Can someone let me know if 71 models came out with a vacuum tank for the headlights etc. I've just been on another site that only talks about 73 to 79 models having them. Mine does not and I can only use the lights etc when the engine is running.

Yes.

It is cube-shaped ('68-'72) and is located in the driver's side (U.S. left, that is) front fender, behind the wheel well. It hides in the shadows.

John

(EDIT) PS - On '80-'82 the tank is round and is located between the headlights. I have no idea where they are on '73-'79.

|UPDATED|5/24/2004 6:42:21 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

thanks, I thought as much. Next question is where do I get one??? I haven't been able to find one in any of the usual parts dealers even Ecklers. Can any of you guys send me a list of good wrecking yards dealing with Vettes??

Chips, I've had luck with these guys http://www.nos.net/davato
Hank

I hope your brake booster or your front clip is off, because there is absolutely no way to get it out or into this area with our some major disassembly. I should know I just removed mine and they only way to get it out was not pretty. I would suggest that if you need to do any major work on your headlight system that you consider contacing 69myway here on the C3VR and look into his electric headlight conversion kit. I'm intalling one now and the install is fairly straight forward.

Thanks guys. My 71 has no power brakes but the access is still tight. I like the idea of an electric conversion. Does this have parts to convert the wiper door as well??

Electric conversion sounds like a great idea. Pricey I bet!
Check out elmersauto.com they have an inventory of used "take-off " parts and also pipers, not sure if Pipers has a web site though, but they also have used parts.

No nothing for the wipers, but the vacuum tank is not rquired for it since it can be run as a direct vacuum source. The tank was used to store vacuum so the headlights could be opened when the engine was off. The electric conversion kit is sold by 69myway. Its basically a bracket kit that is well thought out and uses electric motors, lift arms and control module off 97-02 Firebirds. So far it has been cheap compared to all the hassels, problems and pieces/parts that would be required to fix the old vacuum system.

I think so har I have about $275 in the whole conversion. I purchased the motors, lift arms and actuators from people that had wrecked their firebirds or was parting out cars on the more popular Firebird websites. Got the stuff for pennies what it would cost from a dealer new. I scored the module for 35 Included shipping, dealder wanted 263. Motors, i got both for 75, dealer is something like 150+ each.

Hey Matt,
I knew that was your car in the pages of "Corvette Enthusiast". Nice goin'!

JR

Yes that's mine. A lot of work went into doing that story and getting the information together. They edited down the content and some of my comment by alot, but either way I hope it gets the point across and answers some questions.

Look for the headlight conversion story to be our in a couple of months.