63 Headlight Bucket Metal to Fibreglass conversion

[David Hicks]

My 63 SWC came with a set of metal headlight buckets installed. Unfortunately there was also some damage to the RHS and the bondo has shifted and cracked the paint. As I planned on a paint job this spring anyway, I would like to the the conversion back to the correct fibreglass skins done at the same time.

Has anyone done this and can you tell me whether I should be looking to replace or acquire additional hardware. I would like to have it all lined up long before spring hits.

While we're on the subject, does anyone know the best place to pick up the HL skins ... LongIsland Corvette seems the best deal I can find.

I'm also looking for a couple of black dash board pads ... so best place for those too.

Thanks

Dave

[Stephen G.]

Re: 63 Headlight Bucket Metal to Fibreglass conver

David

My 63 came with one 64 headlamp bucket. It's a direct swap once you have the parts.

You will need to find some 63 fiberglass buckets and front bezels via Driveline classifieds or elsewhere. Long Island (to my knowledge) only sells 64 and up metal buckets. The front bezels on a 63 are also different. They screw on with 2 front screws and 2 botton screws. The bezels from 64 and up screw on with 2 side screws and 2 bottom screws.

I don't remember for sure but I believe that the headlamp buckets (internal) are interchangeable, along with the pivots. Perhaps someone else can back me up on that.

Steve

[Bob R.]

Re: 63 Headlight Bucket Metal to Fibreglass conver

I believe that only early 63 Corvettes had the bezel screws fasten in the front. My car is a late 63 and the buckets are fiberglass but the screws are on the side similar to 64-67.

[David Hicks]

Re: 63 Headlight Bucket Metal to Fibreglass conver

Thanks

Mine is VIN #30837S111272 , so it doesn't really fall in the "Early" category.

Does this imply though, that there are different fibreglass bucket constructions, and that I have to find a specific type. I have yet to see anywhere identify a difference in fibreglass skins. The alternatives are 63 and 63-67 (metal) i.e. the catelogue at Long Island only identifies the one set of part numbers for the buckets, and one set for the bezels although they do have a different screw set for the 63L.

I am hoping that you are only referring to a difference in the bezel and not the buckets themselves.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 63 Headlight Bucket Metal to Fibreglass conver

There were a great number of changes on the 63 line. There are many versions of the buckets and bezels. Few of the inner parts are the same and the pivots are also different. The best way to do this is to buy some old originals. I would not attempt to gather up all of the parts for the conversion individually. Dont worry too much what style you get, they all can be modified.

[David Hicks]

Re: 63 Headlight Bucket Metal to Fibreglass conver

Thanks .... now I've got to find some :-)

Amazing how hard it is to find people in my area with experience.... even those shops that deal with older vettes won't touch the 63.

Dave

[mromano]

Re: 63 Headlight Bucket Metal to Fibreglass conver

Dave

I have a SWC #11064 it has the screws mounted from the front not the side.
Good luck
mromano