headlight actuators
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: liberty mo
headlight actuators
i was replacing the dust boots and seals on the actuators tonight,and every thing was going smooth, untill i get to the passenger side, was trying to get the clevis off the end of the rod, when suddenly the rod broke 
a new actuator is $100.00 bucks, has anybody ever fixed one of these rods, or have any ideas on how to fix it. their is still about half the thread left on rod since it broke right below the clevis, but it is not enough thread to use as it will not have enough adjistment now. any advise would be great. good advice that is.
a new actuator is $100.00 bucks, has anybody ever fixed one of these rods, or have any ideas on how to fix it. their is still about half the thread left on rod since it broke right below the clevis, but it is not enough thread to use as it will not have enough adjistment now. any advise would be great. good advice that is.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
From: Ocala FL
I hate to say this, but you're kinda screwed unless you have access to a machine shop or somebody with a machine shop. It's possible to run a die over the rod to chase threads further down the length, then get a custom machined part that threads over the rod to re-establish the correct length.
option 2 is to cut it down slightly and weld a new extension on. You run the risk of heat damaging the actuator or the wled joint causing problems down the line.
Shop ebay. There's a new actuator for 49.98 with no bids so far
good luck
option 2 is to cut it down slightly and weld a new extension on. You run the risk of heat damaging the actuator or the wled joint causing problems down the line.
Shop ebay. There's a new actuator for 49.98 with no bids so far
good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Threading the part of the rod thats left may work, if its a standard thread like 3/8 Home Depot sells a nut that is designed to connect 2 pieces of all thread end to end. It comes in several sizes
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
I had the same thing happen to mine. I bought a coupling nut and some threaded rod from Lowes. I measured it out, cut the rod and put it together. I also bought a new clevis and bushing from Zip while I was at it because I couldn't get the broken piece of rod out of the old clevis. I put it all back together and it works like a charm.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: liberty mo
I hate to say this, but you're kinda screwed unless you have access to a machine shop or somebody with a machine shop. It's possible to run a die over the rod to chase threads further down the length, then get a custom machined part that threads over the rod to re-establish the correct length.
option 2 is to cut it down slightly and weld a new extension on. You run the risk of heat damaging the actuator or the wled joint causing problems down the line.
Shop ebay. There's a new actuator for 49.98 with no bids so far
good luck
option 2 is to cut it down slightly and weld a new extension on. You run the risk of heat damaging the actuator or the wled joint causing problems down the line.
Shop ebay. There's a new actuator for 49.98 with no bids so far
good luck
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: liberty mo
I had the same thing happen to mine. I bought a coupling nut and some threaded rod from Lowes. I measured it out, cut the rod and put it together. I also bought a new clevis and bushing from Zip while I was at it because I couldn't get the broken piece of rod out of the old clevis. I put it all back together and it works like a charm. will have to put it in the vice and put some heat to it, but anyway a clevis is cheaper that an actuator.thanks again.
