Headlight Trim Rings

Mongoose930 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2018, 10:29 AM

I am working on my headlight trim rings and have a question. Based on my research, the Cobras used a Lucas 54520651 or 554439 trim ring. I am looking to confirm this as I have 3 NOS versions of the 54520651 and they have a bit more taper to them then the reproduction rings I have seen. Also, my understanding is that the rivet on the original rings was nickel plated brass. I drilled out the rivet on these rings and it is clearly copper. These are NOS Lucas parts that came with boxes dated 1971 or earlier. They are chrome plated brass (magnet will not stick). I want to purchase new rivets but not sure whether to order brass or copper. Any information on original Lucas P/N's and rivet material would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks - Kevin

1985 CCX · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2018, 11:32 AM

Kevin
Tapered is not correct as I know it.

Mongoose930 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-07-2018, 11:43 AM

Rivet is definitely copper. Ring is not really tapered but not as square as the two different reproductions that I have.

Need to find a good chrome plater...

CompClassics · #4 (**permalink**) 10-07-2018, 12:27 PM

The original headlight trim rings created a step between the trim ring and the body. There is another trim ring that was made by Lucas that had more of a radius than the original parts flat side that was available on Minis and other English vehicles. Esthetically the Mini part looks much better on the Cobra in my opinion but it is not correct for the application. I am not sure why AC chose one over the other but that's the way it goes. Both model headlight trim rigs had the plated rivet, some reproduction trim rings simulate the rivet with a formed dimple.

Dan Case · #5 (**permalink**) 10-07-2018, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mongoose930

I am working on my headlight trim rings and have a question. Based on my research, the Cobras used a Lucas 54520651 or 554439 trim ring. I am looking to confirm this as I have 3 NOS versions of the 54520651 and they have a bit more taper to them then the reproduction rings I have seen. Also, my understanding is that the rivet on the original rings was nickel plated brass. I drilled out the rivet on these rings and it is clearly copper. These are NOS Lucas parts that came with boxes dated 1971 or earlier. They are chrome plated brass (magnet will not stick). I want to purchase new rivets but not sure whether to order brass or copper. Any information on original Lucas P/N's and rivet material would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks - Kevin

Original rivets were copper. When I needed some ended up having to have a rivet maker in the UK make them. They would make the rivets but they would not get them nickel plated. I got a restoration shop to include my bare new rivets in a batch of their nickel plated parts.

It was a lot of trouble for a few parts.

I sent you an e-mail about 1960s British plating.

1985 CCX · #6 (**permalink**) 10-07-2018, 06:12 PM

Copper is correct.
Dan thanks for your input