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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: Stewart G Griffin on September 21, 2012, 07:05:52 pm

Title: Headlamp adjusting nuts:
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on September 21, 2012, 07:05:52 pm

Besides classic truck parts, is there anywhere else i can get the headlight adjusting nuts?   They are only .49 cents each but the shipping is $7.95 minimum.   

i'm also assuming that lots of other gm vehicles used/use them?

Title: Re: Headlamp adjusting nuts:
Post by: bd on September 21, 2012, 08:14:23 pm

Dorman markets them.  Here's an example from AutoZone...
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Dorman-Headlight-Adjusting-Screw/1987-Chevrolet-R10-1-2-ton-P-U-2WD/_/N-iigfvZ9cijo?itemIdentifier=721910_154474_0_ (http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Dorman-Headlight-Adjusting-Screw/1987-Chevrolet-R10-1-2-ton-P-U-2WD/_/N-iigfvZ9cijo?itemIdentifier=721910_154474_0_)

Title: Re: Headlamp adjusting nuts:
Post by: haroldwca on May 30, 2016, 11:48:43 am

Replacing the headlight adjusting screws shouldn't be difficult - but it is if the parts don't fit.  The Dorman product available from various sources doesn't leave enough gap between the retaining lip and tabs to grip the core support.  They simply won't snap in place. 

I just purchased a pair of these items to fix a headlight, and ended up breaking off one of the retaining tabs trying to seat the item.  That's when I realized this was a deja vu' moment.  This same problem occurred last time I needed to make this repair on my truck.  I had to go to the junkyard to find something I could use.  It also happened when I tried this same repair on my Father-in-law's Dodge.

Does anyone know of a retailer that is sourcing this item from a different manufacturer?  I've had it with Dorman on this product.

Title: Re: Headlamp adjusting nuts:
Post by: 80Chevy4x4 on May 30, 2016, 02:57:19 pm

Quote from: haroldwca on May 30, 2016, 11:48:43 am

Replacing the headlight adjusting screws shouldn't be difficult - but it is if the parts don't fit.  The Dorman product available from various sources doesn't leave enough gap between the retaining lip and tabs to grip the core support.  They simply won't snap in place. 

I just purchased a pair of these items to fix a headlight, and ended up breaking off one of the retaining tabs trying to seat the item.  That's when I realized this was a deja vu' moment.  This same problem occurred last time I needed to make this repair on my truck.  I had to go to the junkyard to find something I could use.  It also happened when I tried this same repair on my Father-in-law's Dodge.

Does anyone know of a retailer that is sourcing this item from a different manufacturer?  I've had it with Dorman on this product.

i have the same problem!

Title: Re: Headlamp adjusting nuts:
Post by: VileZambonie on May 30, 2016, 03:58:15 pm

There are 4 different designs iirc so make sure you are getting the correct ones for your application.

Title: Re: Headlamp adjusting nuts:
Post by: fitz on May 30, 2016, 04:12:34 pm

I got the headlight adjusters for my 84 M1028 at Napa.
They had them in stock. 

Title: Re: Headlamp adjusting nuts:
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on May 30, 2016, 07:49:47 pm

i did eventually get mine.   i don't remember where.  Either it was Advance auto or classic truck parts and they were not the exact ones but they fit and worked.

Title: Re: Headlamp adjusting nuts:
Post by: jrbarrie83 on May 30, 2016, 08:39:24 pm

I've used the Napa brand and the threads on the plastic screws weren't strong enough to hold with the tension of the springs. Several of them stripped out while installing. I have them in the truck now, but I imagine they will fail at some point, especially if I have to make adjustments.

Title: Re: Headlamp adjusting nuts:
Post by: VileZambonie on May 31, 2016, 06:43:32 pm

It's worth it to get the correct ones that are sold by many restoration sites.