65 headlight cup

[Rob M.]

Need help with a box of parts that are trying to be headlights on my 65. What is the original finish of the steel mounting cups for the headlights? Mine appear to be gold but not sure if they are original.

Also, some of mine have 3 screws for the stainless steel headlight retaining ring and others have only 2 screws. What is original? Any information to help me get the headlight assemblies back to original will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rob

[Joe L.]

Re: 65 headlight cup

Rob-----

Headlight "cups" (the official GM term is RING) for mid years and most later were either painted black or were manufactured from pre-punch galvanized material. I believe that either could have been used and some cars might even have both types since all 4 of the rings were different.

One feature that you can look for to judge originality is the configuration of the hole at the rear of the ring. Your 1965 should have all four rings with completely ROUND holes. If any of the rings have "squarish" holes, they are definitely NOT original for 1965.

Also, your rings should be stamped L-1, L-2, R-1, and R-2. These stampings may be quite small and inconspicuous, but they should be on there. If you have any that are instead stamped A, B, C, or D, they are not original.

[Stephen P.]

Re: 65 headlight cup

My February 65 coupe has 3 retaining screws in all four "cups". The "cups" for the high beam and low beam are slightly different to receive the tabs on the headlight bulbs. If you put them on wrong, the headlight bulb isn't level. The original finish looked like a greenish gold plating where the finsh wasn't corroded. I sanded mine off and repainted. My only experience is with my car, so I can't say that all would be the same or that mine is correct.

[Kevin M.]

Re: 65 headlight cup

I have a collection of over 32 cups and I have looked at and taken apart many more at my local yard. The majority of cups were of the galvanized variety stamped L-1, L-2, R-1, and R-2.

Kevin