Maybe someone can give me some help... I didn't notice any threads about front light vaccum.

I recently bought a '74 vette that was restored from a Coupe to a Roadster back in 1988 and the car was stored until I had it delivered. Although it only has 74,000 miles on it and in running condition I put the car in the garage to completely go through. One of the quirks I have run into are the front lights. When I activate the lights one immediately goes up and the other one does nothing. Turning off the lights closes the one & immediately opens the other. I would think that the vacuum lines are crossed on the one, but eventually that light also closes after about 30 seconds. Any thoughts?

I've got lots of time to work out the bugs as it sat for 14 years, so it can sit another 6 months or so while I completely change out anything that may have eroded due to lack of activity. A quandry I am in right now is that the last time I had the motor running I had the hood open and did not notice that I still had the lights on. I shut the motor down... noticed it then and turned them off. I then proceeded to pull the carburator, distributor & fuel pump not noticing that the one light was still up. Is there a way to close that light without the motor running? Odds are this car will not be running for a bit as I will probably also change the water pump, timing chain/gears & lifters.

The car cover just doesn't fit well with the light open.

Thanks for any answers...

 

There are two headlamp relay valves to the headlights on a 1974 Corvette. The light that does NOT open when the switch is pulled, either has a bad relay valve, or has no signal hose (the small one with the white stripe). My guess, without seeing the car is that the relay valve is just worn, and needs to be replaced.

There was a foam filter on the end of these relay valves when they were new, and over the years, they either fell out, or were removed. Once the filter is gone, dirt and other contaminates enter the valve through the open end, and score the inner cylinder, rendering the valve inoperable.

These relay valves were discontinued by GM a few years ago, and prices have gone up. I think they are being reproed now, and should be available through any of the Vette parts houses.

For a complete, detailed colored diagram of the vacuum system, and a trouble shooting guide, call doc rebuild at 203-366-1332. He also sells a complete headlight vacuum hose kit that is arguably the best on the market.

George