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MG MGA - non-sealed 1600 headlamp bucket ring

Hi - I am re-assembling my headlamps after a body restore and am wrestling with my configuration of parts. Car # 97934 using Lucas non-sealed headlamps and 2 adjusters. My main bucket has a spring which hooks to the inner bucket and when all is assembled, the headlamp is a bit loose - the spring is not taut. Is the spring supposed to be taut without the outer ring pushing the headlamp assembly in?
My main problem is not getting the chrome outer ring situated properly in order to hold the entire mess in (thanks Lucas) - Both springs are almost identical in length and I do believe they are original but not certain. They have little wear and don't appear to have been stressed - they had the assembly in previously. I have never liked the way my headlamps appear in their assembly - always looking somewhat off-kilter even when adjusted properly. Now, i'm just trying to get the assembly back in and secure. I have always been able to get the outer rings to rotate and eventually make it over the main bucket tabs and its outer ring but now, its just not happening. Have taken everything apart once again to inspect the parts but everything appears normal.
* I guess my main question is: should the headlamp rock or be loose to any degree prior to the last step of putting on that outer chrome ring? Should the spring be holding the headlamp against the inner bucket tight at all times?? Mine is slightly loose - probably because the spring is not taught at that stage.
glenn johnson

Glenn, if I'm not mistaken, the inner bucket is for use with the sealed-beam type headlamp which usually has two adsjusters. I think the older pre-focus (bulb type) headlamp always had three adjusters.
Lindsay Sampford

Both three and later two adjuster types will accommodate either type lamp unit.

Glenn's description sounds as if he may have an assortment of bits, possibly from other (American) units. Or it's a choice of words problem. And/or possible accident damage if they have ever been hit even lightly.

Any chance of a picture?

The inner assembly with lamp should be slightly movable against spring pressure but with no free movement; if the unit is free to vibrate lamp life will be very short. From the front, the headlamp should be in a true vertical/horizontal position, obvious from features in the lamp unit; if not there is something wrong with the assembly.

The outer trim ring is strictly for appearance, and should not actually touch the inner assembly with lamp at all; if it does something is wrong. With original parts, the most common reason for trouble is that the bucket has been severely over tightened, recessing into the rubber gasket to the wing. Repro bits are a whole different story.

FRM
Fletcher R Millmore

thanks lindsay; just found the problem - x-bad reproduction main bucket is the issue: #1 the tab that holds the spring on the bucket was way too forward compared to an original I just found. #2 two outward tabs along the main bucket rim at 11:00 and 1:00 were either too large or should not have been there at all. they prohibit the outer chrome ring in rotating and finding the groove to get seated.

The moss drawing for the 2-adjuster config is without the proper detail of showing the inner bucket - the Vic Brit diagram has it. My repro main bucket was just x-bad. To make matters worse, I took some pliers and carefully folded the spring holder tab back to an appropriate depth, then SNAP, right off - faster than a chinese bandit which probably made the crappy part in the first place. The crappy little spot weld was the size of a pin head much like the designer of this part. the repro part says Lucas, England, however its hard to believe Lucas would be that far off on spec - anyway, time to buy yet a new bucket - hold onto your originals folks! thanks
glenn johnson

This thread was discussed on 24/07/2010

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