Is there a difference in R and L headlight buckets

[68shortbedinmo]

Hello I was wondering if there was a difference in right and left headlight buckets I have a couple but they look the same but i see LMC lists a L and a R

Thanks

[basketcase0302]

Yes.

[68shortbedinmo]

what is the difference ?

[71PA_Highboy]

The mounting holes....

[basketcase0302]

Also look at the tabs on the upper portion of them that mold into the grill.

[TNIceWolf]

Also look at the tabs on the upper portion of them that mold into the grill.

......They only fit correctly when mounted on the correct side of the grille.

[72BahamaBlue]

The headlight buckets, that fit under the bezels? There is a left and right side, the tabs for the headlight retainer/rings, and the tabs for the headlight adjusters are L@R specific. Also, the 67-69 are different than the 70-72.

[68shortbedinmo]

when I bought my truck the grille was in it but the bezel,bulbs or buckets were not and these two were laying in the seat I assumed they were pair but it looks like I have two of the same side if this pic attaches can you tell me if I have the drivers or passenger side and if they are for a 67-69


Thanks
John

[chicof100]

Look inside, take some sand paper sos pad or a wire wheel. You should see a stamp saying LH or RH you might also see fomoco or even a part number. 9 times out of 10 the stampings are there.
As said earlier, there are differences between 67-69 and the 70 -72 They look alike but the headlights don't line up like they should. The stampings are found by looking at the way you photographed them. Small circle rim has the stampings.

[72BahamaBlue]

You may have 2 RH buckets in your photo.

100_0501.jpg

Here's an LH stamped early bucket.

headlight bucket 67-69 001.JPG

[68shortbedinmo]

Thanks for the advice chicof100 and you are correct 72BahamaBlue I took some steel wool and found the stamp and they are 2 RH's I appreciate the help I have one more question though does the bucket mount directly to the grille or is there another piece that is between them

Thanks
John

[72BahamaBlue]

The bucket are held by the headlight aim adjusters, and a spring that fits into the long slot in the bucket. Bucket rests on 2 or 3 plastic bumpers, they're often cracked or missing.

There's enough play to push the adjusters aside, install bucket and push the screws back onto the tab on the bucket. Make sure the corresponding tabs are square; lay face down on a table they should be horizontal, and are nice and flat. They often get bent when removing.

Spring fits into the long slot in headlight bucket, other end onto the long tab with a v-notch that's part of the grille. Be careful with that one, it's aluminum and that's a pretty stout spring. One of those headlight spring tools might be handy. I've had luck hooking the spring first, then hooking up the adjusters.


Also, the 3 tabs for the retaining ring screws are often stripped out, or close to it. Where the screw goes in, on the backside there's a little flare. I like to take pliers and squeeze that area a bit all around, can tighten up that threaded hole.

The bucket in the photo is stamped RH, it's on the driver's side.

[68shortbedinmo]

Thanks for all the information Bahama yeah the only thing I have is one spring so I am going to have to go gather up some more parts before I put it all together but with what you have posted it will make it much easier and I am glad you said the RH goes in the drivers side that would have confused me too (not hard to do ) thanks again

[chicof100]

When installing the headlight bucket, loosen up the adjuster screws as far as you can, put bucket in place. Place spring where it is suppose to be. Usually no problem and minimum effort required to put spring on. tighten adjusters evenly making sure bucket does not slide off of adjusting screws. If using original screws note where screws are tightened down to for proper headlight adjustment. As stated earlier, headlight retaining ring screw holes can be fixed by squeezing or tapping the hole from the backside.
If you have the buckets out now is a good time to clean them up and prime and paint them. SOS pads can work wonders on the retaining ring.
In the same area: "Headlight bezel's" there are four plastic nuts that slide into the 1/4" square openings, put new nuts in. You can find these at hardware stores or on line.

[68shortbedinmo]

Thanks for the information guys I went to the salvage yard today and picked up another bucket and it is a LH I plan on cleaning up the grille and buckets really well before installing like you said chicof100 good time for that

Thanks
John