Author Topic: 71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer  (Read 3658 times)

Offline kiphartzell

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71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer
« on: July 15, 2016 - 06:24:27 PM »
As best as I can tell, there should be a cap style retainer that goes over the plastic abs shaft on the backside of the grill to provide a place for the headlight bezel screw threads to insert.   What is this nut/retainer called and who might have these?   I think they are the same/similar type of retainer that is found inside the center console lid to hold some of the screws.   They are stamped metal and clip on around the outside of the shaft so you don't need a tool to hold them when putting the screw in.

I currently have stamped speed nuts holding my headlight bezels on, but there is no way to remove/install the headlight rings without taking the whole grill off because these nuts just fall off.  I would like to install the proper retainer so I can change headlights without removing off the whole grill ;-(

Adding a picture from another thread that shows the retainers on the headlight bezel plastic studs (backside of grill).
« Last Edit: July 15, 2016 - 06:42:13 PM by kiphartzell »




Offline kiphartzell

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Re: 71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2016 - 07:56:47 PM »
Another picture of the type of retainer I am referring to;

Offline Topcat

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Re: 71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer
« Reply #2 on: July 16, 2016 - 01:25:22 AM »
I don't use it but likely Mc Master Carr Catalog will have something like this that'll work.

http://www.mcmaster.com/
Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline kiphartzell

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Re: 71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer
« Reply #3 on: July 16, 2016 - 04:44:25 PM »
Thanks, I can try there.   I did look through my Au-Ve-Co fastener catalog, but found nothing like this.  Just cut-thread stamped speed nuts that are used elsewhere on the E-Bodies.

I am beginning to thing I may just have the wrong screws for the headlight bezels?!?  The screw head needs to be fairly small to fit in the channel properly.   Does anyone know how these bezels are supposed to be attached.   Is it just the screw threads contained within the plastic "tubes" of the grill that holds these things on, or is a retainer like I am seeking needed?

Offline kiphartzell

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Re: 71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer
« Reply #4 on: July 17, 2016 - 07:55:32 PM »
Nothing at http://www.mcmaster.com/.  I found a couple of more better pictures of the OEM fastener/retainer I am seeking.  They are circled in red;

Offline kiphartzell

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Re: 71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer
« Reply #5 on: July 17, 2016 - 08:08:37 PM »
Interestingly, I came across this and have ordered a set to see if they will work for the headlight bezels on 1971 Cuda Grill.   This is a 1971-72 Sharktooth Grill Park Lamp Hardware Set for a 340 Duster/Twister made by OER, PN# MA4743 - .   Not sure of the diameter of the retainer, but worth a shot since they are Mopar, 1971 vintage, and for a grill type application (though A-Body).   You would think Chrysler would reuse retainers across different platforms??

BTW, since these retainers are not supplied with the Repro 71 grills and are also not included in the grill hardware kits that different vendors sell, what do other people do?

Offline Moparparts

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Re: 71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer
« Reply #6 on: July 26, 2016 - 05:17:13 PM »
I have some used ones if those new ones don't work out, PM or E-Mail me

Offline tommie69

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Re: 71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer
« Reply #7 on: July 22, 2017 - 01:58:55 PM »
I know this is an old , but I ran into this problem too. What did you end up using?

Offline Roadrunner420

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Re: 71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer
« Reply #8 on: December 09, 2017 - 02:23:49 PM »
Anyone know if these work?


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Offline Roadrunner420

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Re: 71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer
« Reply #9 on: December 19, 2017 - 04:23:33 PM »
Anyone know if these work?


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They worked Yeah now I can change my headlights and adjust them!!!!


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Offline Duff

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Re: 71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2019 - 06:19:47 PM »
Same problem.  Looks like those screws will not work from the duster/twister kit because the head will not fit inside the hole in the bezel.  So is this the solution?  We order that kit and just use the screws from the grill hardware kit?  I'm trying to remedy this same issue right now...

Offline OE Argent

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Re: 71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer
« Reply #11 on: September 23, 2019 - 09:55:10 PM »
NOS Stock: Had to Purchased all the OE vendor had, as they were discontinuing them (back in the 90's). basically a lifetime supply. Don't have the screws though. I don't have time to do onesy/ twosy sales these days, but someone can buy the whole bag (PM Me). A bit less than the 1800 i had to buy remain, as I used them on OE restored grilles... long before the repro's came out (and most of them didn't come with them).

Offline 70chall440

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Re: 71 Cuda Headlight bezel screw retainer
« Reply #12 on: September 24, 2019 - 12:21:42 AM »
Looks good
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
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