Need help with headlight actuator

[fc3]

Hey guys, How do I get the vaccum actuators (headlight) out? are there any diagrams on the net? Where do I get repair kits for the actuators? I have the hood off, as well as the radiator out, so I thought I would fix them while they are easy to get to. Fred:cool

 

[wicky88s1975]

If you don't have one yet, pick up an assembly manual. Its been invaluable to me and the work I've been doing on mine. Also you might check at corvettefaq.com

 

[Stallion]

What's there to fix? Are the headlights actually acting up or something that's not pleasing you? Just curious. Good luck with the vaccuum system.

About this assembly manual, is this what I'm looking for? I want something that is basically my '78 inside and out so I can reference it when I'm doing a mod/resto or just learning about the Vette. Is this the "user" manual?

Thanks!

TR

 

[Scott81]

I took my actuators out from under the front of the car. It's been years since I did that and I can't remember if I took the front grills out or not but you have to remove the springs, it was a bit of a pain, having the hood off and radiator out you might be able to get at them easier. If all you are doing is changing the rubber seals that part isn't too tough, just be careful with the ring that holds the seals in, the little tabs are easy to break off so use a small jewellers screw driver.

Assembly manual and shop manuals are the best, check ebay, got mine for $10.

Or if you want to avoid doing this ever again email 69myway(Chris) for details on his electric conversion. I saw them at a show recently and it's really a nice set up and works 100 times better.

 

[fc3]

When I turn on the headlights, the right light does not come up all the way. It comes up about 80%. I am assuming the actuator needs a seal kit. Fred

 

[Yoda]

fc3,

Check out this page from the L81VetteRegistry

Good Luck

Bud

 

[paintdaddy]

I am sure there is another way but every time I take one out I remove the whole headlight assembly first.It makes it much easier.Plus while its out you can check all of the springs and bushings to see if they are ok.

 

[Stallion]

Hmm...that electric conversion sounds quite convincing. No more headlight vaccuum problems that way! Where did you get those manuals and for that cheap?

TR

 

[smurfvet]

I got mine out with the hood on and the radiator in. I put a blanket on the hood surface, as the space was quite tight. After chickening out and rethinking it, I found that dropping them down through the holes under the nose with the car jacked up was the best way.

If it isn't lifting all the way, it could be the light unit rubbing on something or the plastic bushings screwed up. If you disconnect the linkage to the actuator, check the light housing travel first. It might not (?) be the actuator.

 

[fc3]

I changed the actuator diaphram today. Hard to get the assy out, but not hard to change. The hood was off the car which makes it easier, but still took an hour.
We detailed the firewall and engine bay today. We will stab the engine tommorrow (Sunday). The fun begins- the hook up! Fred:bar

 

[Scott81]

Hmm...that electric conversion sounds quite convincing. No more headlight vaccuum problems that way! Where did you get those manuals and for that cheap?

TR

TR

When I saw Chris's Vette he showed me the headlight setup, pull the switch and they don't just open up, they jump right up in a quick snap. No doubt it's a much nicer setup than the PITA vacuum system.

Got my manuals off ebay, it took a while to get one at a good price but patience paid off.

Scott

 

[Stallion]

Scott, I think I'll get the manuals from here:

http://www.tracyvette.com/books.html

They seem to have both assembly and shop.

 

[Yoda]

Hey.. DON'T forget about what CAC has to offer Members get a discount from our · Affiliates! Then check out The Books and Literature Section in The Portal and in some case's it helps to support the Corvette Action Center Community

Bud

 

[Stallion]

Absolutely, Bud. I will definitely buy through here if I can get them. I will go check and see if I can't find the show and assembly manuals. Hopefully I'll find them. Thanks!

TR

 

[Stallion]

Bud, I'm looking on our site but I don't think I can find the '78 show and assembly manuals. Can I order through CAC here? I was looking http://corvetteactioncenter.com/portal/index.php?sid=623916647&cat=133&t=sub_pages if it matters.

Thanks!

 

[wicky88s1975]

I just did a search online for corvette literature and found this site: http://rowleycorvette.com/literature.htm . They have the assembly manuals for most years it looks like and the shop manuals.

 

[Stallion]

I just did a search online for corvette literature and found this site: http://rowleycorvette.com/literature.htm . They have the assembly manuals for most years it looks like and the shop manuals.

Is this

143715 ASSEMBLY MANUAL:'71-'82................. 21.00

One assembly manual or did they just compact all these years so they didn't have to write them out? Because I'm just looking for the '78 Assembly manual. But they do seem to have the '78 Shop Manual.

Thanks!

 

[Stallion]

So can I get both manuals through CAC, Bud? Or do I need to order them through other sites? I would like to get them ASAP because there is some stuff that I need to work on.

TR

 

[wicky88s1975]

One assembly manual or did they just compact all these years so they didn't have to write them out?

Mine is year specific. I'd ask Rowleys if you need to specifiy year. Don't forget the shop manual. I found it great for repair procedures and specifications.
Try Zip also they might have reproductions in stock.

 

[intex99]

I was just looking in the Corvette Centrals catelog and they have both manuals as well.The 78 shop manual for $99.95 and the assembly manual for $20.95.
I got both off of Ebay for alot less than that last year for my 80.I don't use the assembly very much as it seems kinda vague on alot of things your looking for but the shop manual is great.You can also find alot of misc. info right here on this site.If you can't find it ask and someone will know exactly what and where to find your answer!
This site has helped me out of a bind many times already!
My hats off to all the CAC members and staff!!!!!
Thanks all!!