Technical How Would You Fix This?

1937 Chevrolet car headlight ring. These are not reproduced (yet). I believe these were a 2 year only item ('37 & '38)

How would you go about a repair. I posted both sides so you can see how it's supposed to look. I know some of you tin knockers could make patches and weld them in. That's not in my skill set. The materiel is REALLY THIN, especially around the deep pits and rust throughs.

Thinking I could remove the rivets that hold the screw clamp parts on, put a layer of fiberglass cloth with epoxy resin on the inside and then finish the outside with Duraglass. All this while looking for a suitable replacement.
I know this isn't a permanent fix but I can't spend thousands in labor to have @Flop do it.

Does anyone think they could make one with a bead roller?

 

no need for the cloth, any reenforced filler will do the job................for a while.

 

https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...hA_PTRlg,prmr:1,pid:15064062189467297171,cs:1 how different can it be ?


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And, as usual Flop to the rescue.

 

Silver solder or brazing, then sand back to shape.

 

I was going to say, use one of those welding rods the guy at swap meet sells that he welds up the holes in the soda can.
Or should say solder.

 

That don’t work lol


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Don't overthink if you may get good ones later. Modern epoxies work fine on those. I would not bother taking the rivets out unless you want to sandblast the hidden rust which will continue to rust, even just from washing the car.

If you want it to be permanent, then do take them out to blast, but rivet or screw them back together before using the epoxy, so you don't have to spend so much time sanding the insides where the brackets need to fit properly.

Life is too short to get anal. It's just a car part.
.

 

How about lead? While it isn't a very strong metal, unlike modern fillers it IS metal, sticks well to steel and is plenty strong to fill pits and holes.

 

Would JB weld work?

 

Trim it down and you should be in business .


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If the truck one that Flop showed doesn't fit I'd think that there has to be another one that is somewhat eaay to find that might fit pretty well.
Here's a Jeep unit that might even though it fastens on a bit different.

https://www.jegs.com/i/Crown+Automo...MIiZ_i4-GE4QIVmCCtBh3hMgUUEAQYBCABEgKjN_D_BwE
That might be something you can check out locally as they fit 1955-1971 Jeep CJ-5/CJ-6

 

this https://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/11817/Chevrolet_Rim_Headlight_36_Car_3739_Truck.html

 

There ya go fastcar !!


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I appreciate you guys and your input. The thing about this is that the light is kinda oddball. The Chevs of the 40's unit is for the larger truck light. They DO NOT have one specifically for the car. I thought about cutting the truck one down. Just wondered if anyone else had already done that or had a better suggestion. Maybe other GM divisions use the same part, but I have no way to verify .

I will check further into the Jeep piece, but the clamp on part is pretty critical.

Just so you don't think I'm too stupid, I did do some searching before posting.

Note: It doesn't have to be chrome. Actually, I would prefer plain.

Really nothing to lose on trying any type of filler.

Thanx, and keep it coming!

 

This seems to look like the one you have .....if it is then I must be a odd ball for having one....yes ...that's all I could find in my headlight bucket box...so far.. the headlight is a 7" B-L-C Headlamp...and I have only this one...all the others ,different brands, are paired up....here's some shots of it...

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Well I dug a little deeper and found a chrome one...there are some very slight differences...but the dementions and shape seem to be the same...

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If it will fit, then those are available as repro...it's some company that also makes the BLC tags. Somebody here will know where. I just don't know if they make a painted one.

 

Tiger-hair epoxy.

 

Chevy of the 40s has new ones in chrome. They’re nice. I have a pair of painted originals if you’re interested. Not perfect, but much nicer than what you have there.


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Chev's of the 40's $90 each. Out of stock when I checked the website.

 

OTB has repro rings for BLC headlights, there is also a vintage Harley ring that is also suppose to interchange with the reprise being cheaper. I have the part number although I got it here on the HAMB


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If you can't get a new headlight door, McMaster-Carr has a, Hi-Build brazing rod PN 7675A3 that flows "thicker" and would work for the blow thru's. The pitting, you can use solder. I would talk to your chrome plater first, he may have someone that can do it.

 

I&I was $80/pair when I bought mine a couple years ago. $90/pair now.

https://iandireproduction.com/1937-38-Headlight-Rims-Chromed_p_423.html

But also out of stock. Maybe call them, see when they’ll be back in stock. Offer stands on the painted originals. PM if you’re interested. Weather is starting to improve, I can probably get in my shed again, that’s where they’re stored.



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Not in a hurry ? This is a headlight ring correct - or a fog light ring ?

 

Go to your local Harley Davidson store and purchase some aftermarket trim rings for a '49 - 59' Panhead, they fit just like the OEM Chevrolet trim rings. I would bet they were made by the same folks back in the day. https://www.billscustomcycles.com/panhead/headlight-ring-1174 I paid $8 each for mine back in '01. I converted to Halogen headlights, thats why the glass looks funny.

 

Filling Station Part # GR47 $90.00 PR..37-38 Car Chrome 800-841-6622

SAME STORY HERE.....on B.O.
Sorry....

1937-38 PASS. CHROME HEADLIGHT RIMS
These are reproduction chrome headlight rims (bezels) for 1937-1938 Chevrolet passenger cars. Replaces GM# 920798

Specific Applications:
1937-1938 Passenger Cars - Models GA, GB, HA, HB



This part fits most 1937 1938 Chevrolet Cars; exceptions may apply. Please read the complete description to see if this part fits your specific vehicle and application.

 

Wow!
This just keeps getting better.
I knew I came to the right place to ask.
It seems that there were repops made but not anymore.
You guys are the best.

 

Silicon Bronze rod and a 000 tip.....you can fill in all the pinholes and it sands easily.