I didn't want to poach onto Dave's thread so I'll start this one.

Has anyone used Dr. Rebuild's hoses and valves for the headlights?  I read his info about Zip products and others hoses being too big to fit onto all three nipples and having to carve them down with a blade. 

My valves both have the second or center nipple missing and a big hole where they were which looks like someone tried to force them and broke them.  That being the case, I plan to replace both the valves and hoses.

I don't want to get into the same issue as the PO who tried to do this so I thought I would see if anyone has used or knows of someone who has used these hoses/valves.

Thanks,

Dennis

Well, I got news fer "Mr. Rebuild"...the factory hoses were large enough that it was/is hard to get all three of them on the relay valves! The trick is to put the center hose on first, and give it a couple of minutes to settle. Then, use some soapy water on the outside of the other two hoses to slide them on.

The earlier (68-72) hoses were smaller diameter, thinner wall, but they also had a issue with them closing up under high vac. conditions. That's the reason some cars have slightly larger O/D hoses than others. The inside diameter never changed, that I know of.

btw...chances are your "nipples" got broken trying to remove the old hoses, rather than installing new hoses!Adams' Apple2006-12-03 10:24:42

Joel;

Would you go with the Mr. Rebuild or go w/the ones from any of the various other suppliers.  I thought I would check out Bair's first to see if he has them.

Also, could the hoses not being hooked up in the middle and closed off with bolts be contributing to a vacuum leak that could cause the engine to run rough?

Since you're not going full resto on your car, Dennis, I would use whatever hoses fit the budget. I know a lot of folks that go with Dr. Rebuild, but to tell the truth, their stuff is easily detected when judging. I'd have to say to just get them wherever you want...but...Bair's IS a supporting sponsor here!

As far as the nipples being broken off, and the hosee contributing to a vac. leak, well, yeah, maybe. If the small hose that goes on top of the relay valves is still connected, it could create a leak.
The only lines up yonder that actually have any vac. at all times are the ones going to the center port of the relay valve, and the small hose on the top, but that one is dependent on if the lights are on or off, or if the over-ride switch under the dash is open/closed.

Joel,

Thanks.  Since the hoses don't appear to be bad, I'll try the valves first, along with the seals for the cans as they appear to be working from vacuum testing.  One piece at a time.

I am still waiting to get the insurance to pay up but it is looking promising.  Last week was shot due to the weather, so I didn't press but I will be calling the adjuster this week.  As soon as they get the car fixed, the headlights are the first thing I want to get going.

According to the adjuster who came out, he is paying to fix the lower "A" arm where the guy pulled the shaft loose as well as allowing a fair amount for the paint and fixing both the rear end cap and the air dams up front.

We shall see.

Good luck, Dennis! [:0] I hope they do the right thing...