Electric Headlight Conversion
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 607
Likes: 122
Electric Headlight Conversion
Getting tired of driving my car during daylight runs and embarassed when I have to manually pull my headlights up. My motor only makes 8" of vacum at idle. Gotta love that cam lope idle! Anyway
I was looking at the electric conversion kits. Did a search and was pricing it out and found this on ebay,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/C3-corvette-electric-headlight-motor-conversion-kit-1968-1982-Plug-and-Play/321812269247?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131017132637%26meid%3D2e2e5695b3c245f7ac398f2789a52874%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D3%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D321812269247#ht_2078wt_1195
Anyone have any experience with these guys?
Thanks in advance.
I was looking at the electric conversion kits. Did a search and was pricing it out and found this on ebay,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/C3-corvette-electric-headlight-motor-conversion-kit-1968-1982-Plug-and-Play/321812269247?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131017132637%26meid%3D2e2e5695b3c245f7ac398f2789a52874%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D3%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D321812269247#ht_2078wt_1195
Anyone have any experience with these guys?
Thanks in advance.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 342
Likes: 64
From: Ocala, FL
Thanks for posting the link. I have it bookmarked now as I may go the electric route in the future. They are pricey, but after watching the videos and looking at the pics, you can tell they are well made and they appear to work very well. Plus they've sold a good number of them, and they have 100% positive feedback.Something to consider, and I'm also looking forward to comments from someone who is using these.
P.S. They also offer them with new motors, but that brings the price tag to $712.50. Too rich for my blood.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,875
Likes: 3,554
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Getting tired of driving my car during daylight runs and embarassed when I have to manually pull my headlights up. My motor only makes 8" of vacum at idle. Gotta love that cam lope idle! Anyway
I was looking at the electric conversion kits. Did a search and was pricing it out and found this on ebay,
Anyone have any experience with these guys?
Thanks in advance.
I was looking at the electric conversion kits. Did a search and was pricing it out and found this on ebay,
Anyone have any experience with these guys?
Thanks in advance.
We- forum members- put together a much better mousetrap-as we actually own a Vette- don't have to cut up your headlight bracket or even take apart the clevis pin as it fits the OEM thread.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c-new-way.html
Here's a how to- http://www.stingrayv12.com/installation.html
You can do it yourself for 25% of what he wants...
Here's mine-
A fellow forum member-
His -
Our idea-
Last edited by Richard454; Dec 7, 2015 at 11:35 AM.
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 357
Likes: 15
From: Marshville, NC
Getting tired of driving my car during daylight runs and embarassed when I have to manually pull my headlights up. My motor only makes 8" of vacum at idle. Gotta love that cam lope idle! Anyway
I was looking at the electric conversion kits. Did a search and was pricing it out and found this on ebay,
C3 Corvette Electric Headlight Motor Conversion Kit 1968 1982 Plug and Play | eBay
Anyone have any experience with these guys?
Thanks in advance.
I was looking at the electric conversion kits. Did a search and was pricing it out and found this on ebay,
C3 Corvette Electric Headlight Motor Conversion Kit 1968 1982 Plug and Play | eBay
Anyone have any experience with these guys?
Thanks in advance.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 4,886
Likes: 202
From: Jackson MS
We- forum members- put together a much better mousetrap-as we actually own a Vette- don't have to cut up your headlight bracket or even take apart the clevis pin as it fits the OEM thread.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c-new-way.html
Here's a how to- http://www.stingrayv12.com/installation.html
You can do it yourself for 25% of what he wants...
This was the first modification I did to my '77 after reading the thread that Richard454 linked. I used a switch for a 1984 vette bought from the parts store and a DPDT switch in the place of the original vacuum switch to raise / lower the lights for servicing. I built the harness with weatherpack connectors and ran it in new split loom in the space where the vacuum hoses were previously routed. The whole system looks factory.
Save yourself some money and do it yourself.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,796
Likes: 1,706
From: Summerville SC
I understand a lot of members aren't really mechanically inclined, but I can't figure out why you would spend that kind of $$$ when Richard has what must be one of the longest threads on the site, with every question or thought gone over. But to each their own. Good luck.
The ORIGINAL and bestest
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 10,009
Likes: 240
From: Toronto Ontario
Toronto Events Coordinator
I understand a lot of members aren't really mechanically inclined, but I can't figure out why you would spend that kind of $$$ when Richard has what must be one of the longest threads on the site, with every question or thought gone over. But to each their own. Good luck.
