Topic: Replacement of Headlight Actuators
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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Standard Member
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NEWARK, DE - USA
Joined: 6/11/2002
Posts: 29
Vette(s): 1971 Coupe 4 speed, 350ci, 270 hp
Anyone have experience with replacement of hdlt actuators? The Installation Manual and close up look indicate that there may be 4 bolts to remove the entire assembly, rather than trying to replace the actuator in place. Any thoughts? Appreciate the help.-Mike 
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Phoenix, MD - USA
Joined: 11/23/2003
Posts: 57
Vette(s): 82 Silver/Gray with 80k miles, rear 275/60/15,
hi,
yes! i replaced my 82 front left actuator about 8 months ago. you need to take the four bolts off you mentioned as well as one of the small cross bars that are held in place with a cotter pin and two springs. the cross bar that has the 'eye hook' screw that attaches to the actuator shaft. this 'eye hook' screw is/was/can be very hard to get off. mine snapped the shaft of the old actuator when i attempeted to remove it. i had to heat it up to get the old shaft piece out. this 'eye hook' piece is almost impossible to get so be very careful.
mark v
yes! i replaced my 82 front left actuator about 8 months ago. you need to take the four bolts off you mentioned as well as one of the small cross bars that are held in place with a cotter pin and two springs. the cross bar that has the 'eye hook' screw that attaches to the actuator shaft. this 'eye hook' screw is/was/can be very hard to get off. mine snapped the shaft of the old actuator when i attempeted to remove it. i had to heat it up to get the old shaft piece out. this 'eye hook' piece is almost impossible to get so be very careful.
mark v
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NEWARK, DE - USA
Joined: 6/11/2002
Posts: 29
Vette(s): 1971 Coupe 4 speed, 350ci, 270 hp
Many thanks!
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NEWARK, DE - USA
Joined: 6/11/2002
Posts: 29
Vette(s): 1971 Coupe 4 speed, 350ci, 270 hp
I have replaced the vacuum tubing and switches and am still experiencing poor/eratic operation of the headlights. Have read the troubleshooting guide and seems as though this may be where my problems are.
Former Member
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Phoenix, MD - USA
Joined: 11/23/2003
Posts: 57
Vette(s): 82 Silver/Gray with 80k miles, rear 275/60/15,
have you replacedthe actuator? there is a rubber seal inside the actuator that cracks and lets air leak out.
try this, with the car running be in front of the car with the hood up. have someone in the car putting the lights on/off. listen for a low hisssssss sound. that is where the air is leaking. listen by each actuator, by the hoses running to/from the actuators and by the hoses in front attached to the actuator.
mark v
try this, with the car running be in front of the car with the hood up. have someone in the car putting the lights on/off. listen for a low hisssssss sound. that is where the air is leaking. listen by each actuator, by the hoses running to/from the actuators and by the hoses in front attached to the actuator.
mark v
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NEWARK, DE - USA
Joined: 6/11/2002
Posts: 29
Vette(s): 1971 Coupe 4 speed, 350ci, 270 hp
Thanks Mark!
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NEWARK, DE - USA
Joined: 6/11/2002
Posts: 29
Vette(s): 1971 Coupe 4 speed, 350ci, 270 hp
Thanks Mark, purchased a couple of spares based on your experience-let you know how I make out.-Mike
Lifetime MemberHot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
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
even easier and more accurate is to take the most important tool in your garage for working on corvettes.
your vaccum pump (with gauge).. just pump the mechanism up by hand and see it it leaks.. either pick the head light end or the dash end first and test each component on the way.
your vaccum pump (with gauge).. just pump the mechanism up by hand and see it it leaks.. either pick the head light end or the dash end first and test each component on the way.
I agree,the hand pump vacuum gauge can solve all mysteries in the headlight system.Well worth the investment. 
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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