Headlight Trim Rings on my BE - Removal - Best Methods

[Jim_Gruber]

So the headlights on Bugsy my 60 BE appear to be OEM Originals. That would imply the Trim Rings have not been off of the car since color was changed to a Ford Blue from the original Nevada Beige many, many years. One headlight has a burnt out lower beam and is blackened around the top of the headlight housing and the other is just dim period. Going to Halogen and Relays, purchased a kit off of Amazon which consists of a set of ceramic sockets, male sockets that the original wiring plugs into, Relays, fuses, power and ground. Simple to hook up and this will work until new harness is purchased which will incorporate a set of relays. For $25 I can't take the time to source materials, build it up, and install. Time is money as well. And since I could not find non Halogen lamps in O'Reillys last week this will work tewmporarily.

So the big question, any other bright ideas on removing the trim rings which appear to be bonded to the rubber gasket other than a very long strap wrench wrapped around the headlight ring. These will be replaced eventually as chrome is fogged but they just might buff out so don't want to damage if I can help it. And of course I can't find my strap wrench, Time for a trip to the hardware store.

 

[Gerard]

The original Bugeye headlight ring is secured by a single screw at the bottom. If it is present, it is accessible via a small hole at bottom of the recess in the bonnet. Remove the screw, and use a wide blade screw driver or putty knife as near the bottom as you can access to pry the ring forward. it will pop off. I think you'll more damage with a strap wrench... not sure if that would even work.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Glad I asked Gerard as that is not the way the trim rings were on my '68 that my brain was using for reference. Repair to lawnmower first then Bugsy is on the list for today.

 

[59diamond]

Until recently I thought the holes under the headlights were to let rain drain. Now i know that they are there to adjust the headlights and remove the trim rings. I bought new trim rings for my BE from I think the Little British Car Company and they look great. I still have the old ones that could be original that you can have if yours wont shine up. Anyway they don't cost much to replace.

 

[59diamond]

Actually I got them from Moss. They are part number 164-002 and are $21.79 each or $43.58 for a pair .
I will send you a picture of my old ones and my new ones.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Thanks Bill, I'll let you know.