Topic: Retractable Headlights
in Forum: C3 Body
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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$$ here but there is a bunch of stuff that has to be checked to analize your headlight problem,I'm sure somebody will jump in and take a shot at this for ya,but its sometimes a hit and miss deal without the right info,let us know ,we'll get er done
,theres at least a half dozen things that can be the problem,is there vacuum at the reservor tank,are all the vacuum lines intact,are the headlite actuaters not leaking,are the actuater relays not leaking,is your headlight switch working properly,is the bypass switch under the dash bad,do you have a large vacuum leak on the heater control circuit that wont allow enough vacuum to get to the headlight circuit side ?I'm not tryin to be a smart A$$ 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 doneC3VR Lifetime Member #93
Take a look at these websites.
You can access diagrams of the headlight vacuum system on them.
Hope this helps.
Kevin
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Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
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Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
YUp, in order to get to da end ya gotta start at the beginning !!!
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.
Thanks!
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
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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.
Let us know if you run into any snags. Many of us have redone the vacuum systems for the headlights.
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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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Lifetime MemberHot Springs, AR - USA
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Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
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I'm curious
I'm curious
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
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Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
Like Ben I'm curious about these. Especially if I could make the change fairly cheap.
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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
Check them out here
Joel Adams
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