DIE! vacuum technology, DIE!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Location: at the right hand of Satan in Hell
DIE! vacuum technology, DIE!
I am done messing with this outdated vaccum technology BS, and I am trying to figure out a way to put electric motors on my pop-up headlights.
Has anyone done this? Can you save me some time and let me know how you did it?
Thanks.
Has anyone done this? Can you save me some time and let me know how you did it?
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,216
Likes: 4
From: Smile, it's just the internet.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Yes there was an article in a recent Corvette Fever or Corvette Enthusiast on this very subject.
Having worked on more than a few 63-67 headlights, I'm not sure which I prefer. Both have their faults and once you demystify the vacuum system it's not all that difficult to work on.
Good luck…
GUSTO
Having worked on more than a few 63-67 headlights, I'm not sure which I prefer. Both have their faults and once you demystify the vacuum system it's not all that difficult to work on.
Good luck…
GUSTO
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Originally Posted by 427V8
yea, electric motors never fail
It seems at first glance, that electric would be better. But after observing these devices over the years, the advantages of vacuum are pretty good - light weight & long life. Repair usually just consists of replacing broken or cracked hoses or rubber items, or making sure they don't leak. No special tools to trace problems. All my vacuum devices still work after 35 years, but I've gone through many starter motors, head & tail lights, and several radios...
Electric items fail quite frequently and need *some* knowledge and tools to trace problems.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
I'm torn between the electric conversion or L88 fixed lights. I already got rid of the wiper door, so right now the headlights are the only vacuum operated thing on my car (and they don't even work!). Whose bright idea was it to use vacuum to lift things? Just because it's free doesn't mean that you need to use it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,216
Likes: 4
From: Smile, it's just the internet.
Vacuum problems are very easy to diagnose if you have a vacuum pump. Check eBay for used electric ones. I use one off of an old refrigerated transporter. It "only" pulls about 28" Hg, but that's more than enough for this job!
Here's a good example pulled from one of 16 pages worth of hits on eBay...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...359725424&rd=1
It's pointless to work with anything else if you've got an old vette.
Here's a good example pulled from one of 16 pages worth of hits on eBay...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...359725424&rd=1
It's pointless to work with anything else if you've got an old vette.
Last edited by CGGorman; Feb 25, 2005 at 01:59 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
Someone had linear actuators on huis headlights, that was the cleanest setup I've yet seen.
since the profile is so lo, it should be easy to work....
a buddy is in the midst of Tigging up the assy's right now, the first one is finished, but the lid warped a bit on him, I haven't had a chance to see it yet, maybe over the weekend, probably not...lotsa crap going on...
GENE
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Originally Posted by Paul @ Thunder
I'd be heartbroken if both of my headlights come up at the same time. It just wouldn't be a C3 then. 
.
.
take a look at the street 'vette on www.tropiczoneracing.com
follow their link to the 'vette called "killer"
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Scooter70
I'm torn between the electric conversion or L88 fixed lights. I already got rid of the wiper door, so right now the headlights are the only vacuum operated thing on my car (and they don't even work!). Whose bright idea was it to use vacuum to lift things? Just because it's free doesn't mean that you need to use it.
