Kid Vette

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.

matthud

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.

eagle275

got a list of parts and instructions on how to do it? Sure would appreciate it!

mrvette

HEH, got that beat, I did mine with a free actuator Chris McDonald gave me from one of his development attempts on the lights, some years ago....so anyway, I did my wiper door with two Radio Shack burglar alarm contacts, and some relays, and also made my own intermittant wiper electronics, but if you not into ET stuff/wiring it's going to be insanely difficult to do.....tiny little chip and bunch of pots and caps, few resistors, some switches, pushbutton, then 4 relays.....could be done with transistors but I had relays on the shelf....

69vettester

Im not buying it!
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...

69vettester

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

Kid Vette

NBC3

Is there a place where I can find a trouble shooting guide? I am trying to find the trouble wth my 76. getting nowhere

thanks

68 Yellow 468

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

WhiteC3

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.............

gyopp

That is not correct. The firebird actuators have a manal opening **** on them. I made my own kit up similar to the McSpeed system for a lot less than a grand. I will never go back to vac

eagle275

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!

mrvette

You can do a wipers kit for less than 100 bux, ebay has linear actuators for that, and with 3 relays, and some wiring that I can send you a 'diagram' for, you have it....

WhiteC3

That is firebird. Does the eckler kit have that??? I would preferr electric myself, but with a bypass if they should fail.

Fast81

Can you throw out some model/yr info or parts numbers for this stuff???

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

Peterbuilt

Try www.corvette-101.com/vacuum.htm The text is very good but the diagram is wrong at the headlight and pull down switch, here's a corrected diagram so use this diagram, hope this helps.

baxsom

who cares,
ill burn it to the ground before i let someone else have it anyway.

Fast81

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.

Aggitated Monkey

Yep..Very easy to fix as Roger said.

Aggitated Monkey

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.