. Who is correct?

Does anyone have any experience in assembling these components? I am inclined to believe the assembly manual which shows only the two are needed. Although the car is still in paint, I want to get as much organized as possible while I have the chance.

Thanks for your input. Don

LSUvetteguy

Retainer washer with a set screw? Could you mean the headlight spacer? Two required on the outboard pivot shafts and they are outside of the outer pivot support.

JohnZ

The headlight Y-stop serves the same spacing purpose at the inboard end as the retainer with the setscrew does at the outboard end. Note that the Y-stop must be indexed to the splines on the shaft as shown in the photo below. Also attached Dave Zuberer's excellent piece on how all the parts go together.

SherpaPilot

Perfect... That was the answer to my question. Yes, some of the diagrams I have seen refer to the part as a spacer and others called it a washer. The Y-Stop's position also makes sense as it prevents lateral movement outboard. I truly appreciate the quick responses, thanks.

Don

vettsplit 63

John- Thanks for your help..... I am going to put the buckets back in my car this weekend. PS what is the best grease to use if using the nylon *****.. Thks

bowtie racing

Great info again

vettsplit 63

After much lip biting, contortioning and generally being very tense about boogering up the new paint- got both the buckets in. Absolutely could not have done it without help. Got my little wife to help hold stuff in place while I started the bolts going to the headlite ball cups on the back side of the header bar. That has to be the most stressful part of this restoration so far!! The link and exploded view pictures were very helpful.. Thanks much

gbvette62

Next time your installing headlights (or doors, hood, windshield trim, etc.), put some blue painters tape around all the edges of the painted parts your working with. This way, if you bump parts together or slip with a tool, the tape will protect your paint. The tape peels off easily afterwards, without hurting the new paint.

vettsplit 63

Yeah, I did-- but I still get really nervous when painted parts touch one another..... sounds like two ships colliding when you are already tense. That is a very good tip, though