Headlights And Grill Vent Question

Before I scratch the heck out of the chrome by prying, is there a trick to getting this trim off? It’s giving me a hard time.



Next, should I block or remove this air scoop/intake? I’ll never have stock heater. I guess this is for heater air?!?

 

Should pop right off you twist it around a bit

 

Being recessed I’m going to look around for a plastic pry thingy of some type.

 

Remove the screw from the bottom pull out on the bottom and push it up to pop it out of the top clip.

 

After prying a bit I laid it down and found the screw. Hopefully didn’t damage anything.

 

What is the chrome retaining ring called? I’ll need to replace this.

 

Never mind it’s called a headlight retaining ring

 

Interesting, the older (style) deeper ring is in lots better shape than the newer (style) ring. I’m not at all sure about which is newer but looking at parts online seems like the deeper ring is discontinued?

 

just remove it and cover the hole with sheet metal

 

If the new ring has the tabs just bent over it’s a repop. The original ring will have the tabs spot welded on. What’s wrong with leaving the hole in the grill? If your going to cover it, cut a sheet metal piece and use the original screws to attach.

 

That screened hole not only supplied fresh air to the heater core, but it also directed fresh outside air into the interior, or if directed, to the windshield. There is a flap in the heater box to close off the heat from flowing to the interior. I prefer to keep the ventallation system intact, even if the heater core isn't operational. Connect an appropriate hose from the grill to the heater box and you might be suprised how effective it is at road speeds.
That rusty headlight retainer is not a newer style and certainly is not an original part. The one with white overspray is original, and as you see, is of much higher quality. It will likely clean up like new.
-Donny

 

If you take off the heater vent, others here on the forum might use it for restoring theirs.

 

Possible. I've had a couple for sale for years...

 

Or white vinegar?

 

Yeah, just wire-wheel and paint it. You could also treat the rust. I like this Permatex product - https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-81773-Rust-Treatment-oz/dp/B000HBNX38 Functionally, it looks fine to me.

 

Well thanks guys. I’ll try to reuse these. Clean it, treat it, paint it, use it.