Synchronizing the Headlight Assemblies
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Southeast WI
Synchronizing the Headlight Assemblies
What is the trick to getting both headlight assemblies to open simultaneously?
I replaced all the springs on the assemblies and it improved the situation, but the passenger side still opens a little slower than the driver side.
Is this a vacuum line phenomenon? Any simple fixes for this?
I replaced all the springs on the assemblies and it improved the situation, but the passenger side still opens a little slower than the driver side.
Is this a vacuum line phenomenon? Any simple fixes for this?
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,637
Likes: 27
From: Norwalk Ct
I think that it is just a "vacuum" thing...........so many things can effect the reaction to vacuum, heat, moisture, even tolerances in the vacuum switches or the headlight vacuum canisters.
I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Nick
I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Nick
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
You could also try running both headlight actuators off one relay. I think that this was used on 68's and GM went to separate relays after this. Setting them up this way would at least let you know whether it's a mechanical issue like greasing pivot points or a vacuum problem. Replacing the hoses wouldn't hurt. I think it's pretty tough to get the two lights to open at exactly the same time. Even after *completely* rebuilding mine, they are about 1 second different in opening. I figure that this is about as close as I can ever make them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
No tricks involved. Both actuator seals, vac lines, and relays must function perfectly & without leaks for simultanious opperation. There's soooo many moving parts & variables in there that it's not easy to perfectly syncronize those headlights. Most times it's the actuator seals (which you can replace) that leak some. Bet ya they didn't work perfectly every time even straight out of the factory.
I replaces all the nylon bushings, pivot bushings, hoses, springs, lubed em, adjusted em, and replaced the actuator seals & boots. Mine are close...but not perfect.
Good Luck
Eddie
I replaces all the nylon bushings, pivot bushings, hoses, springs, lubed em, adjusted em, and replaced the actuator seals & boots. Mine are close...but not perfect.
Good Luck
Eddie
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Southeast WI
Thanks, Guys.
Based on your replies, I don't feel so bad now. Both lights are pretty darn close when they open, so maybe I'll leave things alone. Knowing my luck, I'll futs around with the vacuum system and really screw something up.
Appreciate your help.
Based on your replies, I don't feel so bad now. Both lights are pretty darn close when they open, so maybe I'll leave things alone. Knowing my luck, I'll futs around with the vacuum system and really screw something up.
Appreciate your help.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,230
Likes: 1,009
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
I was fooling around with mine one time in regards to this and I noticed one hose was longer than the other. When I tried it with 2 hoses exactly the same length form the relay, they opened at the same time. But really if they both open you are way ahead of the game.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,637
Likes: 27
From: Norwalk Ct
Originally Posted by 69ttop502
I was fooling around with mine one time in regards to this and I noticed one hose was longer than the other. When I tried it with 2 hoses exactly the same length form the relay, they opened at the same time. But really if they both open you are way ahead of the game.
Thats why you bought the 62...no vacuum!!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 4
From: Fairview Heights Illinois, near Saint Louis MO, STL C3 Shark
My left one opens up almost instantly, the right one opens almost a full second later. I think it is pretty cool that they do that 
I get some funny looks when I turn on the headlights in a parking lot with folks standing around 
I get some funny looks when I turn on the headlights in a parking lot with folks standing around
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 5
From: the land of a never ending frame-off resto-mod. May Visa have mercy on my soul.
I think they call it the corvette "wink" syndrome. It lets all the other cars in the lot know that its the hottest one around. 
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 6
From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster
I like the independant action.
I used this to advantage on my 69 when I was in the Navy. Had to have a base sticker to park on base but wasn't willing to put it on the bumper. Stuck it on the side of the light and shut the engine off when the right closed.
Some of the WWII fighters had thier landing gear go up one at a time, never bothered them.
I used this to advantage on my 69 when I was in the Navy. Had to have a base sticker to park on base but wasn't willing to put it on the bumper. Stuck it on the side of the light and shut the engine off when the right closed.
Some of the WWII fighters had thier landing gear go up one at a time, never bothered them.
