When I went through the car many years ago, I replaced all the vacuum lines, a big job BTW, actuators and vacuum switches for good measure. The stuff is over 50 years old and not much can be expected from these parts. 

So, looking at the buckets, all the small pieces, springs, rods, plastic bushings,  etc were corroded to the point of questioning if they were the slow problem.  Tried some oil, but no joy..... I guess the vacuum actuators can only move so much resistance, then you end up with a problem. 

Cleaned and replaced all the pieces in there, I think there is a kit, badda bing badda boom, they work like new now. Jump right up!

Take a close look in there, maybe a lot of small leaks and corrosion is enough to make it fail. 

Sorry for the delay was working on replacing the power steering as it was leaking real bad. I will review all answers some I have tried but its been a while. i will start giong through everything and see what developes. So if the light switch is on and I use the pull down switch it will not open them. If I open them light switch on and then move pull down switch they will stay up when the car is turned off. Likewise if the lights are up and I push the pull down they close right away. I had replaced several parts but then when I look how many years ago it was then I realize I need to review it all again.  Thanks for all the tips.

babyblue 78

Still haven't answered my question.  The pull down switch is so you can open the headlights to wash them or replace a bulb with out turning them on.  So...will the pull down switch open the headlights?  Obviously you need some vacuum so with the engine running, will they open the headlights.

If not, then you have a vacuum leak or they are "wired" (hoses) wrong.

That is correct, sorry. My understanding the same but different. If you needed to change a bulb or wash them , you would open them the normal way with the light switch and then once open turn off the lights and shut off the engine and the pull down switch would allow them to stay open for wash or repair.  So to answer your question they will not open the lights with the engine running and light switch off.  My guess is a vacuum leak. Thanks

Babyblue78