Weld in new headlight bucket

[Zithlord]

Is it possible to weld? in a new bucket for the headlight in the fronfender? If so who sells them? The old bucket has rusted thru at the point where one on the screws from the headlight is supposed to go thru/attach. The rest of the fender is fine.


John

[boba]

Yes, Restoration Design is one source. There are 3 versions: SWB, '69-'73, and '74 on. Ask me how I know. Not all reproductions are a correct fit. Again ask me how I know.
Regards,
Bob Aines

[Zithlord]

Thanks Bob, I will try Restoration Design.

John

[Sacto S]

After the new bucket is welded in, cleaned and primed, use a long handled brush with a small head to apply a even layer of seam sealer over the weld.
The area around the headlight bucket collect a lot of road dirt. That dirt is like a sponge holding water against the metal.

[Gearbox]

When you take out the old headlight bucket look at how deep the fender flange holding the bucket is on the inside of the fender. Not much material to work with. Since the bucket is spot welded to this I decided not to damage this flange too much by drilling out the numerious spots. Instead, I used a thin rotary grinding disc, cut away the bucket, 1/2" back from the flange, and then carefully ground the spots off the remaining bucket only. Then with a small cold chisel, start popping the bucket off. If you did the grinding correctly, it should go quickly. Use a 3M soft abrasive disc on an air tool and clean off the flange to bare metal.

Get the new bucket and polish off the area to contact the flange to bare metal as well. Instead of welding, I suggest using the 3M body panel epoxy. The bucket is not a structural part and the epoxy is used to hold quarter panels on with new cars. The finished product will look factory and you won't have to apply heat to the seasoned fender. Good luck Allan

[Zithlord]

The epoxy tip is great Allan, thanks!

John