We’ve had the headlight bezels off the 1987 Buick Grand National many times now while doing assorted things.
(install LED headlights, add LED side marker lights, etc.)
[we’re speaking of the big outer bezel here, not the headlight trim ring that actually touches the headlights]
Part of the drivers side bezel was a bit loose (die to a worn clip), and the lower part on the side was real loose (because of a missing trim nut).
If you’re careful when you’re removing the bezels, you probably won’t cause undo stress on the tiny retaining clips that the screw goes into to hold the assembly on the body.
However, repeatedly removing and reinstalling the bezels causes the hole in those trim clips to expand.
Either that, or you may break off the backside section(s) that move in or out as the screw goes in or out.
Or worse yet, the entire nut goes flying off or falls into the deep abyss of your Turbo Regal.
Which the latter was the case we had.
We didn’t even notice that the screw nut was missing from its spot until we went to put the headlight bezel back on!
Then searched everywhere for where it could possibly be, but that was unsuccessful.
(perhaps it’s hiding with a few of those 10mm sockets…)
At any rate, a local friend was helpful in giving us a handful of them (thanks Greg).
But should you need to replace yours, we figured we’d write up this post and tell you where you can get them.
Along with the search terms you should use to find them!
(because “doodads for screws” isn’t going to get you the results you’re seeking)
Lots of these little parts can have more than 1 name for them, and luckily some sellers realize that and capitalize on giving multiple descriptions in the title to aid in your search.
Of course, it helps to know exactly what size screw fits those clips, so you can acquire the proper items you need!
(as there are a number of different “screw nuts/clips” available, and it doesn’t really help you to get the wrong size)
And that’s the main intention of this post today, so you know the specific sizes/parts you need to order, should your Turbo Buick require this item.
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The correct retaining clip is very small,
about half the size of a license plate trim nut.
(in the photo to the right: license plate retainer is on left, headlight bezel retainer is on right)
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There’s 8 of these clips in total on a Gbody Regal.
4 nuts go on each side of the car (4 for each headlight bezel).
2 go on the front of the car, and 2 go on the side of the vehicle.
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The retainer to use:
GM 380382 Headlight Bezel to Body Nut #6 #8 Screw Grommet Trim Clips
They measure 13/32″ square.
(we saw a package of 10 on ebay for about $7)
[note that they don’t fit REAL snug in the stock hole like the factory part does. A little dab of glue / RTV, etc., on them will help keep them in place if needed]
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The screws to use:
Fastener Specifications:
Thread: #8
Length: 13/16″
Head: T15 Torx pan head with a 9/32″ outside diameter
(we saw a package of 24 screws on ebay for about $15)
[the screws are available in stainless (silver) or black colored options]
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There was even a listing for a complete headlight bezel screw & clip kit ($14.95 on ebay), that comes with 8 new screws and 8 new trim clips.
That may be the way to go, replace ALL of them in one shot!
(no future worries)
(ebay search: New 16 piece headlight bezel screw and clip installation kit 81-87 Regal GN)
[ ebay.com/itm/373821117022 ]
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To be on the safe side, we swapped them all out.
It only takes 10 minutes to replace all 8 of them.
BE SURE not to tighten the screws into the plastic clips too much!
Barely tight is good enough!
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