Headlamp rims

[Whitephrog]

I'm having trouble installing my headlamp rims. I believe that I have everything beneath the rims installed properly. The rims just seem to be a bit too tight to fit down on the rubber gasket. I've tried a reproduction rim from NOS Locators and a OEM rim with the same results. How much force is necessary to pop these into place? Do I need to lubricate the rubber gasket?

 

[smaceng]

Based on your chassis #, you have the earlier design, while I have the later design. When I tried and tried to fit the dust seal, it just would not go all together. I gave up and left the dust seal off and they have been fine for the last year.
Scott in CA

 

[fairmounter]

My one trim ring has a dimple on top, the other one does not. Anyone know why or maybe some years had a dimple and some did not? 1972 Midget

 

[RickB]

My 78 has dimples.
I'll take a look at the MK1 Midget & MK2 Sprite in a few minutes and get back to you.

 

[jlaird]

This is the headlight trim ring, right.

The orginal had a chrome plated brass rivit in the top of each.

Poor repros have a dimple.

Golly only knows the orgian of the rivit but you know the ring was used orginally on somthing that required a top screw or something.

 

[RickB]

Thanks Jack, mine have the chrome plated rivets.

Haven't seen the dimples actually but I trust your experience.

 

[Whitephrog]

This is the outer trim ring. I have a decent set of OEM rings and a nice reproduction set from NOS Locators. Both have the rivet rather than the dimple. The OEM has an "L" spaced piece on the underside that is held in place by the rivet.

 

[RickB]

Trying to remember, do they go on at an angle then twist clockwise so the rivet is at 12:00 high?