Home page
SPONSOR AD

Topic: Headlight assembly Help

in Forum: C3 Body

Headlight assembly Help

Posted: 9/19/10 4:14am Message 1 of 6
Profile Pic
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Send PM
Red Lion, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 1182
Vette(s): 1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic
I need to remove the headlight assembly's from my 72. When you remove them as a unit do you take out the 3 bolts holding the pivots in place then remove the bolt on the pivot rod? Any pics of this would be really appreciated. I hope to take them out Monday night. Also if anyone has any pics of the back end of a 72 that shows the seems that go from the license plate out would be appreciated as well. My rear panel has been modified so I want to see what its supposed to be like. Thanks and if you need an email address to send it to its rod7515@verizon.net.
Rodney




SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)

Headlight assembly Help

Posted: 9/20/10 9:26am Message 2 of 6
Former Member
Send PM
Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
Speaking from recent experience, you are in for a bit of work!  If you remove the pivot bolts, you release the tension on the four springs.  So instead, you remove the five bolts that hold the headlight assembly frame to the body.  There are two under the  bumper, and three into the hood edge reinforcement.  BUT FIRST........

I think the only way to get them out is to remove the hood and the center bumper brace.  Then cover the painted surface to protect from scratching, and twist and turn until you get them out between the hood opening and core support.  You might also need to remove the long, thin rod that goes from the bottom of the core support to the nose.

I am replacing a lot of parts on the front of my '70, which is identical to your '72.  I have had the headlights in and out a dozen times.  They will not quite fit through the grill openings, and there is no room to go down, so your only choice is back and up.  I still have my radiator out, but I believe there is room to maneuver with it in. 

The AIM has a good picture of the headlight assembly to help you with repairs.

Sorry I don't have better news.  Good Luck!
Larry



Headlight assembly Help

Posted: 9/20/10 8:42pm Message 3 of 6
Profile Pic
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Send PM
Red Lion, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 1182
Vette(s): 1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic
Larry,
I ended up taking the 3 bolts from the pivots out. Then I also had to loosen up the allen head screw in the sleeves just inside the pivots which allow the pivots to be removed. loosened up the rod going to the front pivots where the springs by removing the bolt. removed the stop brace and they lifted out from the top. I have to replace the springs since 2 of them are broke but it ended up being fairly easy, of course I didnt come up with the idea, the guy doing the body work did. He seems to know alot about vettes.
Rodney




Headlight assembly Help

Posted: 9/22/10 10:31am Message 4 of 6
Former Member
Send PM
Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
Wow!  I will look forward to your description of getting it back together in that tight space.  Please let us know how it works.

Larry



Headlight assembly Help

Posted: 9/22/10 1:45pm Message 5 of 6
Profile Pic
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Send PM
HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
I removed mine entirely based on the 5 mounting bolts - took all apart, painted, new pins, springs adjusters and bushings. Worth the effort!! Very smooth now...Thumbs Up
 
 



LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America

Support Our Troops


     

Headlight assembly Help

Posted: 9/22/10 8:35pm Message 6 of 6
Profile Pic
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Send PM
Red Lion, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 1182
Vette(s): 1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic
larry, I hope to take some pics of the assembly removed. I havent figured out how to post them yet but i can send to you through email.
Rodney





in Forum: C3 Body


SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)