OK, so thanks to the forum, they helped me find replacement bucket springs. Got them for $5 each at Miller Obsolete Parts.

Here's the question: what's the easiest way to get them on?

It looks like for access, you need to remove the outer right radiator grill. Then it looks like you hook the bucket first, then stretch spring (with needle nose pliers or possibly small vice grips) to the tab. Is this correct? Anyone else see an easier way?

 

Yah that sounds about right. I don't think there is a wrong way to do it.

 

got it. all you have to do is remove the actual ring and headlight from the bucket, and then you have good room to pull the spring tight into the small hole in the bucket. Still, it's like pulling one of the darn brake springs on drum systems.

 

Yah. Those little springs are a pain. You can get a spring tool that will make brakes easier to do but, I don't know how well they work on headlight springs.