When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I own a 69 C3, when I bought it the headlights were glassed in and the lights were under the bumpers. I want to put it back with pop ups. My question is, I have seen some on ebay they say for 75-82 or 68-74what's the difference in early and late C3 headlights.
some of the brackets are different even tho some people say they will work you are better off getting the early ones also the covers on early ones are allumuim rather then fiberglass==big dollars also 68/69 had headlight washers on them as an option if you care
My headlights were pretty much in-op when I bought my '80. I realized that getting them working again was going to take a lot of effort adn new parts.
I decided to replace the original vacuum operated system with a Killer Lights electric headlight system. The area below-behind my front bumper is nearly empty.
I own a 69 C3, when I bought it the headlights were glassed in and the lights were under the bumpers. I want to put it back with pop ups. My question is, I have seen some on ebay they say for 75-82 or 68-74what's the difference in early and late C3 headlights.
The headlight doors and linkage are all the same from 68-82. The big U shaped bracket is different on 75-82 and will not bolt into your car.
The door on the 68 is has a slight size difference, but will work.
The support until 74 is different than the later years. As with most GM pieces, the service replacement was of the 75 type, and the piece was supplied with block spacers to go under the front 2 support to nose reinforcement mounting points to install prior to 75 models. Functions fine. Most ebay sellers have no idea about this, so make sure you get the spacers with any 75 ebay piece, if this is the route you take.
The bezels are also different, but are all "functionally correct". 68 had no washers, yes for 69, 70,(until late) and some 71's. All the pot metal variety. Later and replacement pieces were plastic. Again function fine.
I am going to do this on my 71. Modify vacuum to electrical here is the link http://www.mcspeed.homestead.com/ just click on killer lights. You know what they say Vacuum sucks.
My brother in the States is also changing the lights on my 69 back to original (from Monza style). I have lights from a 79 and he says he is having a pain with one set of brackets making them align properly. Would it be best to get the large U shaped bracket you are talking about? Thanks. Also, he is changing the system to the Killer Lights and getting rid of the rest of the vacuum system.
The photo left shows the support. I circled the 2 front mounts. The 2 spacers highlighted in yellow are what GM supplied with the replacement,(75 on support), so it would fit pre 75.
The later,(75 on), support has a step up towards the front 2 circled mounts. I imagine its to clear the different nose reinforcement on the 75 and later cars. Right photo shows the support installed