headlight assy seems loose.....

[Chas]

I changed all 4 of my lights this weekend, and noticed why it seems that my light on passengerside seems to jiggle when i hit a bump.....seems as though the whole thing is loose....i can hold it and move the whole thing , where the other one is rock solid....in looking from underneath it seems like the bushings that the thing pivots on are sloppy,one on each side, i see what looks like an adjustment screw with a locknut on it, and it needs to be adjusted to make contact, but im concerned about the bushings.
Can i make my own here at work? i have the machines....
or is it even the issue?
Thanks for any thoughts on this matter ...im thinking this is a winter project where i have to remove the whole thing and rebuild.
Chas

 

[Red69]

Sounds like you need to replace your side bearing supports.
68-82 HEADLIGHT HOUSING SIDE BEARING [font=Arial, Verdana, Helvetica]Product Number [/font][font=Arial, Verdana, Helvetica]HDL-141[/font] Price:$8.00
SCSLink = "/Corvette_Early/product_style.asp?pf%5Fid=HDL%2D141&Gift=false&0=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D864%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D%2CHeadlights+%26+Lamps&1=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D887%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D0%2C68%2D82+Headlight+Components&2=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D891%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D1%2CHeadlight+Bucket+Housing+%26+Support+Frame&HavePromo=N&mscssid=0D7D0964F7FE24D4AB1266D1E5A6FD19";[font=Arial, Verdana, Helvetica] Quantity: [/font][font=Arial, Verdana, Helvetica][/font]

 

[Chas]

many thanks...

that is the part i saw that was shot.
Chas

Sounds like you need to replace your side bearing supports.
68-82 HEADLIGHT HOUSING SIDE BEARING [font=Arial, Verdana, Helvetica]Product Number [/font][font=Arial, Verdana, Helvetica]HDL-141[/font] Price:$8.00
SCSLink = "/Corvette_Early/product_style.asp?pf%5Fid=HDL%2D141&Gift=false&0=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D864%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D%2CHeadlights+%26+Lamps&1=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D887%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D0%2C68%2D82+Headlight+Components&2=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D891%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D1%2CHeadlight+Bucket+Housing+%26+Support+Frame&HavePromo=N&mscssid=0D7D0964F7FE24D4AB1266D1E5A6FD19";[font=Arial, Verdana, Helvetica] Quantity: [/font]

 

[photovette]

I need the same thing--how do you get the old one out?

 

[Red69]

If you do not have a rebuild manual, get a catalog from a major parts distributor and look at the exploded views. They can be very helpful. To install the headlight support bearings you will need to remove the headlight bucket, so the grille must come out. After opening an exit space remove the four headlight bucket bolts and pull it out. Three bolts hold the support bearing in place. While you have everything exposed, you might as well replace the pivot bushings as well. I think the hardest part is getting the headlights out and reinstalling everything.

 

[photovette]

I'm sure getting the headlight buckets out is difficult--I was kinda hoping it wouldn't be necessary. Have you done it? If so, on a scale 1 to 10 of PITAness, which is it?

 

[Red69]

I took care of the problem during my body off rebuild, so easier than doing it to a finished car. Actually doing the fix is easy, it is taking everything apart and without damaging the paint that is the PITA. If you are mechanically inclined, I'd say it is a Saturday morning job. It is definately one of the easier fixes IMO. Replace the bearing on both sides, the pivot bushing and any broken parts while it is apart. Failing to do this will mean doing the job more than once.

 

[GTR1999]

Bushings are probably shot as they are only nylon material. Be careful removing them there isn't much room. I had the hood off and pulled the front grills out when i removed mine. I also had the radiator out so be sure to protect it,ifyou have a/c then there's more in the way.

I went through both buckets. The early ones are pot metal so I had to repair the stripped threaded holes for the cover. There are nylon bushings for the small rods too that wear out. You'll be better off buying the headlight rebuild kit form Bair's and replace all those old rusty parts now. The kit comes with SS springs too.

For a good manual get the Glas-Ra book for C3's that covers the headlights it's very good.

 

[photovette]

Now, there is information I've been searching for--I always wanted to replace the HL springs with stainless. Thanks! Now I can do the job right!

I've made a list of what I needed months ago, so, I'll order it tonight and tackle everything next weekend. I'll overhaul and repaint everything forward of the condenser coil.

Sometime with 'vettes, you gotta get inspired to tackle something!

 

[photovette]

Coupeman--you were super helpful! In my 8 years of Corvette ownership I had never come across Bair's before! They stuff I hadn't known existed! My wife's gonna kill me when she sees what I bought!!!

 

[GTR1999]

You're welcome. Brian Bair is a good guy. I buy most of my parts from him. If you need any pictures of the buckets, I still have them out on a shelf. I can take some shots if you want. I also made the spring rods out of SS but you can buy new steel ones for little money. I just had time to kill one rainy day and have access to ss stock and a lathe.