C3 headlight conversion
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Yorktown VA
C3 headlight conversion
Hows it going everyone! Ive got a 1975 C3 and i wanted to convert my headlights from vacuum to electric. i wanted to see if anyone on here had done this and if so where is the best place to get the kit. Also if it is better to have it electric for the convenience.
Thanks everyone! --Dastardly
Thanks everyone! --Dastardly
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
Quite a few of us have done it... without a kit. Try the "search", there was a mega thread on this conversion, LOADED with pictures, diagrams, and all KINDS of information on it. Richard454 has been a tremendous help in this area also!
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
Welcome to the Forum-
I have put together a PDF on how to do it-parts -everything!!! I'll be glad to send it to you.
Just send me an email- richard454 at comcast dot net
Richard
I have put together a PDF on how to do it-parts -everything!!! I'll be glad to send it to you.
Just send me an email- richard454 at comcast dot net
Richard
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
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c-new-way.html
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
Here it is- might make your eyes bleed as it's almost 50 pages!!!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c-new-way.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c-new-way.html
This thread should be a sticky!
Last edited by oldgto; Aug 12, 2016 at 08:34 PM.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Yorktown VA
Here it is- might make your eyes bleed as it's almost 50 pages!!!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c-new-way.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c-new-way.html
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
I think I put about a hundred bucks in mine.... the kits are something like a grand!! You`ll find how easy it is in that thread. I`m still working on the wiper door. I used a seat motor, but it moves too slow for my liking. I`m thinking of doing mine like Richard did.... with another Miata motor.
You`re gonna come to LOVE this forum!
You`re gonna come to LOVE this forum!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
If Miata headlight motors are a little scarce, and you're hitting the DIY wrecking yards, late 80's Honda Accord headlight motors are easy to remove and work well. Used them for my headlights as well as my wiper door.
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
U- Pull -it type junkyards are the best deal- and usually have a few Probes built through 96- A screwdriver and a 10mm socket w/ 12" extension and you can pull them out in no time.
The Miata motors- check Craigslist- there is always somebody parting one out or stripping them for a track car.
Richard
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
there us is a Miata salvage in Florida that sells online. They usually have a pretty good stock of headlight motors, I think they were like $25/ea. Treasure Coast Miata, hope I can say that here 
The DIY method is really pretty simple and WAY cheaper than the overpriced kits. Although I'm sure the wiring looks better than mine
The DIY method is really pretty simple and WAY cheaper than the overpriced kits. Although I'm sure the wiring looks better than mine
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
eh, I gave up on the operating h/ls when that deer jumped out from in front of a minivan, and square up into my '72 vette operating lights, busting HELL outta all the parts.....total loss on them.....
so I went Ecklers sugan scoops with the square lights for a few years....
then about ten years ago, a Verizon truck backed his fugly hitch into my front bumper, and that was IT for the old paint, no more rescue attempts possible, so I always hated the large size pop ups and even more the HUGE holes with the scoops......so last time around, I pulled a trick, reducing the size of the opening by some 50% fore/aft....and putting in more modern lower profile square bulbs like off a 'later' Camaro.....and built my own support for the lamps car looks much more sleek now, and the back of the scoops have been cut open for more air circulation
see sites below for a few pix.....
so I went Ecklers sugan scoops with the square lights for a few years....
then about ten years ago, a Verizon truck backed his fugly hitch into my front bumper, and that was IT for the old paint, no more rescue attempts possible, so I always hated the large size pop ups and even more the HUGE holes with the scoops......so last time around, I pulled a trick, reducing the size of the opening by some 50% fore/aft....and putting in more modern lower profile square bulbs like off a 'later' Camaro.....and built my own support for the lamps car looks much more sleek now, and the back of the scoops have been cut open for more air circulation
see sites below for a few pix.....
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 5
From: Kernersville NC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 732
From: Texas City, TX Texas
Someday I plan to get the stuff from Richard454, nice stainless parts and electrical connectors. Right now my original vacuum system works and there is a BUNCH of other stuff needs fixed...