The Dreaded Wink
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: New Berlin WI
My $0.02, I had the same problem some time ago. Corvette Central headlight actuator seal kit #443012@ $34.95 - does both sides.
Another option is www.docrebuild.com, then click on "droopy headlights" in the middle of the page, then "vacuum system component", then "headlight actuator rod grommet", finally letter "d" for the accordian boot only. Problem choosing this is you get the boots only and no clamp, break a tab on a clamp, you will need to order some new clamps, but the price is right.
Good luck.
Another option is www.docrebuild.com, then click on "droopy headlights" in the middle of the page, then "vacuum system component", then "headlight actuator rod grommet", finally letter "d" for the accordian boot only. Problem choosing this is you get the boots only and no clamp, break a tab on a clamp, you will need to order some new clamps, but the price is right.
Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 0
From: Summerfield North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '10
My $0.02, I had the same problem some time ago. Corvette Central headlight actuator seal kit #443012@ $34.95 - does both sides.
Another option is www.docrebuild.com, then click on "droopy headlights" in the middle of the page, then "vacuum system component", then "headlight actuator rod grommet", finally letter "d" for the accordian boot only. Problem choosing this is you get the boots only and no clamp, break a tab on a clamp, you will need to order some new clamps, but the price is right.
Good luck.
Another option is www.docrebuild.com, then click on "droopy headlights" in the middle of the page, then "vacuum system component", then "headlight actuator rod grommet", finally letter "d" for the accordian boot only. Problem choosing this is you get the boots only and no clamp, break a tab on a clamp, you will need to order some new clamps, but the price is right.
Good luck.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
The Headlight System works on Vacume and if any componet in the system dosn't work right its almost always a Vacume leak. The best way to locate it is to listen for it but You can't hear anything with the Engine running. The Vacume comes from the backside of the Intake Manifold. Disconect it here and join it to some cheap hose from the Hardware store and run it outside Your shop to your Wifes Mini Van. Now You got Vacume and no sound You will probably find Missing Hoses and Leaking Boots and who know what else.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 878
Likes: 55
From: Deep South Denmark
On a '71 you only have one relay controlling both activators, so given your symptoms (neither one can open, only one stays up when closing) your activators can't be good. The one that stays open could do so because the mechanical linkage needs lube. The not opening symptom is normally caused by the outer seals on the activators, but it could also be the relay.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 709
Likes: 10
From: Carlsbad CA
On a '71 you only have one relay controlling both activators, so given your symptoms (neither one can open, only one stays up when closing) your activators can't be good. The one that stays open could do so because the mechanical linkage needs lube. The not opening symptom is normally caused by the outer seals on the activators, but it could also be the relay.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
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