I was a bit overzealous in trying to remove a rusted screw from one of my headlight assemblies, which resulted in this tab breaking off. It appears that the tabs were attached to the trim ring with two very small spot welds. I'm assuming that someone must have run into this before, so am hoping for some thoughts on how to make this repair.

Thanks

if you are good with a tig, you could drill two tiny holes where the spots were on the tab, form a piece of copper sheet the same diameter as the ring od, clamp the three pieces together where the original tab was located with the copper plate on the very outside of the ring, then tig together. i'm not sure of the tig rod to use, but i think it is 308 in about 1/16" diameter. [the ring and tab are stainless] the copper is used in case you would burn through the ring, the rod would have a backing for the fill. or just get another ring ? aren't they all the same if in the same position [high or low] ? just a thought.

It's tough to tell from the picture, but if those are the trim rings for the 70 or 72-74 Cuda 1 head light system, I have 2 extra NOS pieces if you are interested. Send me a PM.

The auto industry uses adhesives to bond sheet metal together on new cars. You could easily use a two part adhesive to reattach that tab. I'm not talking about JB weld. Go to an auto body shop and see if they would squeeze out a little bit from their applicator gun.

that is a good alternative. if going that route, clean, clean, and clean again the area of attachment. then rough up the bond area and clean again. when the body shop gives you a dab, have your clamping system ready. a "c" clamp or a like vicegrip will work for this. and if you can, using the bucket as a jig, bolt the ring in place, including the tab. glue and clamp, removing the squeeze out. let set up over night before removing the vice grips or "c" clamp. the panel adhesive is surprisingly stronger than you think.

I think I'd start with a Moparts ad in the parts wanted section. I'll bet a lot of guys have a lot of them in their parts stash, and I can't imagine they'd want much for one.

I bet Dorman makes a new replacement if not a resto type need.

Do you need it to work or be perfect?

2 quick tack welds from a mig will fix that right up.

Takes longer to clamp the parts than to zap it.

absolutely correct. even a mig will work. If a buddy has stainless wire in his machine that would be best.

It's for a driver (70 Cuda) so it doesn't need to be perfect. Just needs to work. Thanks for all the replies. I like the adhesive idea, but honestly was just thinking about trying JB Weld. If it doesn't hold up, I can always try another option. I have a mig welder but was afraid that might be overkill. I'll practice on some smaller stuff first if I decide to go that route.

Thanks again!

I think I have one I can send you if you want. PM me if you do so I won't forget to look

Why all the screwing around on a $5 part?

How about two small holes drilled where the spot welds go through the tab then solder them on .