Half headlight covers don't fit on new Victoria? Why?

[Ford56]

As some of you know, my '56 Club Sedan was smashed by Florence, and I recently received a '56 Victoria to replace it. I took off the half headlight covers I had on the Club Sedan, thinking I'd simply install on the new to me, Victoria. No go. On the Club Sedan, I simply removed the headlight bezel, and the half headlight cover lifted off. No screws, nothing. They were just held in place by me screwing the headlight bezel back in place. Now, with the Victoria, no joy. The covers fit perfectly, but there is nothing to hold them in place. They don't fit behind the bezel. What is the difference? I thought the bezel is the same for the Club Sedan and the Victoria?? Enlighten me please.

[KULTULZ]

If by bezel you mean the HEADLAMP DOOR, there is a difference in the F/L and lesser trim models. Same for 1955.

Are you describing an aftermarket sealed beam chromed half cover?

[Ford56]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

If by bezel you mean the HEADLAMP DOOR, there is a difference in the F/L and lesser trim models. Same for 1955.

Are you describing an aftermarket seal beam chromed half cover?

I am describing a aftermarket seal beam chromed half cover, yes. Headlamp door? Okay, I took a wild guess at calling it a bezel.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Ford56

Okay, I took a wild guess at calling it a bezel.

That's OK. You are still on a 30-day probationary period ...

[Lanny]

Originally Posted by Ford56

I am describing a aftermarket seal beam chromed half cover, yes. Headlamp door? Okay, I took a wild guess at calling it a bezel.

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Bezel-Door, both would be a correct name.










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[Daves55Sedan]

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The large sealed beam headlamps were used universally until 1958 when everyone went to the smaller dual headlamps. 1949 (and maybe earlier) through 1955 had the large 6-volt sealed beams, then in '56 the headlamps were the same size, except 12-volts. As far as I know, the headlight retainer ring is interchangeable on the 6-volt and 12-volt headlamps (same diameter).
Possibly your new Vicky has aftermarket headlamp retainer rings that are not exactly like the original rings. Why not try using the rings off the smashed Club Sedan.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Ford56

...I recently received a '56 Victoria to replace it. I took off the half headlight covers I had on the Club Sedan, thinking I'd simply install on the new to me, Victoria. No go. On the Club Sedan, I simply removed the headlight bezel, and the half headlight cover lifted off. No screws, nothing. They were just held in place by me screwing the headlight bezel back in place.

Now, with the Victoria, no joy. The covers fit perfectly, but there is nothing to hold them in place. They don't fit behind the bezel. What is the difference? I thought the bezel is the same for the Club Sedan and the Victoria?? Enlighten me please.

Originally Posted by Daves55Sedan

Possibly your new Vicky has aftermarket headlamp retainer rings that are not exactly like the original rings. Why not try using the rings off the smashed Club Sedan.

That is what I was wondering. I have never had a set or fooled with them but it seems they would be captured by the HDL retaining ring and not the HDL door. If not, the vendor must have offered two styles for either HDL DOOR design if only held by these.

GOOD POINT!

[Ford56]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

That is what I was wondering. I have never had a set or fooled with them but it seems they would be captured by the HDL retaining ring and not the HDL door. If not, the vendor must have offered two styles for either HDL DOOR design if only held by these.

GOOD POINT!

Alas, the old, smashed Club Sedan was hauled off to a salvage yard, trailing a long field of tiny broken bits of glass along the street. It was a sad sight. It is now out of state, getting ready to go to an auction of some type.

I'm thinking the retaining ring is the problem. I'll check on that. Thanks for the ideas.

[Lanny]

I would think you could put a couple dabs of clear silicone on the
upper outer edge, on each of those, and let them dry in place on
the headlights.
Silicone is pretty strong, never gets real hard, but stays somewhat
pliable, so you could remove them if and when you want to.
You can get a little tube of 100% clear silicone at Walmart.




.

[Ford56]

Originally Posted by Lanny

I would think you could put a couple dabs of clear silicone on the
upper outer edge, on each of those, and let them dry in place on
the headlights.
Silicone is pretty strong, never gets real hard, but stays somewhat
pliable, so you could remove them if and when you want to.
You can get a little tube of 100% clear silicone at Walmart.




.

I like the way you think. Effective and cost efficient. I knew someone would come up w/a good idea. Thanks.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Ford56

I took off the half headlight covers I had on the Club Sedan, thinking I'd simply install on the new to me, Victoria. No go. On the Club Sedan, I simply removed the headlight bezel, and the half headlight cover lifted off. No screws, nothing. They were just held in place by me screwing the headlight bezel back in place. Now, with the Victoria, no joy. The covers fit perfectly, but there is nothing to hold them in place. They don't fit behind the bezel.

