Headlights - Who Needs Them - Part 2
In my last post I discussed how to fill out the raised portion of the headlight buckets. I also pointed out the gaps that were present in the headlight and fender extension area. This post will cover what I did to cover the voids created when the stock chrome light bezel is not used.
Once again I made a paper pattern using white poster board. I then scanned the white pattern into my computer and created an outline file using a program from Adobe called Illustrator. I used the outline file that I created to cut a 16 gauge sheet metal flat blank. Once the blank was cut I used various diameters of steel tubing, channel stock, and small vise grips to hand form the sheet metal to match the headlight openings.
I added small tabs (shown below) that could be wrapped around the backside of the steel headlight frames. These will be tack welded in place once the final fit has been established.
Here is the new "roll formed" steel filler fit to the upper valance panel and headlight frame.
In the photo below, I have inserted the aluminum headlight cover. Once the front valance assembly has been mounted to the front fenders, and final fit is set, I will rivet the headlight covers in place.
Here is the front upper valance panel and fender extension assembly. I am still in the process of designing the grille that will eventually be installed. I am thinking of using a wide wire rod mesh in the grille area with finer mesh or screen in front of the coarse mesh.
The last time I had a good look at the old Torino front end, I discovered that the radiator support was in pretty rough shape. It appears that someone cut off the end of the passenger side of the support. It also looks like they pulled out the body bushing mount hardware and welded the radiator support directly to the frame rails.
So I did a little search and found a radiator support on a junked 1972 Torino over near Willmar, MN (about 2 1/2 hour drive each direction from home). The Gran Torino front end was changed dramatically in 1973, so I was limited to a 1972 Gran Torino only.
It took a little work, but I got the support pulled out of the old green Torino. I was also able to get all the mounting bracket that I will need to mount the headlight assembly to the rest of the car.
After taking several photographs, I stripped all of the brackets off and took the part to a local sand blaster and got it cleaned up to raw steel again.
After returning from the sand blasting shop the support got a couple coats of self-etching metal primer.
Finally a couple coats of black VHT Roll Bar and Chassis paint were applied.
Next up I think I will cover the progress I have made on the Frankland Quick Change rear end. I have spent a few months and a couple dollars getting the rear end ready to go in the Tribute Torino. Take care for now.
