Options for Headlamp Adjusters

Discussion in 'Chassis restoration' started by DasRottweiler, Sep 2, 2018.

  1. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    Looking for new replacements for my headlite adjusters on my 70 Skylark.
    All of the 48 year old adjusters keep popping out of the core support. Time to change em out.....Jim
     
  2. mrolds69

    mrolds69 "The Cure"

    I don't think you should have to really change them out unless it's cosmetic. They don't really snap in easy. The clips are metal and sometimes you got to whack them with a deep socket to get them to seat.
     
    OHC JOE likes this.
  3. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    All my originals and spares from stripped cars are worn out. The metal clips are broken so they won't hold in core support.
    I did find some at Summit Racing, and will be trying them.....Jim
     
  4. copperheadgs1

    copperheadgs1 copperheadgs1

    Pretty sure Cars sells them?
     
  5. OHC JOE

    OHC JOE Mullet Mafia since 2020

    Just bought a bunch of these on eBay
    Worked well
    None of the local parts stores had them
     

    Attached Files:

  6. Matt Knutson

    Matt Knutson Well-Known Member

    I have seen the correct ones on the "Help" rack in auto parts stores. Dorman 42125C should be the number. Also, make sure the metal at the opening of the core support is flat. You may need a dolly and a light tap with the body hammer.
     
  7. Matt Knutson

    Matt Knutson Well-Known Member

    Last edited: Sep 5, 2018
  8. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    Thank for your replies and the Dorman part # . Appreciated, Jim
     
    OHC JOE likes this.
  9. GSX 554

    GSX 554 Gold Level Contributor

  10. gstewart

    gstewart Well-Known Member

  11. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    Local Autozone was the only place to have Dorman 42125. Advanced, Sanel, Federated all came up empty. They required payment before ordering them, so I took the ride and ordered enough to do all 4 headlight buckets. Jim
     
  12. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    Got enough to do all four lights. 8 in total.
    If you do yours , I suggest you buy enough to do 2 cars as several will end up in the trash. First of all, the entire system relies on four tiny metal clips that bend outta shape if you look at em wtong. All being yanked on by a spring that is far too strong.
    One of GMs dumb ideas. Took me over an hour to get all 8 in correctly . Then onto the buckets. Got em in the correct order, CDBA. Mounted 1 outter light without much of a struggle . Next one , spent forever , adjusters kept popping out . Even took em apart, spun the black insert around and inserted it in core support from reverse, inside engine compartment. Still no luck, bucket would pop outta adjusters when taut. Now I don't have much confidence in the remaining adjusters I installed. I went in the house before I got any more upset .
    I may find myself sum nuts with internal threads that match the adjusters external threads, mig em to the rear of the core support and toss all this whimpy plastic, thin metal crap in the trash where it belongs.......
    Rant over.....Jim/Rott
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2018
    Harlockssx likes this.
  13. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    I had similar problems with a ‘79 Trans Am. The Dorman replacements were made from Chinesium plastic and wouldn’t hold the threaded rod against the pull from the springs. I had to put washers and nuts on the back side to stop it. Wasn’t pretty but it worked.
    Patrick
     
  14. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    Fought for an hour or so with adjusters, springs, and buckets. Ended up trashing 4 outta 8 of the new Dorman adjusters. Used 4 original ones . Git er done. Reinstalled my headlight bezels , bolted bumper back in place . I had taped up the fenders and loosened it abit to facilitate bezel removal. Glad to be done with that. Jim
     

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