[alfa] Re: alfa-digest V9 #1122 Spider Headlight covers

["George Schweikle" <schweikg@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Biba,

To further others comments; the headlight buckets should align correctly
from the inside of the fender if you drilled the holes to mount on the three
inside studs. I did this installation on '71 and '76 Spiders, and it was a
simple job with no bodywork necessary. Both cars had the three rearward
facing studs, and the rectangular slots in the surrounding sheet metal for
the headlight cover tabs. The trim ring Russ Neely mentioned is a thin,
U-shaped item with the U profile facing outwards. This is slipped over the
bare edge of the opening, and overlaps the edge by 1/8 in. or so.

As it happens, a friend just bought a pretty rough Duetto, and is
disassembling the front end. The car has flush-mounted headlights, but no
covers. I will see this later today, and will examine the headlight area to
describe to you. If I can figure out my new digital camera, I will try to
get some pictures. There may be some difference between the round tail and
square tail cars.

George Schweikle
Lexington, KY

>
> Date: Fri, 06 Feb 2004 13:49:24 -0700
> From: alfacybersite <acs@domain.elided>
> Subject: [alfa] Spider headlamp covers
>
> Russ, thanks for the information. Must admit I haven't tried this before
> but just stuck a complete headlight / bucket behind one of the '69
> Spider's opening (so to speak) and am even more confused. There are
> three tabs each with  a 5 mm bolt facing towards the rear. If after
> cutting off the bottom tab which holds the (US ) headlight rim, the
> bucket could be slipped on. However, there would be a huge gap all
> around the edge with the headlight just barely coming up even to the
> nacelle's headlamp mount. I got out the Euro and all else but U.S. parts
> book and 'their' bucket is definitely different. Still I don't see how
> the 'system' is supposed to work.
>
> I thought about grinding off the outer flange on the bucket, then
> mounting it from behind. Counting the rubber gasket, this would only
> move the assembly back about .25" (7 mm). The adjustment / headlamp /
> retainer would remain on the outside. What does one then use to cover
> all the exposed 'hardware'? Also, adjustment would be limited and
> perhaps some serious grinding might be necessary. Not knocking it, but
> the IAP cover kit only includes what I would term stainless edging.
>
> I wished I'd paid more attention to the Round-tails with the Carello
> headlight covers at shows. Anyone have some good detail shots?
>
> Biba
> Irwindale, CA USA
>
> ************
>
>  I assume when one fits the unit Behind the headlight nacelle and
> removes the round plate on the forward wheelwell panel, the rear of the
> headlamp bucket sticks through the hole. If so, is there a gasket
> available or does one use a U shaped rubber molding or...?
> Biba
>  Irwindale, CA USA
>
> *******
> >
> >      The headlight bucket does not stick through the hole.  The hole
> > is there to remove the rear of the bucket to replace the bulb.  I have
> > a European head light bucket around here somewhere.  It has a clip so
> > the rear is removable.  That was back in the days when the Europeans
> > got replaceable bulbs using the same reflector.  Our wonderful gumment
> > in its infinite wisdom proclaimed that all USA drivers must have
> > sealed beam lights.    The bolts on the back of the fender disappeared
> > some time in the late 1970's.  On my 82, I welded in some 5 mm bolts
> > on tabs to hold the headlight bucket behind the fender.  That made
> > changing bulbs a pain and adjusting the headlight aim difficult, but
> > it looked better in my opinion.    The hole in the fender splash
> > shield disappeared about the same time as the bolts on the inside of
> > the fender.  I do not recall there ever being a rubber gasket in the
> > early examples I have around here somewhere. Ciao,
> > Russ Neely
> > Oklahoma City
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