1960 Headlight Trim Ring

[Joe M.]

One of the four holes broke out on the back side and now the screw does not contact the upper corner of the trim ring. There are three remaining screws that hold, but I would like to repair the broken out hole. I used epoxy to hold a small flat washer on the back side, but when I tightened the screw, the epoxy broke loose. The epoxy cannot be built up on the back side or it causes interference with the bracket. The back side of the trim ring hole has to be flat. I assume that brazing would discolor the chrome on the front side. One photo shows the enlarged hole, the other photos shows a normal sized hole.

Is there anyway to fix this?

[John F.]

Re: 1960 Headlight Trim Ring

I would try this. 1) clean up the damaged area with a wire brush/sand paper. 2)place a piece of masking tape on the front to plug the hole. 3)make a little dam around the hole on the back with tape and lay ring flat. 4) mix up a little two part epoxy and pour into the dammed up hole. 5) let sit overnight then drill a hole the size you need. It's worth a shot.

[Donald H.]

Re: 1960 Headlight Trim Ring

I think John has the right idea. Maybe use JB Weld. I'm no expert, but JB Weld seems to hold better for me when I try to do anything like this. I 'repaired' some screw holes in the fiberglass where the dash end caps go. I tried regular epoxy and it didn't hold. Then tried JB Weld and it seems to be much better.

Also, even if it builds up more than you need on the back you can shape it with a small file or dremel with bur

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Headlight Trim Ring

I used a piece of flashing tin to create a "cap" that fit the contour of the back side of the broken out hole; used JB Weld to adhere it to the back of the trim ring; installed it and it is good to go. One more item checked off of my To Do List. I am down to 3 items.

On a different subject, I completed the restoration of one steering wheel (I purchased it) and I could not reproduce the original leather grain, but was able to create a texture with Chip Guard; then painted it, and seal with polyurethane. I am pleased with the results. After practicing on the first wheel, now I am in the process of restoring my original steering wheel. I filled in the cracks on the spokes with epoxy, sanded them down, and buffed the entire wheel with a 240 grit Dremel buffing pad so that the Chip Guard would adhere. Sprayed wheel this morning with Chip Guard; will follow with red paint and polyurethane.

[John F.]

Re: 1960 Headlight Trim Ring

Joe, post some pics when done.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Headlight Trim Ring

I will post of photos when completed. Just applied the first coat of polyurethane and it is starting to look shiny.

The next step will be to re-paint the bell attached to the steering wheel with a orangish-red paint; as much orange paint as I could get English Color to add. This will produce the color contrast between the bell and the turn signal hub that was prevalent on red interiors.