1971 Cutlass
Is it correct to assume that the HL Retaining Ring is held in place by 3 Metal Screws? that are right next to the HL Adjust Screws. REF - Part # 5962345/6
Cant get them to move and i hate the thought of stripign the phillips head screw. I put my small hand impact driver on a couple of the screws and still not moving and i hate to hit to hard.
Any thoughts???????????
Love these simple jobs

THANKS AGAIN GUYS. Think ill try Roger's suggestion first. Seeing how his Olds is the same color as mine it should work. Will let u know.

FOLLOWUP:
Roger's suggestion worked. The buckets r out and on the bench. It took my 1,100 deg Heat Gun to convince the screws to break loose. Interesting screw - combo of a 8-32-sheet metal-self tapping.

 

They should be sheet metal screws and easy to remove. Make sure the screw driver fits well.

 

Oh no I've had them seized here in salty Michigan. You can unscrew the adjusters all the way and then unhook the spring and take out the headlight and bucket as one. PIA but can be done. then you can heat or do whatever needed to get out screws. Good luck.

 

Yes, the three phillips head screws, and yes they get rusted in place. I've had good luck loosening them with a DeWalt impact driver and a brand new, high quality phillips bit.

 

Just worked through the headlights on the 72 Cutlass. Since I was into working over much of the right front and side of the car, I removed the assembly and worked it over on the bench. This requires grille removal (not difficult)and then the complete assembly can be taken out by removing three 1/4” cap screws from the back side. My plastic trim was broken but I think that it could come off the car attached to the metal headlight assembly. The three small screws holding the trim ring are machine screws on my car. I think 6-32’s. Not plated, so rusty. I blasted and painted it all, back on the car now.


Off the car



Trim rings off, revealing the light bulb holders. They are held in place at two Adjuster screws and one retaining spring. Grabbed the spring with a vice grip and it came up and off fairly well



Sand blasted it all, except trim rings. Lacquer thinner to remove previous red overspray and then ammonia based metal polish. They cleaned up well



Complete assembly after cleanup and paint.

 

I've found "should" is a very subjective word...many things that "should" be, aren't!

I just went through the same thing with my headlights, there was no way the screws were budging (and I already had the assemblies on my workbench). I found some penetrating oil followed by vicegrips on the backside of the screw got them loose enough to remove. Replaced with stainless metal screws to fit.