What’s the H4 trim ring trick?

[garment]

Hi Pelicans - I just had my metal trim rings painted, and tried to install them. The first slipped on with some persuasion. The other will slip into the top of the H4 lamp but I just can’t get it over the headlamp retaining screw at the bottom of the housing. Any installation tricks?

Thanks, Pelicans!

[autojack]

I thrashed around with this for a few hours. In the end I had success with loosely threading the screw first, then pressing the ring into place, with a *snap* at the top. Like you, one went on easily enough and the other fought me. I think I also slightly pressed the ring to deform it in tiny increments.

[RSBob]

Autojack is using the right technique. Get the screw just threaded first then seat the ring and tighten the screw. Sometimes you have to keep considerable pressure on the top of the ring to keep it properly seated. Use painters tape below the ring/screw so you don’t accidentally bugger the paint.

[autojack]

Oh, I didn't use the screw to get it seated. I used it to make sure the ring was oriented just right, because it's an oval. Then I just pressed hard, swore a lot, and repeated until it clicked at the top.

Maybe RSBob's approach is better!

[OldSpool87]

Tape and a long screw driver. The receiving end of that screw is at a funny angle.

[Geronimo]

I just painted the lens ring, less is more right.

[7783911]

I found using old VW headlight seals afforded a much better seal/fit

[AG81]

I fought with the passenger side for a while. It took persuasion and several nasty phrases. I don't understand why one side was so easy and one side was a PITA.