ice pac

I am about to change the headlight actuator seals. I'm hoping that'll fix the problem as to why my headlights don't close(or open for that matter). Do I need to remove the actuators or can I do it without taking them off?

Thanks
J.thib

The Money Pit

I had to remove mine,put them in a bench vise and heat the actuater rod with a torch to remove the end in order to change the seals. Worked like a champ after I was done,but old age and rusty threads made for a fun job.
This is pretty much the norm though when working on older cars. :smash:

jerryp58

I'm almost 100% you do because I think you have to take the actuator out to get the seal's retaining ring off.

Here's a couple of articles on the process...
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2002...s/lights-1.asp

http://www.zip-corvette.com/has.htm

I've pulled the actuators a couple of times. It's not too bad a job, just protect the hood so you don't scratch it. Remember, when the hood is up, you can tilt the top (back) of it forward a little to give yourself some extra room to get the acutators out at the bottom (front).

LAvetteman

:iagree:

I don't see a need for a torch on this job.

BSeery

You have to remove the rod end from the threaded rod that goes into the actuator. Many times rust and uck make that a difficult job. I have seen people try and muscle it off only to break the end off the rod and then have to buy a whole new actuator.

JB

What BSeery said. You'd be amazed how mild the metal is in that darned rod. It takes very little torque to sheer it (say, like putting a screwdriver through the eye to turn it, which is how I broke one of mine). Anything you can do to loosen it up--heat, PB Blaster, whatever--is a good idea IMHO>

JB

74-Roadster

Yes. Remove them from the car. Best advice I can give you is remove your hood first. Put scribe marks around the hinge mounts and have someone help youlift it off. After the hood is out of the way, the rest is MUCH easier.

Read the tech articles first.

PRNDL

Those links are generally good instructional articles... But if you are following the instructions and pics closely, pls note that one of the articles will have you sliding the seal on BACKWARDS!!!! :eek:







Which one is right!??
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Shark Racer

Though I'm fairly sure that's a joke, I'll respond. ;)

The bottom one is correct. The top of the seal fits into a little gap on the rod. The bottom part tucks in. Makes your actuators work great.

Make sure to replace the dust boot, too.

I didn't have problems with my threads sticking, but that doesn't mean you won't. Much better to be on the safe side!

-Steve

PRNDL

Check the 2 articles linked above and you will see it is no joke! A forum member followed the instructions and pictures carefully and was wondering why his seals kept getting sucked off! :eek: MJ

Shark Racer

No, I know what you mean. That article had me wondering too. :eek:

I was rather confused at first, seeing two different ways. So, I just tore it down and figured out the right way. (Donut first!)

I musta missed the forum member having issues w/ it! Poor guy!

-Steve

PRNDL

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=253282

MJ

Shark Racer

You mean I wasn't supposed to crank the metering jets to 20 ft-lbs!!!???

Oh crap!

:banghead: