74' Headlight Sagging

[igasper10]

Hey all, your advice has been a great help so far, I've got another puzzle! I started replacing & repairing from the back to the front on my 74' project. I'm now at the headlights which means I'm almost done! (hopefully) The right side headlight assembly is sitting low in the front clip. So low that if I actuated the headlight, it would hit the back edge of the cutout in the fiberglass. I can't see much being that the hood is in the way, but I can feel quite a difference in the two sides. The left side headlight assembly is fine. The metal bracket(?) is pretty flush with the bottom face of the clip. The right side however is hanging down off of it. When I lift it up by hand, the headlight pulls back into place. What secures this ass'y & bracket to the clip? Could it be as simple as a bolt(s) missing???

Ian -

 

[69MyWay]

C3 headlights are near and dear to me. I actually know virtually nothing about the vacuum system, but the overall mounting, and adjustments are ingrained in my mind.

You have a variety of possible problems.

1. The front support that is inbetween the headlight and the hood may have pulled loose from the fiberglass, rusted out, or the bolts may be stripped allowing the headlight to drop.
2. The main bushings on the headlight pivot may be shot. The good news is you can buy new ones. They are held on each side by three bolts.
3. You need to shim and adjust the headlight assembly to the car on the four main assembly mounting points
4. There are three bolts up in the main pivot socket that adjust the final fit of the door. Those might be loose or broken.

Finally....you could have a broken assembly that is fractured in such a way that it is letting the light drop down a tad.

If you removed your front grills, raise hood and the car, inspect it all with a good flashlight. Since your left is in good order, simply compare the two until you find the difference.

Let us know what you find.

 

[igasper10]

Thanks, I'll do that this weekend.