propellar

I am new to the forum & just picked up a 1970 vertte. I was wondering if someone knows of a mechanical headlight assembly? Just want to be prepared when mine fail.

Stewart's74

Why are you sure they will fail?
If they do, why not rebuild the Vaccum operated components. I did mine.

propellar

Of course they will fail. I just like the thought of a mechanical set up.

gerry72

A mechanical/electric setup would by its nature be more prone to failure than a vacuum operated system. Once you understand the control and operating systems of the vacuum headlight and wiper door, it's easy to keep it 100 percent functional. It's also a lot lighter.

We're not exactly NCRS on this part of the CF but those of us who have gone through our systems realize the merit of Chevy doing it this way.

markdtn

:iagree: If you do it right and keep it tight the sound that the headlights make when they come up is neat. Kind of a whoosh-thump. Keep the vacuum.

Fevre

http://www.mcspeed.homestead.com/Our_Products~ns4.html

PatsLs1vette

yep like fevre posted chris mcdonald made his own electric setup and kit.i have all my vacuum out now and will be converting to electric.And people will ask Y ------ because we can.

propellar

When you mention "keep it tight" is their something I'm to do to keep it working? This is all new to me so please excuse me.

gerry72

Keeping it tight means eliminating the vacuum leaks. Leaks can develop in the vacuum motors and actuators (as well as the hoses and tank or anywhere else the vacuum runs).

It's not that big of an issue, really. If the hoses are brittle, replace them all. Make sure the check valve works and that the system will hold a vacuum.

All the seals and hoses are available and easy to replace.

It's when you're having problems that there is the temptation to convert to the electrical system. But, again, if you get the short manual for the system and take the time to understand how it works you'll find it a very reliable system. And like what was written, there's cool that "whoosh, clunk" when you lower the headlight doors with the engine off.

propellar

Ok, thanks for the info. I just bought the car & all of the hoses have been replcaed. I have ordered a repair manual to have in the garage & will go thru it as soon as it arrives.

Eddie 70

By all means, do not be shy. There are a lot of us on here that have been through our systems to make them work. I have replaced all of my lines and rebuilt both of my headlight actuators. So now I have headlights that pop up and down. You can do it.

And since you have a 1970 vette also, let me suggest you check out Juliets 1970 Corvette Registry if you haven't already. I have never gotten any spam from her and it is a pretty neat website to look at. I am member 017 and there are now over 1000 vettes registered. Give it look. http://corvetteforum.net/c3/1970regi...0registry.html