I have a question for you guys, I'm rewiring a friend's '39 Ford and was just curious about the headlight buckets. Hopefully this will make sense with the pictures. Is the lip around the opening at the bottom supposed to be folded over like it is? It just looks like it was cut and folded over. Someone in the past used foam rubber to seal the lens to the bucket so I'm not really sure how the stock gasket should work. Thanks in advance for your help.
There was a thick cork gasket around that lip that sealed the lens to the bucket. Looks like you could repair the bucket, but I would look for some replacement--not that hard to find.
This is the best image of a 39 deluxe headlight bucket I could find this morning. It looks like you may be missing a few key retainer clips on your bucket. This set was found on E Bay this morning for $119. I am not promoting anyone ones product line here though. You can buy the clip sets from Drake or Carpenter (possibly others). I don't think that rolled looking bottom flange is a modification. you can see the cork gasket here. From what I read from your post you already know there is a difference between the standard and deluxe headlights.
Thank you for the replies, it definitely helps and the picture is a fantastic reference. I'll look for those retaining clips that my buckets don't have and I'll see if I can rework the folded area back into position.
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