71stockray

rebuilding 71 vette nose and surround bar. Installed new surround bar, rebuild headlight buckets, all adjustments done. Drivers side right height on open is correct, passenger side 1" lower on open. No adjustments will change it. brought and replaced bucket assembly on drivers side as was on disassembly cracked, but reused passenger side unit, the one that is lower. Surround bar was installed with correct bonding strip and west adhesive and clamped every inch. No gaps on surround bar. could the unit I brought on ebuy that's a different year? Should I just bring the correct one down to the other side height? I have read shims were needed on any other than 68 - 72. I have run out of adjustment ideas and searched all the forum. I have done the pivots the down stop adjustment the up stop bracket. I need to get this finished so I can paint back to Ontario orange. I would not mind 1/8 or 1/4 difference but 1" is noticeable. After all the correct fiberglass panels and bonding strips in this project this is driving me crazy. Any ideas out there. There was old collision damage on the front end that I found on disassembly, had a lower valance and passenger fender made of resin and cardboard.

Easy Mike

Passenger's side could be 75 and later. If so, they need 1/2" spacers under each front foot for use in the 68-74 cars.

Alan 71

Hi sr,
This is the part of the head light frame that Mike suggested you take a look at.
This is a 71 right side frame.
There are no shims in place.
??
Regards,
Alan

Right side… inner.


Right side… outer.

71stockray

Added shims under passenger side and it worked, I guess where someone did the other crappy body work they also used the wrong headlight assemble. Thanks all

Alan 71

Hi sr,
GOOD!
Regards,
Alan

theandies

Interesting. I've noticed when doing all my recent headlight work that my right headlight bucket when open is about a 1/4 lower than the left bucket. When closed they both match the rest of the body. I looked in the AIM on if this is correctable but there doesn't seem to be any "open" adjustments. Maybe I need a shim on the right then adjust the closed position back to the body.
My Daniel Stern relay kit should be in soon so I guess I have another "while your in there" project.
My car was hit in that area before I owned it and I've replaced the header bar that was cracked. My guess is the body work done years ago is not quite right.

Easy Mike

More probable is that they used a GM service replacement which, at the time, was 75 and later.

gr8t73

First my apologies to Stockray for jumping onboard your thread but I have a similar problem in that my 73 drivers side headlight does not fully close about 3/8" high and no adjustment will correct it. Would the 75 and later cause this problem also?

Alan 71

Hi gr8,
Have you tried the adjustment at this point? (Photo) It's a small hex head.
Have you attempted to do an adjustment on the clevis on the end of the shaft coming out of the actuator?
Regards,
Alan

gr8t73

I've tried those adjustments Alan to no avail. Another member suggested I shorten the threaded rod on the actuator that the has the clevis on it. I am thinking I should try using the half inch shims first. I was wondering if any other member has run into this issue.

Alan 71

Hi gr8,
It's tough to even guess what might be causing your mis-fit without seeing the mechanism.
?
Regards,
Alan

Dave J

gr8,

There is a bracket located just beneath the headlight door that the clevis and all other parts attach to. This is the component that will adjust the headlight door height issue. There is a slotted hole right smack dab in the middle of it that allows the adjustment for height. You would simply loosen the bolts connected to it, and raise or lower the headlight lid. You would need to disconnect the clevis to do this, but you will need to readjust it anyway after you're done. Picture of said bracket below....

gr8t73

Thanks I will give it a shot this weekend.

Alan 71

Hi Dave,
Good One!
I'm not sure if I'd EVER have remembered the adjustment available in that bracket's location.
Thanks!
Regards,
Alan