Having no life and an unlimited amount of time, this quandary finally got the better of me (what little is left)

To Wit -

This is for a pair of chrome steel HALF MOON headlight covers for cars & trucks that use the standard 7" sealed beam headlights. Nice look! These attach under the sealed beam retaining bezel. These are well made and have the upper two holes so the gas filling ports (glass tits) are able to come through the cover. These became popular in the 1950's with hot rodders and customizers. They make a very nice dress up items on the led sleds and low riders bombs of today. They are made of formed chrome plated steel. You would need just one pair for one vehicle.

This description (EvilBay) and below photographs shows correct installation.

These attach under the sealed beam retaining bezel

There is that work bezel again ...

- HEADLAMP RETAINING RING -

[Lanny]

This is from Merriam Webster.


bezel

noun

be·zel | \ˈbē-zəl, ˈbe-\



Definition of bezel




1 : a rim that holds a transparent covering (as on a watch, clock, or headlight) or that is rotatable and has special markings (as on a watch)








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[KULTULZ]

Lanny,

Before this gets out of hand, HEADLAMP DOOR and/or HEADLAMP RETAINING RING are terms used by FORD to describe certain parts. GM and MOPAR sometimes uses different terminology in their descriptions.

The reason(s) is/are it is much easier to ID PARTS descriptions among individuals. Work on a SHOP COUNTER and have techs use varying terms describing wanted parts is pure misery.

The OP posted HDL bezel. My first reaction is exactly what part is being referred to. I am sure others had the same reaction.


If you want to use the term bezel, have at it. But don't beat the subject to death with FUNK and WAGNAL definitions, will 'ya?.

[Lanny]

Yes sir, sir,,,bow to the the new boss in town, sir !

Ya, Websters definitions don't mean anything, do they




.

[Ford56]

Originally Posted by Lanny

This is from Merriam Webster.


bezel

noun

be·zel | \ˈbē-zəl, ˈbe-\



Definition of bezel




1 : a rim that holds a transparent covering (as on a watch, clock, or headlight) or that is rotatable and has special markings (as on a watch)








.

I've most often heard the term "Bezel" but, if certain others like a different identifier, it's all good. Tomato, tamato, whatever........

[Ford56]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Having no life and an unlimited amount of time, this quandary finally got the better of me (what little is left)

To Wit -


This description (EvilBay) and below photographs shows correct installation.


There is that work bezel again ...

- HEADLAMP RETAINING RING -

Those are definitely what I'm talking about. I've got to check the retaining ring situation again on my Victoria. Something still isn't right, but, I'll check it out. Thanks for all the suggestions and help.

[Y-Blockhead]

Headlight Door


Headlight Bezel or Retaining Ring

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Lanny

Yes sir, sir,,,bow to the the new boss in town, sir !

Ya, Websters definitions don't mean anything, do they .

OK....


I see where this is going and I am too damn old to play TAG with MESSAGE BOARD RAMBO.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Ford56

Those are definitely what I'm talking about.

I've got to check the retaining ring situation again on my Victoria. Something still isn't right, but, I'll check it out.

Thanks for all the suggestions and help.

HEY! Thank You for making me think. I need all the stimulation I can get.

[Ford56]

Okay guys, I'm going to plead temporary insanity. There is no other explanation, other than when I removed the half moon eyelid covers, I had an awful lot of things going on, recovering from several damaged buildings, and two smashed cars, and the hurry of getting the headlight door off, I totally forgot, and I do mean totally, forgot, that I also loosened the headlight retaining rings to get at the half moon headlight covers. That ad above from eBay that showed the retaining rings surrounding the half moon headlight covers rang a loud bell way back in the dark recesses of my foggy brain, that reminded me, oh yeah, I had trouble removing those rings since whoever put them on used different screws, both slot type and Phillips type, and I had to go back to get one since I'd only brought the one type w/me. Anyway, I just got back from the garage, and can proudly report, the half moon headlight covers have now been transferred from the Club Sedan to the Victoria. I know you "youngsters" could not possibly care less, but for the "geezers" amongst us, well, you get it. Of course for me, whenever I do something simple like this install, I tend to make it difficult, and in today's case, it involved a hammer (I know, right, you can't imagine why a hammer would be needed, especially by the headlight), but, all's well that end's well. Half moon covers are on, there were no scraped knuckles, and there were a couple of blue words that I'm glad no one heard.

Thanks for jogging my memory, especially to KULTULZ.