headlamp actuator
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 689
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From: Palm Bay Florida
headlamp actuator
I just attempted to install 2 new headlamp actuators on my early 69 L46 Corvette. However the new actuators have only a 1 in stroke. This is not enough to open and close my headlamps. My old ones had a 2 inch stroke. when I retract the stud on the new actuators I hit a "soft" stop. On my old ones both stops are "hard".
Anyone have the same issue or have any ideas what is going on?.. I'm stoked on this.
Anyone have the same issue or have any ideas what is going on?.. I'm stoked on this.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 689
Likes: 169
From: Palm Bay Florida
I neglected to say that my engine is out of the car. So all of the manipulation with the actuator rod is done by hand. I am trying to adjust my headlamps when they are out of the car. It appears that the actuator rods do not retract completely. Do you think with a vacuum that they will? My old ones do not require a vacuum to retract completely.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 154
From: Deplorableville Nebraska
I guess I did not know how your H/L actuators were configured. Engine in or out, really doesn't matter if you are operating by hand. If your vacuum hoses are connected, and there is any blockage downstream (relay etc.) the travel would be restricted. On a actuator not connected to a hose, but installed, you should have about 2" of travel. An actuator out of the box new has about 2 1/4-2 1/2 inches of travel.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 689
Likes: 169
From: Palm Bay Florida
I guess I did not know how your H/L actuators were configured. Engine in or out, really doesn't matter if you are operating by hand. If your vacuum hoses are connected, and there is any blockage downstream (relay etc.) the travel would be restricted. On a actuator not connected to a hose, but installed, you should have about 2" of travel. An actuator out of the box new has about 2 1/4-2 1/2 inches of travel.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
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When I converted my car to electric headlight motors-
I cut apart the OEM actuator to measure the exact throw- as I wanted to replicate it w/ the electric motors throw.
Dave's correct-It's right at 2½"- on several I had laying around. Even cut one apart to make sure my electric conversion didn't interfere w/ the hood or radiator.
And after cutting it apart there should be nothing that interferes w/ it's movement.
I'm not fan of electric cars- but a big fan of electric headlight motors!!!
I cut apart the OEM actuator to measure the exact throw- as I wanted to replicate it w/ the electric motors throw.
Dave's correct-It's right at 2½"- on several I had laying around. Even cut one apart to make sure my electric conversion didn't interfere w/ the hood or radiator.
And after cutting it apart there should be nothing that interferes w/ it's movement.
I'm not fan of electric cars- but a big fan of electric headlight motors!!!
