H4's and bucket issues...

[tobluforu]

Why, why does this happen?
Anyhoo, I'm installing H4's on my 72 (euro's) and yes about a year ago I said I would never change out my sugar scoops, but times change. Here's the issue... the driver’s side went right in, but the passenger side will not. There has been body work on the fender, and there is not way that I can get the light assembly to stay attached to the top part of the bucket. I have bent the thin tab on the bucket and I have basically bent the crap out of the chrome ring on the light assembly (have black trim rings to go over) to try and get it to stay attached to the top of the bucket, but it’s not going happen. I have tried with out the gasket and no matter what I do, when I tighten the bottom screw, it raises the light assembly up and the top pops right off. The only idea I have is to cut some sheet metal, bend it just right, and JB weld it on the inside of the bucket because I need about 1\16 of an inch so the damn light will stay attached. I spent about two hours trying to figure this out, and this is the only thing I can come up with. There really isn’t any weight on the top tab, so I'm thinking that JB and some sheet metal might do the trick? Anyone have this issue?
Thanks

[R_Builder]

Try a spacer on the bottom between the light assembly and the tab in the bucket? That would keep the whole thing from moving back as much when you tighten it down. If it doesn't move back as far, it can't move up as far...

[bkreigsr]

After losing a light going over a pothole in my 73, I drilled two holes through the bucket, fed a long zip tie in (and out) and caught one of the holes in the headlight assembly from the wheel well side. I then sealed the holes with a silicon sealant. 20+ years and no issues.
Bill K

[tobluforu]

R_builder-Tried that as well, and the damn thing still pops off.
Bkreigsr-That sounds like a great idea to me, will give it shot and post back.
Thanks

[bkreigsr]

The down side is that you have to re-do the whole process to swap out burnt bulbs. No big deal, but not as easy as if it were attached the factory way. If you are using the 'city' lights, I suggest you start out with a new one for the initial 'cheater' install.
(My fix was originally intend to be short-term until I replaced the zip ties with some stainless window sash chain, but it turns out the zip ties are pretty darn strong.)
Bill K

[tobluforu]

Not going to use the city lights, and to be honest I really don't drive this car much at night so I'm hoping the the new bulbs will last 10 years or so. My car is somewhat cobbled, so this doesn't bother me one bit and sounds like it will work.
Will let you know how it goes because I was at wits end and was about to put the old scoops back on. The reason that side fit with the old scoop was because I bent it just right before I shot it with paint.

[ivangene]

this sounds like a bad fit up.. you should really just sell the things and stick with the scoops...

BTW I might consider buying them from you if they are cheap

[tobluforu]

Originally Posted by bkreigsr

The down side is that you have to re-do the whole process to swap out burnt bulbs. No big deal, but not as easy as if it were attached the factory way. If you are using the 'city' lights, I suggest you start out with a new one for the initial 'cheater' install.
(My fix was originally intend to be short-term until I replaced the zip ties with some stainless window sash chain, but it turns out the zip ties are pretty darn strong.)
Bill K

Well, this worked out awesome because I just installed it this way and it fits great. Thanks for the tip!

[rattlsnak]

All the reasons why I went with H5's instead of H4s!