1968 Headlight Help

[andrewmckernon]

1968 Healight Help

I have a 68 Convertible. They headlights are not concealed flip ones, they merely lie in the car. My corvette is the only one i've ever seen with these lights. I don't know if this is how they came, or if it was done. Can anyone help, and if possible, give me a quote of making them power flip headlights??

-Andrew

 

[ChuckG]

All sharks had the vacuum operated flip up/flip down headlights. Sounds like yours have been converted. Depending on how the conversion was done, and what parts were removed or modified would dictate the cost to return them to "stock" configuration. Chuck

 

[andrewmckernon]

Cost?

Well what do you think the cost of such a project is. I would have to get new fibergalss to cover them wouldn't I?


-Andrew

 

[ChuckG]

Have no idea as to cost, Andrew. Depends on what's missing, and what you need to buy. Here's a little tip. There were at 3 different headlight opening sizes used in 68. Make sure you get the "right stuff". The openings started out small, then about 1/4 inch bigger, and then finally another 1/4 inch or so. This "later" size is what is used throughout the remainder of 68 production up to 82. Chuck

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Cost will vary widely...

...depending on if you buy new parts, used parts and if you send it out for someone else to do the work or if you do the work yourself.

I'd recommend looking closely at what you have, take some measurements, perhaps take some pictures and then go look at another C3 (preferably a 68, but most any C3 will do) and do the same thing.
Compare what you see, the measurements and take pics of the second vette, too...so you can compare the pics side by side.

When you know what you have and don't have, it will be easier for a shop or other knowledgeable person to determine the cost of returning it to the flip up/down.
Heidi

 

[andrewmckernon]

Mid america direct

Mid america direct list complete headlight conversion housing and all for $500 a piece. Is this a good deal. Or would it be much wiser to buy each componant separately and put it together myself?

 

[Red73BB]

andrew, Look up 69myway post on converting your headlight to a electrical function instead of vacuum. could be about the same in cost an the electric would be more relieable.
just my .02
Gary

 

[jonstr]

Re: Mid america direct

Mid america direct list complete headlight conversion housing and all for $500 a piece. Is this a good deal. Or would it be much wiser to buy each componant separately and put it together myself?

That's a really tough question for anyone to answer with the information at hand. As Chuck already said, it depends entirely on what is missing from your car. The answer to this specific question now also depends on exactly what MAD means by "complete". I ordered a "complete" power steering conversion kit once (not from MAD) and discovered that it did not include the pulleys, which still seems odd to me.

However, if you factor in your time to the cost, you may want to start with the "complete" setup from MAD (provided you understand what's in it). It may take alot of time to research the entire system, figure out what your missing, order some parts, try to assemble it, figure out your missing something else, order parts, etc. etc. I've often spent more than I probably had to because I didn't have the time to do all the digging, research, and trial and error.

 

[Doc Rebuild]

Sir,

Examine the components illustrated in the bottom half of following Adobe pdf file and you will have a better idea of what is missing. Note: these pdf files have slow load times on a dial up phone connection. They are large and detailed. If the picture loads and appears fuzzy, increase the magnification in the lower left corner of the Adobe software. Disregard any prices, these pictures are from a 2000 catalog for new parts.

If you are missing everything, it would be cheaper and expedient to purchase used assemblies.

Geoffrey Coenen
NCRS #2473
NCM Lifetime #105
Precision Valley Corvette Museum Charter Member #20 (I think)
Vettehead #18-1
Retired #1 56, 63, 67, 68, 68, 69, 75, 99 and I want more!

Headlamp Housings: 63-67 at top; 68-82 at bottom

 

[68Roadster]

Andrew,
You are welcome to come look at my 68 headlights. I also have the assembly manual and it shows all the parts.

I wasn't aware of the different size openings, for what it's worth, my car is an early one delivered in Oct/67...


Cee

 

[paintdaddy]

It sounds like you need the whole unit .I would find some used ones and rebuild them or have them rebuilt.usually the hinges are wore out and the vac canisters are bad.You can buy alot of the parts to rebuild them from corvetteamerica.

 

[intex99]

Sounds like you have the same setup as I have on my 80.Take a look at my pic of it and you will see them.They came as a kit I guess from Ecklers.The guy I bought it from got those as well as the hood and sold the original lights and I am still thinking of changing them back sometime in the future.I have watched Ebay but seems most have broken brackets ect or they aren't sure what year they actually fit so I need to wait for my local dealers to come up with them so I can actually measure them for fit.
As far as the plexiglass to fit over them I ordered some last yr (in the smoked timt)and the parts look very cheap to me so I sent them back.If you wanted tint make sure they are legal as well as I asked my friendly neighborhood cop and he said they were in my area but he wouldn't bother me but others might just as an excuse to pull me over and as I have a lead foot init anyways didn't need anymore reasons for that.