Headlamp assembly problem- questions

[getsmartguy]

Hi Alpine friends, I have a question for the group. I noticed recently that the headlight appeared to be loose on the drivers side of my My 67 Alpine. Upon inspection it appeared that one of the two screws that go into the assembly and into the body of the car was loose, possibly stripped. I got a few replacement screws, and that’s when I discovered there was nothing behind the assembly to held the screw in! there is a screw hole in the body of the car, but nothing behind it to screw into.

I’m a beginner at this, and could use some expert advice on how the headlamp assembly is supposed to connect to the car- is there something missing on my car? And what would you recommend I do to fix it?

Attached are a couple photos. Many thanks,

Steve
Aka ”Get Smart Guy”

 

[DanR]

Steve it is possible to utilize a bolt thru the hole, add a flat and a lock washer with a nut.

 

[getsmartguy]

Steve it is possible to utilize a bolt thru the hole, add a flat and a lock washer with a nut.

Thanks Dan, How do I get back there however without lifting the car up where I can reach in? I don't have a lift.

 

[getsmartguy]

What does the original car use to secure the screws?

 

[Warren]

Why not put a spring steel speed nut in the fender?

 

[Tom H]

It's been a while since I had this part of my Alpine apart, but I think you need to put one of these speed nuts onto that flange of the fender where the hole is.

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You might have to remove the other screws holding the assembly in to get to install that speed nut

 

[volvoguys]

Headlamp buckets are originally riveted (3) in place at the factory and need to be drilled out. The alternative is a wide, shallow-head machine screw with a nylock behind.

 

[mikephillips]

Yes, I've gotten stainless rivets to use when replacing them. And be sure to get the headlamp adjuster kit, plastic inserts for the bucket and metal screws that hold the headlamp itself to the bucket and allow side to side, up and down aiming. Along with a fresh gasket to the fender, should be the most you might need

 

[getsmartguy]

What does the original car use to secure the screws?

There might have been a clip at one time but there seems to be only one of the, now, the other two are gone, so I found and ordered more clips from sunbeam specialties, now it’s nice and tight. Thanks to you and everyone for the advice.

 

[getsmartguy]

Headlamp buckets are originally riveted (3) in place at the factory and need to be drilled out. The alternative is a wide, shallow-head machine screw with a nylock behind.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[getsmartguy]

Yes, I've gotten stainless rivets to use when replacing them. And be sure to get the headlamp adjuster kit, plastic inserts for the bucket and metal screws that hold the headlamp itself to the bucket and allow side to side, up and down aiming. Along with a fresh gasket to the fender, should be the most you might need

I went to Home Depot and found a stainless steel tapered screw that matches the headlight rim screw on the rh side headlight, and bought the clips that were missing from sunbeam specialties. I didn’t think to order a headlampm- adjuster kit but that’s a good idea. Any idea whether replacing the headlamps with brighter led ones will work with existing wiring? These originals are pretty dim, lol

 

[hartmandm]

I replaced my headlamps with LEDs bought from fellow Sunbeamer Joe Parlanti (Veloce Solutions LLC). Huge improvement in brightness and much less current draw. Used the stock wiring. No changes needed.

Mike

 

[mikephillips]

I've know folks who have done the LED with no issues and yours as a negative ground should work fine with 7in off the shelf. For those with earlier cars still positive ground, remember that LEDs are polarity sensitive.

 

[Silver Creek Sunbeam]

I replaced my headlamps with LEDs bought from fellow Sunbeamer Joe Parlanti (Veloce Solutions LLC). Huge improvement in brightness and much less current draw. Used the stock wiring. No changes needed.

Mike

Same here...I don't drive my Alpine a lot at night but MAN do those LED's make a difference, especially if you're away from an urban area...so no streetlights. I went with Joe's full kit, all the way around the car.

 

[hartmandm]

I actually had to do a headlamp alignment after installing the LEDs, so I wasn't blinding the oncoming traffic.

Mike

 

[wtaylor]

I have the LEDs from Holley and love them. I can see at night now.

Retrobright Official Site: Sealed Beam LED Headlights

Holley RetroBright products are designed to bring modern lighting solutions to your classic vehicle, without taking anything away from its timeless looks. From LED headlights that have the appearance of a standard sealed-beam but have the output of modern technology, to replacement bulbs that...

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