Headlights on C4 Vettes- Questions?

[Captain Chaos]

I have a 1985 Corvette and am experiencing problems with the driver's side headlight flip mechanism not working like it's supposed to.

When I turn the headlights on, that mechanism does not flip the headlight around to its proper position, that is, unless I get out there while the motor on the flip mechanism is still running and set the headlight in place myself.

What do I need to check, and is this a common problem on these particular cars? I'm a mechanic, but just trying to learn about this before I tear into it. Thanks!

 

[Mac]

Welcome to the CAC, Captain Chaos!

I'm not a C4 expert (I'm a C3 kinda guy!) but there's plenty of them around here who'll give you guidance. If you're not the patient type, you can use the 'search' feature (check the blue bar at the top of the page) and find threads on the subject.

For instance... click!

Be sure to drop by the Introductions section and say 'Hi!' to everyone!!

-Mac

 

[Ken]

It is a common problem for the gears to wear out in the headlamp assembly; they're a type of plastic and they deteriorate with time. Most of the aftermarket companies sell replacements, most likely cheaper than you could get them at a dealer, if you could find them there. Try Mid Anerica's site for the parts you'll need.

You might also want to see if the retainer clip is in place, and that the headllamp is not simply out of synch and unable to rotate itself. There's a clip that prevents the manual override knob from turning by itself.

 

[G Winter]

I have a 1985 Corvette and am experiencing problems with the driver's side headlight flip mechanism not working like it's supposed to.

When I turn the headlights on, that mechanism does not flip the headlight around to its proper position, that is, unless I get out there while the motor on the flip mechanism is still running and set the headlight in place myself.

What do I need to check, and is this a common problem on these particular cars? I'm a mechanic, but just trying to learn about this before I tear into it. Thanks!

Welcome to the forum, you will find it to be a great place.

There are some 3/8 bushings inside . often they wear and can be replaced. at the top of the page is a search . click on that and enter headlight problems or headlights. you will find some threads on the subject . someone also has a link that tells how to repair the unit .

 

[NevadaJim]

Common problem, '84 through '87 don't have the bushings that are usually the source of the problem in later year C-4s. The problem is most likely a worn gear, there are two inside a large white one and smaller black one, the white one is most often the one that goes bad. You can get both gears from Ecklers or Mid America. Takes about 1 - 2 hours to do the job. Make sure you have some white grease to greas the gears and internal moving parts, as well as some clear RTV to seal the two motor/actuator housing parts back together (you don't want any water getting in there, trust me). Good luck.

 

[94conv.]

I replaced the bushings on the 89' vette I used to have, it was pretty easy, the buckets just unbolt from the hood, you might mark or trace around the frame of the bucket first so its easier to align when you remount it, then you just unbolt the motor from the headlight frame and there its a round cover you take off the the bushings are sitting in there, most of the new bushing come with a new brass gear to. I cant remember the cost but I did get mine from mid america

Good luck with it.

 

[Captain Chaos]

Thanks a bunch for alll the replies, everyone! I did a search as G Winter suggested, and this is what I found!

Here's the Mid America part number someone listed for the original-style (not Bronze) headlight gears: 601-709 (price shown to be $39.99).

Here's the link I found that shows the procedures for replacing them:

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2001/december/headlights/head1.asp

I'm gonna order my parts today and hopefully be knocking this out next weekend!

 

[EPiC Vette]

Welcome, Cap'n!

The headlight issue is pretty common with C4's. I had to do mine, and although it took me a "little" longer than the 1-2 hours, it was far easier than shelling out the big $$$ for the new headlight "assembly" from the dealer.

I think of it as a kind of "initiation"!

Take Care!
-Eric