If you are the DIY type, this mod can be done for under $200 using the same motors.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,875
Likes: 3,554
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Thank you guys....but TomB1 started it and several members pitched in to fine tune it.
For those that aren't electrically inclined I know where you can get a harness that plugs in-between the headlight. Then there is no need to run wires to the headlight switch or dimmer- or even change to the C4 switch.
richard454 at comcast dot net
plug-in harness by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Headlight harness by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
For those that aren't electrically inclined I know where you can get a harness that plugs in-between the headlight. Then there is no need to run wires to the headlight switch or dimmer- or even change to the C4 switch.
richard454 at comcast dot net
plug-in harness by Richard Hayes, on FlickrHeadlight harness by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
It's a great mod to do. I followed Richards thread, bought my parts and did it myself. I have under $200 in it.
The only reasons not to do the mod are if your current system is working flawlessly, or if you just have to keep your corvette as the factory built it. Neither of those applied to me.
The only reasons not to do the mod are if your current system is working flawlessly, or if you just have to keep your corvette as the factory built it. Neither of those applied to me.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 505
Likes: 8
From: Houston Tx.
I went the C4 conversion route. I have not been disappointed at all. I spent about $400 on vacuum parts including three sets of relay valves that broke or failed or did not work to begin with before I went electric. I added the kill switch to keep the headlights in the up position. I wish a kit like that was available when I did mine, but I am happy with the results I got.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
I installed linear actuators several years ago, and although they work, they are slow. Been searching for miata mtors at wrecking yards with no luck. However, there are plenty of late 80's Honda Accord motors around and they cost just $20 each. I disassembled one, and it is a very simple 3 wire set up, no solenoids needed. just a double throw switch will do it. Gonna be my Winter project. Should cost less than $50 total.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,875
Likes: 3,554
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
I installed linear actuators several years ago, and although they work, they are slow. Been searching for miata mtors at wrecking yards with no luck. However, there are plenty of late 80's Honda Accord motors around and they cost just $20 each. I disassembled one, and it is a very simple 3 wire set up, no solenoids needed. just a double throw switch will do it. Gonna be my Winter project. Should cost less than $50 total.
Also check Craigslist- there's a lot of guys parting out their Miata's and also stripping them down for track cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 46
From: Severn Maryland
MD Events Coordinator
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Cruise-In X Veteran
CI-X Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
My headlights are stuck in the up/open position! lol 
Last edited by 68ragtop69; Dec 7, 2015 at 09:58 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
I bought my 75 wrecked. Took a hit in the front, both headlight assemblies were toast. Picked up a couple of headlight assemblies from ebay and used Retro-Electro system. Works great and very easy to do. Had one of the controllers go out after 14 months, they replaced no cost. Good people to deal with. http://www.retro-electro.net/Productcorv.html
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 607
Likes: 122
I just wanted to give a big thanks to Richard454 for his help. I finally got off my **** and installed them this week. Got a total of about 150.00 in the conversion and they work great.
Next up, the windshield wiper conversion.
Yes, there is a thread on that.
Thanks again Richard!
Next up, the windshield wiper conversion.
Yes, there is a thread on that.
Thanks again Richard!
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
Thanks for posting the link. I have it bookmarked now as I may go the electric route in the future. They are pricey, but after watching the videos and looking at the pics, you can tell they are well made and they appear to work very well. Plus they've sold a good number of them, and they have 100% positive feedback.Something to consider, and I'm also looking forward to comments from someone who is using these.
P.S. They also offer them with new motors, but that brings the price tag to $712.50. Too rich for my blood.
Last edited by oldgto; Feb 28, 2016 at 08:16 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
Started working on my conversion using late 80's Honda Accord motors. ($30 total investment).But I'm having a problem I have to iron out. It's a very simple system, no relays, just a motor with two "C" shaped paths for the contacts to follow with the gaps on opposite sides. Using one wire,when the contact reaches the gap, the motor shuts off-headlights open. Then the other wire will run it to the other gap - headlights close. My problem is that the momentum carries the contact past the gap and the motor keep running, and the headlight goes up and down and up and down continuously. At the end of the rod travel there's very little resistance. I'll figure this out, but do Mazda and Probe motors work the same way?