One more headlight question...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Vero Beach Florida
One more headlight question...
Hey all! I hope you can stand a simple headlight question. 
When I test drove my '81 'Vette the headlights worked - although one was just a bit lazy.
When I got it home a week later, I pulled the headlight switch on and there was a LOT of resistance - I had to pull it hard to the point it felt like I broke it - and the lights don't even try to go up. The light switch now works easily like my ol '85 Monte. Pulls on almost too easily - and the headlights go on - doors stay shut.
I found and repaired one very small leak in the vaccuum system.
Here's my question before I order a new switch: On your C3's, do you feel any slight vaccuum resistance when you turn on your headlights?
Thanks for your responses. My wife really wants to drive her birthday present at night!!
...Alan, Vero Beach
When I test drove my '81 'Vette the headlights worked - although one was just a bit lazy.
When I got it home a week later, I pulled the headlight switch on and there was a LOT of resistance - I had to pull it hard to the point it felt like I broke it - and the lights don't even try to go up. The light switch now works easily like my ol '85 Monte. Pulls on almost too easily - and the headlights go on - doors stay shut.
I found and repaired one very small leak in the vaccuum system.
Here's my question before I order a new switch: On your C3's, do you feel any slight vaccuum resistance when you turn on your headlights?
Thanks for your responses. My wife really wants to drive her birthday present at night!!
...Alan, Vero Beach
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 0
From: Henrico VA
If I get any resistance when I pull mine, it's just a tiny bit. I had Zip replace mine at one point, but I don't think there was anything wrong with it...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
If your pull down switch doesn't operate your headlights you have more of a problem than the switch. You need to find that problem before you replace the switch as you might not need to replace it. Check all your vaccum hose connections you should not be hearing a HISS unless you have a hose leaking. You can google Corvette Vaccum system and get all sorts of diagrams and advice on how to resolve this problem.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Vero Beach Florida
Thanks all... since I'm pretty sure I broke the switch I went ahead and ordered one from Mid-America - I'll let you know what happens.
I also ordered parts to repair the stripped gear in the window assembly - wish me luck!
Attfay - Pleasure to meet you! Is your C3 your DD? Can you recommend a good shop in our area familar with vettes? I like to spread around my grief! I've used Keeler Bros - Vinnie's good!
...Alan
I also ordered parts to repair the stripped gear in the window assembly - wish me luck!
Attfay - Pleasure to meet you! Is your C3 your DD? Can you recommend a good shop in our area familar with vettes? I like to spread around my grief! I've used Keeler Bros - Vinnie's good!
...Alan
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
When you get ready to change out the switch make sure you get the 2 hoses right.The hose with vacuum on it with the engine running goes on the port closest to the ****.
