1978 Headlight Change Procedure

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Jul 2, 2010 | 02:43 PM

chiefbob

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From: Camden NY

St. Jude Donor '10

1978 Headlight Change Procedure

My high/low beam light is out on the low but the high works. Is the remove/replace process as simple as removing the front cover panel and then removing the light?

Or is there some hidden gremlin that I should beware of?

Are the lights available at most auto parts stores or special order for Covettes?

Also wondered about replacing them with Halogen lights as advertised in Ecklers?

So many questions for what should be a simple job.

BTW, Happy Fourth of July!

Jul 2, 2010 | 04:17 PM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

It's pretty straightforward. Remove bezel; remove retaining ring and spring; unplug harness from rear of the lamp.

Might as well clean the harness plug while you're there.

Gremlins involve old and possibly siezed screws. Go slowly.

Jul 2, 2010 | 04:44 PM

markdtn

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From: Chattanooga TN

Regular old round light available at any parts store, wal-mart, etc.

Jul 2, 2010 | 05:41 PM

Swift_C3

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From: Colorado Springs Colorado

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Mike

Retaining spring?

..... maybe the 75 didn't have one, cuz all I had was a metal ring holding the light in, and springs holding the buckets(?) in the correct lighting position.

Jul 2, 2010 | 05:43 PM

72LS1Vette

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From: North Easton Mass

You may find some rust on the buckets when you get the bulbs out. It never hurts to spen a few minutes spraying a couple coats of paint on to help them last another 40 years.

Rick B.

Jul 3, 2010 | 07:23 AM

chiefbob

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From: Camden NY

St. Jude Donor '10

Thanks, guys, for the tips and pics.

Bob

Jul 3, 2010 | 07:58 AM

...Roger...

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From: Dayton, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swift_C3

Retaining spring?

..... maybe the 75 didn't have one, cuz all I had was a metal ring holding the light in, and springs holding the buckets(?) in the correct lighting position.

In some years the spring hooked through the silver ring but I think in later years the spring just hooked the bucket.
Maybe Chiefbob can confirm.

Jul 13, 2010 | 09:58 AM

chiefbob

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From: Camden NY

St. Jude Donor '10

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...Roger...

In some years the spring hooked through the silver ring but I think in later years the spring just hooked the bucket.
Maybe Chiefbob can confirm.

I changed the headlights this morning and can confirm that the springs are attached only to the buckets. Here's a pic (damn, the dirt and dust really show up on closeups!):