This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both headlight assemblies on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including bulb, retaining ring, and sealed beam unit replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sealed beam headlight unit 7-inch × 2 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Headlight retaining ring × 2 — AMC part or aftermarket equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn headlight switch to OFF position
3. Allow headlights to cool completely if recently used (minimum 15 minutes)
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. Gather replacement sealed beam units and verify correct 7-inch size for 1970 Rebel Machine

Procedure

1. 1

   Access headlight assembly
   Position yourself in front of the vehicle at the headlight being serviced. Identify the headlight bezel trim ring on the front of the assembly. The sealed beam unit sits behind this trim ring.
2. 2

   Remove headlight bezel trim ring screws
   Locate the Phillips head screws securing the chrome headlight bezel trim ring (typically 4-5 screws around the perimeter). Remove these screws completely and set aside. Do not confuse these with the headlight aiming screws located at the top and side of the assembly.
3. 3

   Remove headlight bezel trim ring
   Carefully pull the chrome bezel trim ring away from the front of the headlight assembly. The retaining ring holding the sealed beam unit will now be visible behind the bezel.
4. 4

   Remove headlight retaining ring screws
   Locate the three Phillips head screws on the headlight retaining ring (inner ring holding the sealed beam). These screws thread into the headlight bucket but do NOT adjust aim. Remove all three screws completely. The retaining ring should now be loose.
5. 5

   Remove headlight retaining ring
   Carefully pull the retaining ring forward and away from the headlight bucket. Be prepared to support the sealed beam unit as it may fall forward once the ring is removed. Set the retaining ring aside for reinstallation or replacement.
6. 6

   Disconnect sealed beam connector
   Grasp the sealed beam unit and pull it forward slightly from the headlight bucket. Locate the three-prong connector at the rear of the sealed beam. Firmly grasp the connector body (not the wires) and pull straight back to disconnect it from the sealed beam terminals.
7. 7

   Remove sealed beam unit
   With the connector disconnected, remove the sealed beam unit completely from the headlight bucket. Note the orientation of the unit with the aiming tabs (usually at top and side positions). Inspect the headlight bucket for corrosion or debris and clean if necessary.
8. 8

   Install new sealed beam unit
   Position the new sealed beam unit with the correct orientation, ensuring the word 'TOP' or alignment notches are at the 12 o'clock position. Insert the unit partially into the headlight bucket, leaving enough room to access the rear terminals.
9. 9

   Connect sealed beam connector
   Locate the three-prong connector and align it with the terminals on the back of the new sealed beam unit. The connector is keyed and will only fit one way. Push firmly until the connector is fully seated on the terminals. Gently tug to verify secure connection.
10. 10

    Seat sealed beam in bucket
    Push the sealed beam unit fully rearward into the headlight bucket, ensuring the aiming tabs engage properly with the adjustment screws at the top and side positions. The unit should sit flush against the bucket.
11. 11

    Install headlight retaining ring
    Position the retaining ring over the sealed beam unit, aligning the three screw holes with the threaded holes in the headlight bucket. Ensure the ring sits flat against the sealed beam rim. Install the three Phillips screws finger-tight, then snug them evenly in a star pattern. Do not overtighten as this can crack the sealed beam.
12. 12

    Install headlight bezel trim ring
    Position the chrome bezel trim ring over the headlight assembly, aligning the screw holes with the fender mounting points. Install all bezel screws finger-tight, then tighten evenly to secure the bezel flush against the fender. Verify the bezel is properly seated all around.
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 12 for the opposite headlight assembly, following the same procedure to ensure both headlights are properly installed.

Reassembly

1. Verify all headlight bezel screws are tight and bezels are flush with fender surface
2. Ensure no tools or parts are left in engine compartment
3. Close hood securely

Verification

• Turn headlight switch to low beam position and verify both headlights illuminate
• Turn headlight switch to high beam position and verify both headlights switch to high beam
• Visually inspect both headlight assemblies for proper seating and alignment
• Test operation of parking lights and turn signals to ensure no electrical interference
• Check headlight aim and adjust if necessary using the adjustment screws at top and side of each assembly

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