electrical
Headlight Bulbs - Pair
for 1970 AMC Rebel Machine 390ci V8 · RWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
3
Steps
7
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
Replace both headlight bulbs on the 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, requiring removal of the headlight bezels to access the sealed beam units.
Warnings
⚠Ensure headlights have been off for at least 10 minutes before beginning work to allow bulbs to cool completely
ℹ️The 1970 Rebel Machine uses sealed beam units, not replaceable bulb inserts
Tools required
Phillips screwdriverEssential
Flathead screwdriver
Clean cloth or gloves
Parts
- 7-inch sealed beam headlight unit × 2 — Use 6014 sealed beam or OEM specification
Preparation
- Turn off headlights and ignition
- Allow headlight assemblies to cool if recently used
- Open and prop hood securely
- Verify replacement sealed beam units are correct 7-inch type
Procedure
- 1Remove headlight bezel screwsLocate the four Phillips head screws securing the chrome headlight bezel trim ring on the driver side headlight. Remove all four screws and retain them for reinstallation. The bezel should now be loose but may still be held by spring tension.
- 2Remove headlight bezelCarefully pull the chrome bezel away from the headlight assembly. It may require gentle wiggling to release from any retaining clips. Set the bezel aside in a safe location to prevent scratching the chrome finish.
- 3Remove headlight retaining ringLocate the three screws on the headlight retaining ring that hold the sealed beam unit in place. These are separate from the bezel screws. Remove the three retaining ring screws and remove the ring, being careful not to drop the screws into the engine bay.
- 4Disconnect and remove driver side sealed beamGently pull the sealed beam unit forward to access the electrical connector at the rear. Disconnect the three-prong connector by pulling straight back. Remove the old sealed beam unit and inspect the connector for corrosion or damage.
- 5Install new driver side sealed beamConnect the three-prong electrical connector to the new sealed beam unit, ensuring the connector orientation matches the pins. The connector will only fit one way. Push the sealed beam unit into the headlight bucket, ensuring the locating tabs align properly with the mounting points.
- 6Reinstall driver side retaining ring and bezelPosition the headlight retaining ring over the sealed beam and install the three retaining screws, tightening them evenly in a cross pattern to secure the unit without distorting it. Reinstall the chrome bezel and secure with the four Phillips screws.
- 7Repeat procedure for passenger sideFollow steps 1 through 6 for the passenger side headlight assembly, removing the bezel, retaining ring, disconnecting the old sealed beam, installing the new unit, and reinstalling all trim components.
Reassembly
- Ensure all bezel screws are snug but not overtightened to avoid cracking the chrome finish
- Verify both sealed beam units are seated flush in their mounting buckets
- Check that all electrical connectors are fully engaged and weathertight
Verification
- Turn on the headlight switch and verify both low beams illuminate
- Switch to high beams and confirm both headlights activate properly
- Visually inspect both headlight assemblies to ensure bezels are properly aligned and secure
- Perform a nighttime test drive to confirm proper headlight operation and aim if necessary