Need help in 66 restoration.

[Rgrigs]

I have two questions, First, I have just finished installing new weatherstriping on my conv. top. I did it as the intructions dictated but I have large air leak above the driver's sunvisor. It is a very bad leak! Is there any way to adjust the tightness of the latch? It appears to me that if I could just tighten the latch down a little I could get rid of the air leak. Second auestion, Last night was the first time I have driven this car with the headlights. The motors seem to work alright but when I am driving the drivers side light appears to wiggle when going over a bump. Is there a way to tighten this up? Thank you for any help you can give me. I am a beginner at this (Corvette Restoration) and have only been working on this car this summer. I recently sold a 57 Chev. after a 10 year restoration project. Thanks again, Bob

 

[Tom Bryant]

Welcome To The CAC

I know that the latches are adjustable but I don't have one here to look at. There are several guys that will comment on this as soon as they see it.

Tom

 

[WayneC]

My recollection is that the front latches are held onto the convertible top header by 2 screws, and that the holes in the latch for those screws are elongated. If I'm correct, you can loosen the screws (with the latch disengaged), move the latch back/up away from the windshield frame, and retighten the screws. If there's not enough play left in the adjustment to seal the header, then perhaps it's time for new header weatherstripping. Also, fasten the header latches before you fasten the rear deck latches.

You need to purchase shop manuals if you don't already own them (I have a 63, which only requires 1 manual; I think several manuals are required for a 66). There are procedures in the manuals for adjusting the headlights , but it's too involved to spend the time to copy it here. The "wiggle" could be looseness in the supporting brackets or bushings, or even in the ring that secures the headlight to the bucket... you'll have to wiggle it manually and look to see what's loose.

 

[JohnZ]

The "loose" headlight bucket may simply not be against its wide-open stop - they don't open together - the motors are independent of each other. You have to watch them when you open them and make sure both buckets have stopped before you release the switch.

 

[Ron Miller]

Open your headlights & see if there is "looseness" in the headlight bucket, or if the play is in the headlamp itself. If the bucket, it's probably as John has said, just check it out. If it's in the headlamp attachment to the bucket, you'll probably have to remove the metal trim ring surrounding the two headlamps to check out the problem. Could be a broken spring, etc.

Rlm :cool

 

[65TripleBlack]

Both the latches, and the header have grooved mating surfaces, which lock the latches in place when the screws are tightened. If the grooves are worn out, or not mated properly, then the latches will slip, no matter how tight you make the screws.