1973 Mustang headlamp retainer

[73 MUSTANG COUPE 302]

 

[73 MUSTANG COUPE 302]

What’s the best way to mount the retainer clips for 71 to 73 Mustang in the headlamp door?

 

[Vern Cook]

Does this help?

 

[73 MUSTANG COUPE 302]

Thanks, but that looks more like a 74 to 78 set up. I sent a pic of the headlamp square door.

 

[Hemikiller]

Your question is confusing. Are you asking about the headlight adjuster screw threaded inserts? (13021) The metal bracket is still present, but the insert is gone. These are sold in a hardware kit, or you can get them separately from AMK as B-10068

https://www.amkproducts.com/bulk-fasteners-products/?Product_ID=10068

https://www.npdlink.com/product/adjuster-kit-headlight/207028/202888

 

[Vern Cook]

Sorry 7. Hemikiller has a better exploded view.

 

[73 MUSTANG COUPE 302]

Your question is confusing. Are you asking about the headlight adjuster screw threaded inserts? (13021) The metal bracket is still present, but the insert is gone. These are sold in a hardware kit, or you can get them separately from AMK as B-10068

https://www.amkproducts.com/bulk-fasteners-products/?Product_ID=10068

https://www.npdlink.com/product/adjuster-kit-headlight/207028/202888



View attachment 94493

Yes 13021, what’s the best way to install these as to holding the back to secure the tabs ,it seems the items l purchased from e- bay where inferior snd the plastic insert pops out on adjustment.Thanks for the illustration.

 

[73 MUSTANG COUPE 302]

Sorry 7. Hemikiller has a better exploded view.

Thanks for the interest

 

[Vern Cook]

Hey 7, I just happened to have mine in storage and have taken a couple of photos. I think mine are the original and they are metalic with thread, and looks like they have been pressed into the retainer.
Just an idea, but maybe try installing those plastic ones from the rear?

 

[Moderator73]

looks like the green plastic ones in your picture might be for holding the headlight beauty ring on the front grille??View attachment IMG_1126.jpeg

 

[73 MUSTANG COUPE 302]

Thanks for the reply….actually the green inserts are for the mounting of the grille asy, but if Vern’s h/lamp door is original, which it looks oem to me he has the correct plastic inserts where mine are green substitutes.However hemikiller set me up with AMK website for the 13032 and 13021 thanks. I have one question when installing the 13021 what’s the correct way (see hemikiller thread)

 

[Moderator73]

Thanks for the reply….actually the green inserts are for the mounting of the grille asy, but if Vern’s h/lamp door is original, which it looks oem to me he has the correct plastic inserts where mine are green substitutes.However hemikiller set me up with AMK website for the 13032 and 13021 thanks. I have one question when installing the 13021 what’s the correct way (see hemikiller thread)

Yeah, sorry I misunderstood your question and thought you were asking about the green parts. Totally missed you were asking about holding the headlight adjustment screw. The part that Hemi showed needs to have the "front side" tabs bent over once it's positioned in your headlight box. Here's a front and back picture of my original OEM section (that I've since replaced). I just cleaned it up for this picture to show how it's bent. Vern's picture above is much cleaner showing the front side. As you can see, the back side doesn't get bent over just the front side. I hope this helps you.
Bob

 

[73 MUSTANG COUPE 302]

Yes l see but how did you go about installing them. It’s almost like you need a ball joint press with the open hole as not to press against the retainer and then screw it down to flatten the tabs simultaneously. I might not have mentioned lam installing the inserts with the bracket attached,because l don’t want to drill out the attaching rivets…l guess l’am shooting myself in the foot.

 

[Moderator73]

totally agree with not drilling out your rivets. Are you asking about how to bend the tab over once your new nut is in place? I’d probably try using vice grips or a clamp.

Also here’s a review comment on installing this kit from CJ Pony:

Customer Reviews
be patient. bending tabs out and then back once inserted in headlight mounting can be difficult. my headlight frame was out from fender/rad support, making it easy. Plastic is not threaded, so adjusting screws will cut threads. it works, be patient

 

[73 MUSTANG COUPE 302]

Moderator 73 how can I thank you? I’ll just follow up with what you showed me with those pics. Thanks to you and hemi killer. Another horse runs free .

 

[Moderator73]

Glad they helped. This forum has helped me so many times that I know how you feel. Members like Hemikiller and Vern in your thread are great examples of what makes this forum special. Bob