Chrome headlight trim not fitting headlight bowl lip

[Moseley]

The van has always been like this since we bought it, but finally getting round to seeing what is up. I've taken both headlights off and the lip around the bowl looks fine - and has the extra bit of lip on either side to hook the chrome trim on to. However, when it comes to fitting the chrome trim, it hooks over the lip and the screw hole lines up, but half of the trim sits proud and there is a gap - almost as if the chrome trim is slightly too small, or the bowl lip is too large.

I'm assuming that the front panel has been replaced at some point, so not sure if this has something to do with it? I will get some pictures tomorrow if that doesn't make much sense! I'm just convinced something is up, but don't want to start bending / cutting anything until I know what it is.

 

[rlepecha]

Thee trim does 'clip' in place and some force may be required to get it to seat fully.

 

[Moseley]

Right, got some pics to show what I mean. Lip looks ok to me here:

And the trim sits nice and flush on this side.

But leaves a gap at the other: this is the same on both lights, so is something amiss, or do they all sit like that?

 

[rlepecha]

Lip looks fine, as does the ring. Have you tried applying a bit of force to the ring to get it to 'clip' in?

 

[Steve B]

Lip looks fine, as does the ring. Have you tried applying a bit of force to the ring to get it to 'clip' in?

Yeah, you need to push it/force it over the exposed lip still. It's tight, but does go. When this is done, the screw just acts as a back-up really, that's how snug it is.

On the flip side, if it's not moving now, then leave them if you want.

 

[racecarmike]

Hi, I have had a look at my headlamp chrome retaining rings and can only make the following observations. On mine and in the Bentley Official Service Manual only one (@9'oclock, diametrically opposite the large lip) retaining screw is fitted. I see that on yours you have an additional screw. I don't know but was wondering if you have chrome retaining rings from say a Beetle or some other VW? My Bus has also had a new front end fitted at some time in its life (presumably in California prior to it being imported In 2010). I only live on the Worcester side of Hereford if you wanted to view another bus for comparison. Let me know and I'm sure we can arrange it.Mine is not on the road at the moment therefore you would have to visit me.

 

[Whistler]

The left side on mine took me nearly a whole evening to fit. I had to bash the lip on the panel a bit (repo front panel). Right side took one good whack. I presumed even with a **** repo panel they are supposed to be a tight fit. Getting them off I use a big glass sucker.

 

[KateLovesPurple]

Hi, I have had a look at my headlamp chrome retaining rings and can only make the following observations. On mine and in the Bentley Official Service Manual only one (@9'oclock, diametrically opposite the large lip) retaining screw is fitted. I see that on yours you have an additional screw. I don't know but was wondering if you have chrome retaining rings from say a Beetle or some other VW? My Bus has also had a new front end fitted at some time in its life (presumably in California prior to it being imported In 2010). I only live on the Worcester side of Hereford if you wanted to view another bus for comparison. Let me know and I'm sure we can arrange it.Mine is not on the road at the moment therefore you would have to visit me.

The other screw you can see is an aim adjustment screw, there will be two of these meaning 3 screws in total as opposed to the single screw rims used on later lights. The van headlamp rims are the same parts as used on beetles from 68-74 and late type 3's.

The left side on mine took me nearly a whole evening to fit. I had to bash the lip on the panel a bit (repo front panel). Right side took one good whack. I presumed even with a **** repo panel they are supposed to be a tight fit. Getting them off I use a big glass sucker.

Yeah, repro panel + repro rim = way off. Looks like the OP's panel is a repro as well as it has the extra tabs in the bowl needed for fixing later single screw headlamps and rims.

 

[Moseley]

Just got around to taking another look at this yesterday. Tried a bit of force, but there's no way it's coming close before the chrome ring splits open. I can only assume that as suggested, a repro front panel has not got quite so accurate dimensions!

I think I'll try a bit of tweaking and see where it gets me. Van needs mot and last years wasn't great due to headlight adjustment.

 

[Davydomes]

I can only assume that as suggested, a repro front panel has not got quite so accurate dimensions!

Oh dear! Got a repro front panel on ours - looks like we may face the same problem when it's back from the paint shop :|