Rebuilding Headlight Actuator

[vetteboy86]

I'm looking for specific instructions on how to replace the seals to make the diaphragm functional again. I've searched and casually read through around 30 Threads, but only am finding general data on troubleshooting the system and how the system works.

Could someone please point me towards a thread, or source for rebuilding the units?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Here ya go:

Corvette Headlight Repair - Make Them Both Open | Corvette Magazine

 

[vetteboy86]

This is perfect. Exactly what I was looking for. Now if I can perform the tasks, I will be all set.

Thanks!

 

[vetteboy86]

So what do I do now that I've twisted the pivot pin receiver off both actuators? ad

The first one took me by surprise. I soaked them both in penetrating oil. I started to twist off, and from the start it was stubborn. I turned gradually both ways. Just as I thought it was loosening, SNAP!!!:W

The second one really didn't surprise me. I applied a little heat, tapped it a little, and it actually turned a quarter of a turn not twisting the rod. The next bit was stubborn, worked it both ways, little more heat little more tapping. Nothing doing, it snapped too. ;squint:

 

[6880 Mike]

...So what do I do now that I've twisted the pivot pin receiver off both actuators?...

Now you buy actuators.

 

[vetteboy86]

I knew that was the answer, Corvette Central has them for $150 a pair. Not terrible, but still money. Is this common? Is there a preferred way to acomplish this task?

As soon as I looked at all the rust and corriosion I knew buying might be in the near future.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Ooops. Snap is never good. I don't know of any reasonable way of repairing them, so I guess it's replacement time.

 

[vetteboy86]

Thanks for all the help. I'll know exactly what to do, and what not to do next time!

 

[Crimson Thunder]

Make sure they send you a right and a left. Mid-America sent me two lefts and i didn't catch it until i had them installed on the car.

 

[vetteboy86]

Thanks for the advice. Without having them in front of me right now, I'm not sure I could tell the difference. Are they stamped?

 

[6880 Mike]

...Without having them in front of me right now, I'm not sure I could tell the difference. Are they stamped?...

I think the only real difference is the direction the rear nipple points. Some are straight on both sides; on other cars, they point in toward the center of the car. As long as the hoses clear the hood, it probably doesn't make much difference.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

The rear nipples will point either left or right, depending which side of the car it's made for. You should have one of each.

 

[vetteboy86]

Gotcha, I know exactly what you guys are talking about. It really doesn't matter though if they were both right or left. It would just require longer vacuum hoses?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

I think you'd also have to worry about interference with the hood lip. Not much clearance. You AIM will tell you which goes where.

 

[petes74ttop]

I'm looking for specific instructions on how to replace the seals to make the diaphragm functional again.

The diaphragm and seals are different, one closes the actuator and the other opens it. Seals can be replaced, if the diaphragm is bad then you need a new actuator.

The nipples should face towards each fender.

 

[Crimson Thunder]

If you get them backward it will scratch the hood.

 

[vetteboy86]

I'll be sure to check clearance before securing. Thanks.

 

[jeanie2002]

easy fix if threads OK.

So what do I do now that I've twisted the pivot pin receiver off both actuators? ad

The first one took me by surprise. I soaked them both in penetrating oil. I started to twist off, and from the start it was stubborn. I turned gradually both ways. Just as I thought it was loosening, SNAP!!!:W

The second one really didn't surprise me. I applied a little heat, tapped it a little, and it actually turned a quarter of a turn not twisting the rod. The next bit was stubborn, worked it both ways, little more heat little more tapping. Nothing doing, it snapped too. ;squint:

I used an extra wide nut {check hardware store} or weld 2 nuts together if you have threads on both ends, thread nut onto each part of broken piece to "splice" back together, mine broke in place where this worked great for me. good luck!