Outer Chrome Ring for BDR Headlight

Philip Messer · #1 (**permalink**) 11-10-2006, 11:49 AM

I am re-assembling BDR #101 following the damage caused by the Phoenix trash truck backing into my drivers-side front end (OUUCCHH!!!).

A new front end and left fender were fabbed in S. Africa (thanks Reg!) and a super repair specialist did a great job in fitting the new pieces and finishing the car with a paint job that is super! Reg sent me a new headlight assembly with the same serial numbers as the damaged headlight. The new assemlby fits OK, but, unfortunately, the chrome ring that fits over the headlight and up to the rubber gasket between the chrome ring and the fiberglass body is thinner by 3/16 of an inch. The replacement chrome ring is metal and the original damaged ring was chromed plastic.

Does any one know where I can get a proper-fit chrome headlamp ring? I heard that the headlight assembly was off of a VW--any confirmation on this? I have contacted Reg, but he has not responded back yet!

Cashburn · #2 (**permalink**) 11-10-2006, 12:18 PM

Need to call and make sure this one is plastic, but I'm pretty sure you want one of these: http://www.bugcity.com/cgi-bin/WebSt...chcd=311941177

I believe they went to the plastic rings in 1977. That should help.

UPDATED:
You may want to make it easier and go right to: http://www.finishlineaccessories.com...roducts_id=186

Speedysnake · #3 (**permalink**) 11-10-2006, 01:07 PM

Jay,

Are those two items identical??

If so, quite a price difference.

If not, which is correct?

Cashburn · #4 (**permalink**) 11-10-2006, 01:13 PM

I don't know if they are identical. I do know the Finishline part is what came with the car for sure. The other might be the same.

salesco · #5 (**permalink**) 11-12-2006, 08:53 PM

same problem on car 169, car comes with thin plastic one. finishline has metal one. you need to replace both, the metal one looks better anyway.
look at the post "Looking for photo of Titanium BDR with no stripes" scroll down and look at the red car. right headlight ring was smashed so i replaced both
chuck

Cashburn · #6 (**permalink**) 11-20-2006, 05:39 AM

Phil,
Are you all set?

Philip Messer · #7 (**permalink**) 11-20-2006, 08:42 AM

I just received the Bugline headlight ring this morning and its not the right replacement. I am now going to order the Finishline product. Perhaps I should send them a picture of my good headlight ring with dimensions or review it with them over the phone prior to ordering!

The good news is BDR #101 is back on the road! The front end fiberglass body work and paint turned out fantastic! The radiator replacement that Reg sent had the same ID numbers but was 1 5/8 inches wider than the original radiator and the bottom hose outlet was several inches lower than the original. It took some surgery to the fiberglass mounting bracket and some serious searching for a bottom radiator hose, but everything assembled quite nicely. And now I have a bit more cooling capacity for the hot summer days here in Phoenix.

I put a new Mustang Cobra in my rear view mirror yesterday and it felt great!

The chicks are back!

Phil

Philip Messer · #8 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 11:51 AM

I recieved the Finishline headlight ring as noted in a previous thread above. It's metal and the correct one with the correct fit!

Thanks for the help!

Phil

Trueoo7 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 01:36 PM

Phil
Is the Finishline ring metal or plastic?

Cashburn · #10 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 02:34 PM

It is metal.

Philip Messer · #11 (**permalink**) 01-19-2007, 10:32 AM

True007,

Cashburn is correct, the chrome ring is metal. I did state that in my thread! My other headlight ring is the original chrome over plastic. I am going to order another new chrome metal ring. They will look nice together!!

Cashburn · #12 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 08:34 PM

I found something very interesting with the chrome metal rings. I need to confirm some final fitting once the second one gets here but I think we have a pretty nice way to clean up the headlight area a little. Details/photos soon.

Trueoo7 · #13 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 09:14 PM

Jay
Any updates on this yet?

Cashburn · #14 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 07:09 PM

We will be selling a kit very soon to clean it up like this:

Trueoo7 · #15 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 09:45 PM

Are those the original rings that come with the car? Aside from removing the gaskets did you do anything else?

Cashburn · #16 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 06:00 PM

These are metal... yours are plastic

Gaskets are still onboard.

RMHINC · #17 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 09:06 AM

I had mine done at Vintage. What a difference! It looks nice and finished.My car was in for the 100 mile service so I had them do some extra things.I did the starter button,new fuel line with fuel pressure gauge and I had the under side of my hood metal plated. Check out Vintage-motorsports.com & go to photo gallery. My car is BDR # 435. The hood looks so cool,I can't wait to open the hood in the sping

jp65cobra · #18 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 01:22 PM

I ordered the new metal trim rings and started working on them last night. I wish Vintage was in San Diego. When I work on the house I am good at doing the rough stuff like putting up walls but when it comes to trim like these headlight trim rings I hate doing it.

JP

Cashburn · #19 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 02:02 PM

Trust me, there are days that I wish Vintage was in San Diego as well

ROUSHAC · #20 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 06:01 PM

Rick,

That metal paint on the underside of the hood looks unbelievably nice!

Looks like a trip down there to have it done on mine this Fall.
You guys HAVE to stop posting pics of all the cool stuff available.

My wife already refers to me as her soon to be late husband.

Cheers!
Dave