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Old Aug 6, 2011 | 08:27 PM
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Default Question about lights.

Well, I'm posting another question. Those of you who follow the forum regularly are probably thinking I bought a P.O.S. (great, another post from MajD). I admit it may be true. The '79 I own had 15 years of garage time before I bought it and it needs a lot of TLC...but that's exactly why I bought it. Is there any greater joy than bringing a 'vette back to life?

Anyway, after a complete rear end rebuild, I was enjoying the fruits of my labor with a little cruising around. It was near dusk and I pulled into the garage and noticed I had no headlights. When I switch on the high beams, the passenger light is spot on but the driver's side is dim. There are no lights when I switch to low beams.

So before I get out the multimeter I wanted to know if anyone can tell me where to look first. If I have high beams, is the switch OK and I have a wiring problem? I suppose it's also possible the low beams have burnt out. For all I know, they are original, but that wouldn't explain the dim high beam on the driver's side. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

MajD
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Old Aug 6, 2011 | 08:53 PM
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I would first suggest that you check the grounds to the headlight assemblies. Grab a jumper and run it from a good solid ground on the chassis to the light assemblies. While you're doing this pull the plugs from the bulbs and check for corrosion.

Good luck... GUSTO
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Old Aug 6, 2011 | 09:21 PM
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After checking the ground and connector on the bad bulb you could

replace the bad bulb.

A new bulb or four (halogen for brighter light)might solve your problem.

Try replacing the bad bulb first.....if it solves the problem then go for it..
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Old Aug 7, 2011 | 07:55 PM
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Thanks Gusto. It doesn't sound like it's the switch then. If I remember, the high beam wires are connected directly to the low beam socket, so is there a ground wire on the assembly I should look for? Thanks.

MajD
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Old Aug 7, 2011 | 08:21 PM
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Originally Posted by MajD
Thanks Gusto. It doesn't sound like it's the switch then. If I remember, the high beam wires are connected directly to the low beam socket, so is there a ground wire on the assembly I should look for? Thanks.

MajD
MajD, if you PM me your email address, I'll forward you an image of the engine compartment wiring harness. It looks like there is a ground that the harness connects to in the vicinity of the horns. I believe it actually attaches to the radiator support, but I would have to look at my '73 to see if I can find where it attaches.

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Old Aug 8, 2011 | 10:19 PM
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OK...I pulled the bulb from the driver's side and it was pretty corroded. I sanded the corrosion off and the light worked. Seems like I found the problem. Thanks GUSTO. I'm going to buy some emery board and cut it so I can remove the corrosion it the plug as well. I still want the picture though, because it's likely the ground wire needs the same treatment. Thanks for the info.

MajD
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