WTB US headlight buckets

[rmb1927]

WTB US headlight buckets in good condition--not bent with the four studs to attached to car in place.  (Only really need the passage side.) 

 

[02tradition]

I have a set at plating right now. From what i could gather from the 10+ cars ive parted out the pass. and drivers side are the same. Let me know if this interests you. 

[wegweiser]

On USA cars, Left and right are different, per the BMW parts manuals. Also early (pre-74) buckets are a different part number from later ones. They may be interchangeable, but make sure you get the parts from someone that knows the variations.

[rmb1927]

Indeed, there is a difference in the USA cars.  This has been discussed quite a bit in the forums, for example here. 

 

 

[Conserv]

On 5/4/2017 at 1:54 AM, wegweiser said:

On USA cars, Left and right are different, per the BMW parts manuals. Also early (pre-74) buckets are a different part number from later ones. They may be interchangeable, but make sure you get the parts from someone that knows the variations.

 

I believe, Paul, that the difference between the round and square taillight versions is limited to the headlight retaining ring -- zinc-plated (round taillight) versus black powdercoated (square taillight) -- and those retaining rings are included as a component of the headlight bucket assembly, hence the different part numbers.  Whether or not that is the case, I've restored a dozen of the buckets, transplanted round taillight buckets into square taillights, and vice versa, and have yet to find a difference in the underlying buckets.

 

There are very subtle differences among examples of the buckets but it's not absolutely clear to me that those differences are even a function of time or intentional development; they might be simply a function of different suppliers.

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

 

Edited May 5, 2017 by Conserv

[artbo]

PM sent.

[rmb1927]

I have found what I was looking for.  Thanks to all who responded, greatly appreciate it.