I just purchased a 1976 Corvette. The retractable headlights don't function. It seems to have been disconnected for a while. Can anyone give me suggestion on how to repair this problem?Thanks,Darrell

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Can you see where they've been disconnected,or are you not sure that they are disconnected ,theres at least a half dozen things that can be the problem,is there vacuum at the reservor tank,are all the vacuum lines intact,are the headlite actuaters not leaking,are the actuater relays not leaking,is your headlight switch working properly,is the bypass switch under the dash bad,do you have a large vacuum leak on the heater control circuit that wont allow enough vacuum to get to the headlight circuit side ?I'm not tryin to be a smart A$$ here but there is a bunch of stuff that has to be checked to analize your headlight problem,I'm sure somebody will jump in and take a shot at this for ya,but its sometimes a hit and miss deal without the right info,let us know ,we'll get er done

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C3VR Lifetime Member #93
 

Take a look at these websites.

YUp, in order to get to da end ya gotta start at the beginning !!!

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I really appreciate the help! I will use the info you gave me and go from there. If I hit any walls you will hear from me again.

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Let us know if you run into any snags. Many of us have redone the vacuum systems for the headlights.

The best solution, IMHO, is to put in electric motors and do away with the vacuum problems forever.  I have them on my 73 and they always work and fast.  If yours don't work at all, it may be less expensive to go electric.  Send me a PM and I will tell you how to do it.

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C3VR Life Member #4
NCM Life Member #994
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Life Member

Not just post for all of us

I'm curious


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http://www.vetteprojects.com/bmv

Like Ben I'm curious about these. Especially if I could make the change fairly cheap.

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Tuxblacray: She's Back In Black! Check out my pics @ My Link


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There is a kit out that allows you to use Firebird electric headlight motors for Sharks. The kit supplies the brackets and such, but you have to source the motors, and electronic control module(s), as well as a later model Corvette headlight switch. There was an article in one of the Corvette rags last year on it...

Check them out here


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Yeah I think I looked at this kit once before but it seemed lik a lot of sorcing and didn't seem cheap.

But.... now I have a bit more time

I think I may look at this once I get my current g-rage project finished up.

Thanks for the link Jed.... I saved it in my favorites for a quick reference.

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Tuxblacray: She's Back In Black! Check out my pics @ My Link


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Met Chris at BG in 2003 and saw the electric headlight setup on 'Killer', his '69 Shark.  I was impressed with it.  But back to the issue at hand...

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Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

[QUOTE=legsdiamond]I really appreciate the help! I will use the info you gave me and go from there. If I hit any walls you will hear from me again. [/QUOTE]

We'd love to hear from you again even if you don't hit any snags...
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Lifetime Member #73

The Money Pit.... and my niece

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