Cheapest place for headlight actuators
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 0
From: GA
Cheapest place for headlight actuators???
I've been needing to check out my headlights since I got this thing but have been busy with other things but now it looks as if I need both headlight actuators. I tested them by pulling a vacuum on the green hoses and they won't hold a vacuum.Am I right to believe that if the green side of the actuator wont hold a vacuum that your internal diaphram is shot and the only fix is replacement. If so where is the best place. Any Recommendations??????
[Modified by Armstrong, 7:14 PM 5/1/2002]
[Modified by Armstrong, 7:14 PM 5/1/2002]
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 0
From: GA
Re: Cheapest place for headlight actuators??? (Armstrong)
Ecklers says they cut a deal if you buy 2. Don't know what it is yet as they were closed yesterday but I e-mailed them and we'll see if they respond or if I have to call as soon as I get home today. Mid America seals singles for $99.99 and the set for $169 but do you believe that you still have to buy the accordian boot and the shaft seal. Seems if they're gonna sell a part then at least sell the whole part.
Roofless: I haven't tried Paragon yet so thanx for the tip. Will look into that today.
Roofless: I haven't tried Paragon yet so thanx for the tip. Will look into that today.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Cheapest place for headlight actuators??? (Armstrong)
I have a good pair, all they need is witches hats.....rod seals, for 15 bux each...then they will be good as new....say what??? 75 bux??? plus shipping of what??? 5 bux???
lemme know....
mrvette72@interstateweb.net
lemme know....
mrvette72@interstateweb.net
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Re: Cheapest place for headlight actuators??? (Armstrong)
I'd try replacing the 'witches hat' and 'accordian' seals on the rod side of the actuator. They do most of the work and suffer from the wear and tear and road debris more than the rest of the actuator. You should be able to view the two seals from the underside of the car. If they are shot, that is your problem. Actuators rarely wear out.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 4,143
Likes: 0
Re: Cheapest place for headlight actuators??? (TedH)
I'd try replacing the 'witches hat' and 'accordian' seals on the rod side of the actuator. They do most of the work and suffer from the wear and tear and road debris more than the rest of the actuator. You should be able to view the two seals from the underside of the car. If they are shot, that is your problem. Actuators rarely wear out.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 0
From: GA
Re: Cheapest place for headlight actuators??? (Armstrong)
Got home from work today and replaced the seals and boots in both actuators and boomyeow! Not fast and not both at once mind you but they do work.The left one doesn't want to come down until you pull up on it just a tad. Is that an adjustment problem? Hope so. Now to find out why they're so slow. Does anyone know how much vacuum I should be pulling on a 81? Anybody have any suggestions let me know. And thanx to all who suggested the seals first. Now I can spend that money on more fun stuff :lol: :cool: :D
Pro
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 654
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From: Now Frozen in Michigan
Re: Cheapest place for headlight actuators??? (Armstrong)
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 22
From: Oxford CT
Re: Cheapest place for headlight actuators??? (Armstrong)
Try something simple before you start adjusting things. Spray all the joints with WD40 or something similar. Over the years things can get pretty grungy under there. I had a 77 once and thats all it took.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 0
From: GA
Re: Cheapest place for headlight actuators??? (Roadster71)
Well I cleaned em up some more and sprayed em down with good ole WD and they go up and down alot better or should I say the right one does. the left one still sticks up but if I just barely pull up just a tad down she goes. Thanx for the tip Roadster71. Think I'll let things work a little bit first to see if they loosen up anymore then I'll adjust if need be. What I'm not sure at this point cause the only adjustment that I really noticed was the 1/2 in. bolt for the alignment of the light housing to the front end. Ask me how I know :D They haven't worked since I've had it but thats only been about 6 months and the guy I bought it from had it about a year and they never worked for him either.
