How to Replace Headlight Buckets and Trim on Your 1981–1987 Chevy GMC Squarebody with Factory Dual Headlights

How to Replace Headlight Buckets and Trim on Your 1981–1987 Chevy/GMC Squarebody with Factory Dual Headlights

By a restoration pro with 25+ years of hands-on experience

If you're restoring a 1981–1987 Chevy or GMC Squarebody with the factory dual headlight setup, you already know how important clean, properly aligned headlights are—not just for nighttime visibility, but for completing that unmistakable Squarebody front-end look.

Whether you're driving a C10, C20, C30, K10, K20, K30, Blazer, Jimmy, or Suburban, upgrading your headlight buckets, trim rings, and adjusters isn't just about appearance—it's about safety, function, and getting your classic truck one step closer to finished. In this how-to guide, I’ll walk you through what these parts do, how to install them, and what to watch for during the process.

Why Replace These Headlight Components?

Over the decades, these trucks have seen it all—daily use, off-road abuse, and who knows how many trips to the deer lease. Headlight mounting hardware takes a real beating. Buckets rust out. Adjuster screws strip. Retainer springs go missing. And those chrome trim rings? They're often dented, corroded, or just plain gone.

The good news is that Auto Metal Direct offers direct-fit replacement headlight buckets, trim rings, trim ring screws, adjuster screws, retainers, and springs made specifically for dual headlight Squarebodies. These parts fit just like factory originals and are perfect for both daily driver builds and full-frame restorations.

What You'll Need

Before diving in, here's a breakdown of the key parts you'll be working with:

• Headlight Buckets – Mount behind the grille and hold the sealed-beam headlights in place.
• Headlight Trim Rings and Screws – Chrome-finished rings that frame the headlight on the front.
• Headlight Adjuster Screws and Retainers – Let you aim the beam correctly after installation.
• Headlight Retainer Springs – Help maintain proper tension and alignment.

All these components are designed for 1981–1987 GM trucks and SUVs equipped with the factory dual headlight setup. These will not work on single-headlight models without modification.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Remove the Bezels

Start by disconnecting the battery. Then, remove the front headlamp bezels to access the headlight assemblies. On these Squarebodies, most bezels are held in with Phillips screws, and the grille is typically secured with a combination of screws and plastic clips.

Pro Tip: Keep your original hardware organized as you go—some screws are specific to certain components. Don't worry, AMD offers replacements if needed. 

Step 2: Remove the Headlight Trim Rings

Once the bezels are out of the way, you’ll see the chrome headlight trim rings. These are usually held in place with four screws (sold separately). Remove the trim rings and set them aside. If you're replacing them, now’s the time.

Step 3: Unbolt the Headlight Buckets

With the headlights and trim removed, you can access the headlight buckets. These are mounted inside the front radiator support and are usually secured with screws around the perimeter. Be cautious—original buckets are often rusted and the fasteners may be fragile.

Installation Tip: If you’re working on a Blazer, Jimmy, or Suburban, space can be tight. A flexible driver extension comes in handy here.

Step 4: Swap the Adjusters and Retainer Springs

Before installing the new buckets, install the new adjuster screws, retainer clips, and headlight springs to the new unit. Each headlight typically uses two adjusters (one for horizontal and one for vertical aim) and one spring per headlight bucket for tension.

Note: AMD’s adjusters and retainers are OE-style and match original tension and fitment specs, ensuring your headlights stay properly aimed and secure.

Step 5: Install the New Headlight Buckets

Mount the new headlight buckets in the reverse order of removal. Use new hardware if the originals are corroded. Double-check that your adjusters and springs are positioned correctly before tightening everything down.

Step 6: Reinstall the Headlights and Trim Rings

Reinstall the sealed-beam headlights into the new buckets. Secure them using the retaining rings and screws. Then, install your fresh chrome trim rings. These will give the front end of your Squarebody that clean, finished look it deserves.

Step 7: Adjust and Test

Reconnect the battery and test your headlights. Use the adjuster screws to aim the beams. Aim them against a garage wall or with a headlight alignment tool. Proper aim ensures safety and prevents blinding oncoming drivers.

Common Questions

Q: Will these parts fit my 1985 GMC Suburban with dual headlights?
A: Yes! All parts are designed to fit 1981–1987 C/K-series pickups, 81-88 Suburbans, Blazers, and Jimmys with the factory dual headlight configuration.

Q: Are these parts chrome like OEM?
A: The trim rings feature a chrome finish that matches factory appearance, while buckets are finished in edp black for corrosion resistance.

Q: Do I need to buy new adjusters or can I reuse my originals?
A: We strongly recommend new adjusters and springs. Originals are often rusted or stripped and won’t hold adjustment.

Q: Are these hard to install?
A: With basic hand tools and some patience, this is a very manageable project that shouldnt take more than a couple of hours—even for DIYers.

Compatibility and Specs

• Vehicle Fitment:
• 1981–1987 Chevy C10, C20, C30 / GMC C1500, C2500, C3500
• 1981–1987 Chevy K10, K20, K30 / GMC K1500, K2500, K3500
• 1981–1991 Chevy Blazer, GMC Jimmy
• 1981–1991 Chevy Suburban, GMC Suburban
  (Factory dual headlight setups only)
• Construction:
• Stamped steel headlight buckets
• OE-style adjuster screws and retainers
• Chrome-finished trim rings
• Factory-style tension springs

Final Thoughts

Restoring the front end of a Squarebody can be one of the most satisfying parts of a build. A fresh set of headlight buckets, adjusters, and chrome trim goes a long way in making your truck look factory-fresh and function safely. AMD’s restoration parts are designed by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts—built with factory specs in mind and ready to bolt in.

Ready to upgrade your Squarebody’s front-end lighting?
Check out our full selection of Headlight Buckets, Trim Rings, Adjuster Kits, and Springs for 1981–1987 Chevy/GMC trucks. While you’re at it, browse our other classic car body panels and Squarebody replacement parts to keep your build moving forward.

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