36 Ford Sedan headlight bezel removal

A

acereske

Junior Member
My headlight lens is slightly loose and I purchased grommets to firm them up. After loosening the clamp on the bottom of the bezel I tried to remove the bezel. No luck as I didn't want to force it breaking something. What's the secret?
 
It is easy. Just use a thin screwdriver blade. Pry a little, and move around the bezel. Do it with a towel under the lens so as not to damage the lens.
 
You may have to pry it off, I suggest a plastic putty knife or other plastic tool to try it up slightly and not scratch or chip glass. There is a cork gasket that fits in the perimeter of the reflector 1/4" X 1/4" square you can get the gasket and other parts from Third Gen Auto.
 
Do not pry all the way around the bezel, especially nowhere near the top as you might do damage if you do. Start at the bottom and work up each side. You likely will not have to go very far up the sides before the bezel is free of the housing at the bottom. Then lift up and out, not just out as there is a spring steel retainer at the top that secures the bezel to the lamp housing.
 
I think the head light bucket has a small raised bump on each side (at the 9 & 3 o'clock location)which the lens bezel snaps over.That could be what's preventing easily popping off the bezel.That's where I would carefully pry it off.
 
deuce lover said:
I think the head light bucket has a small raised bump on each side (at the 9 & 3 o'clock location)which the lens bezel snaps over.That could be what's preventing easily popping off the bezel.That's where I would carefully pry it off.
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Correct, I learned a lot of new curse words when I worked on mine, of course anytime dealing w/80 yr old parts anything is possible, I find these lights very frustrating but they look so nice when together, IMHO. Good luck, take your time and do not rush, very easy to break or bend something and replacement parts are not easy to find or cheap unless you have a good stash.
 
At least Ford was consistent. I have the exact problem with my '51. The passenger side comes off easily, but I can't get the drivers side off to save my soul. I think at some time, the bezel got dropped or bumped and became distorted in such a way as to make it almost unremoveable.

I'll be trying again when I get back to Mnnesota.
 
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