Electric head light actuator kit
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,802
Likes: 241
From: Niles, MI
The best instructions I have come across to diagnose vacuum issues can be found here. And they're free!
Here's a link to the thousand dollar fix: C3 Corvette Electric Headlight & Wiper Door Actuators . Not sure what all the bitchin' in this thread is about.
If you don't think its worth it, don't buy it. Nobody is forcing it on ya. 
Here's a link to the thousand dollar fix: C3 Corvette Electric Headlight & Wiper Door Actuators . Not sure what all the bitchin' in this thread is about.
If you don't think its worth it, don't buy it. Nobody is forcing it on ya.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo NY
When I got the email, I had to laugh. I built the same thing for my 69 wiper door for about $70. Got the linear actuator off ebay, welded up a bracket, and a switch. Did not have to modify my car in anyway, and its much more reliable than the vacuum system that continually ripped holes in the wiper door vacuum actuator seal.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
When I got the email, I had to laugh. I built the same thing for my 69 wiper door for about $70. Got the linear actuator off ebay, welded up a bracket, and a switch. Did not have to modify my car in anyway, and its much more reliable than the vacuum system that continually ripped holes in the wiper door vacuum actuator seal.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: FL.
Opinions, "Bitching", about any company's ripoffs or Praising excellence is just Fine on this forum.
If you "dont know what all the "bitching" is about, dont complain, you dont have to... just an
Opinion Of mine, Is that OK with you...
Last edited by 69vettester; Jul 12, 2009 at 11:21 AM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: FL.
A problem with my vacuum started right after I got the Car 8yrs ago. I knew nothing about C3 vacuum systems so I got the Diagram online somewhere and found the problem was the front Relay(69's only have one), I Replaced it, Its worked ever since.
The C3 vacuum system is known to be a Pita, no denying that. Some wouldnt change because they love the Concept and functionality anyway, Some wouldnt Change because $1,000 is just insane. I feel both ways.
If I had spent $1,000 8yrs ago, desperate to get my lights working, I'd have felt like the biggest dupe in the world a few months later!!
When the cost and quality comes down to, say $200-$250 I could go for it easily.
More Centavos worth from a forum member
The C3 vacuum system is known to be a Pita, no denying that. Some wouldnt change because they love the Concept and functionality anyway, Some wouldnt Change because $1,000 is just insane. I feel both ways.
If I had spent $1,000 8yrs ago, desperate to get my lights working, I'd have felt like the biggest dupe in the world a few months later!!
When the cost and quality comes down to, say $200-$250 I could go for it easily.
More Centavos worth from a forum member
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,802
Likes: 241
From: Niles, MI
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
From: Rexton New Brunswick
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 445
Likes: 2
From: Austin Texas
My personal opinion is that the electric system is worth the money. It does not take away from the aesthetics of the car, allows for a very clean engine bay and delivers rock solid performance every-time you want to turn your lights on. It's not every persons taste, but it was mine.
I did not purchase this package from Ecklers; I purchased this from one of our members http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...ad.php?t=33006
As for it being a waste of money, that is clearly personal taste. Some would say the same about the fuel injection, the 6 speed install, etc...
It's your car....enjoy.
Bryan
I did not purchase this package from Ecklers; I purchased this from one of our members http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...ad.php?t=33006
As for it being a waste of money, that is clearly personal taste. Some would say the same about the fuel injection, the 6 speed install, etc...
It's your car....enjoy.
Bryan
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Franksville Wisconsin
If the vacuum fails you can reach under and push the headlights up and pull down if needed. Won't be able to do that with any electric setup. I drove all of last summer with the manual system while fixing more important issues like keeping it running.LOL.............
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 5
From: Paducah Ky
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 1
From: Winston-Salem NC
.....
do you have a parts list and instructions on how you did that? I am definitely interested. Man, I wish someone had the wipers kit, and not for $1000!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Franksville Wisconsin
That is firebird. Does the eckler kit have that??? I would preferr electric myself, but with a bypass if they should fail.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 291
From: dayton oh
Hey BB72..........
I think there's alot of interest is we could hit Ebay knowing what to look for.
THANKS
edit: found it all on Mcspeed.com website
Last edited by Fast81; Jan 16, 2010 at 01:00 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,427
Likes: 1,560
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 291
From: dayton oh
My thoughts..............
First -- I would pay more for a car converted to electric popups.
-- did the C4/C5 use vacuum or for that matter any modern car with popup headlights = NO: technology/reliability moves forward.
Second - comparing what you can junk-yard build to this kit is apples-oranges. completely different designs plus it is all NEW parts
-- Adding up the NEW parts needed from McSpeed website would run $650 plus the $100 for his brackets/bolts, then add the 14/16 ga wire + connectors.
Third - from my reading of BOTH install manuals, this kit would be far easier to install as you don't have to take 1/2 the dash apart to change/rewire headlight switches. Is this worth the $250 delta =???? your call. Ever torn the DSide dash apart ???? (hint-removing the drivers seat and loosening the steering column are almost required unless you're a retired circus contortionist)
Lastly, my only reservation with this kit would be finding replacement parts vs. having the part #'s for all the Firebird parts at hand........and a quick trip to any NAPA/Azone.
-- did the C4/C5 use vacuum or for that matter any modern car with popup headlights = NO: technology/reliability moves forward.
Second - comparing what you can junk-yard build to this kit is apples-oranges. completely different designs plus it is all NEW parts
-- Adding up the NEW parts needed from McSpeed website would run $650 plus the $100 for his brackets/bolts, then add the 14/16 ga wire + connectors.
Third - from my reading of BOTH install manuals, this kit would be far easier to install as you don't have to take 1/2 the dash apart to change/rewire headlight switches. Is this worth the $250 delta =???? your call. Ever torn the DSide dash apart ???? (hint-removing the drivers seat and loosening the steering column are almost required unless you're a retired circus contortionist)
Lastly, my only reservation with this kit would be finding replacement parts vs. having the part #'s for all the Firebird parts at hand........and a quick trip to any NAPA/Azone.
Last edited by Fast81; Jan 16, 2010 at 05:55 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
I just had a thought after reading this thread. Some one mentioned one motor for the lights would be nice. Well, I had a 66 Riviera and thoes have a torque tube between the two headlight doors that is operated with one motor.
I think some one with the tools could do this.
I think some one with the tools could do this.