Headlight Actuators
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
Headlight Actuators
Any suggestion for new headlight actuators that actually work and last for a reasonable length of time?
I keep having problems with the passenger side actuator in my '79. GM flip-flopped the position at some point so I believe that I'm talking about the driver side actuator on 68-77 models.
I bought the actuators as a pair. The driver side was and remains perfect. The first and second passenger side actuators arrived with a leak so severe to make them unusable. The third one (the one installed now) had a very, very slow leak but after about eight months and very few operations it is now leaking significantly worse. It leaks at the same speed from both connections so I believe that points to a bad main diaphragm as opposed to the shaft seal.
I keep having problems with the passenger side actuator in my '79. GM flip-flopped the position at some point so I believe that I'm talking about the driver side actuator on 68-77 models.
I bought the actuators as a pair. The driver side was and remains perfect. The first and second passenger side actuators arrived with a leak so severe to make them unusable. The third one (the one installed now) had a very, very slow leak but after about eight months and very few operations it is now leaking significantly worse. It leaks at the same speed from both connections so I believe that points to a bad main diaphragm as opposed to the shaft seal.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,172
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi SM,
Bob Demmel from Texas rebuilds and restores actuators.
Perhaps you might want to contact him to see just what he offers and then may want to send him one of your originals to rebuild.
That way you'd be sure of what you have.
Regards,
Alan
10 am-7pm Central time.
214-693-3959
972-377-2096
Bob Demmel from Texas rebuilds and restores actuators.
Perhaps you might want to contact him to see just what he offers and then may want to send him one of your originals to rebuild.
That way you'd be sure of what you have.
Regards,
Alan
10 am-7pm Central time.
214-693-3959
972-377-2096
Last edited by Alan 71; Dec 5, 2015 at 03:37 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,874
Likes: 3,551
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Hey Mike-
I have one NOS left- bought these years ago- has a little surface rust- but won't see when mounted.
Since I converted to electric- I'm never going to need them.
If it's what you need let me know.
Richard
DSCN4758 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
DSCN4751 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
I have one NOS left- bought these years ago- has a little surface rust- but won't see when mounted.
Since I converted to electric- I'm never going to need them.
If it's what you need let me know.
Richard
DSCN4758 by Richard Hayes, on FlickrDSCN4751 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
No way! As a hydronic heating engineer (think building/home heat using water as the heat transfer medium) with a love of proportional control I can't abandon a vacuum system! While the headlight doors aren't proportionally operated I know from experience that vacuum systems are extremely long-lived, easier to maintain and far simpler than electrical systems that do the same thing.
The vacuum source is the typical thing that fails in hydronic systems but an internal combustion engine is a truly perfect source of vacuum. The control system in hydronic systems finds brazed, screwed, sweated, etc. tubing/piping so leaks in the "piping" and connections are typically the last thing you expect as a new problem.
The vacuum source is the typical thing that fails in hydronic systems but an internal combustion engine is a truly perfect source of vacuum. The control system in hydronic systems finds brazed, screwed, sweated, etc. tubing/piping so leaks in the "piping" and connections are typically the last thing you expect as a new problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
No way! As a hydronic heating engineer (think building/home heat using water as the heat transfer medium) with a love of proportional control I can't abandon a vacuum system! While the headlight doors aren't proportionally operated I know from experience that vacuum systems are extremely long-lived, easier to maintain and far simpler than electrical systems that do the same thing.
.
.
The problem with C3s are the RUBBER parts that rot, deteriorate, inside the actuators and relay valves. Let alone the switches, hoses check valves etc!!! They are NOT long lived! Then we get cheap imported repop parts....
Last edited by mikem350; Dec 5, 2015 at 07:10 PM.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
I restored a C2 with ELECTRIC MOTORS on the lights. Far easier, more reliable, but more expensive parts. GM abandoned the vac system after C3's, for good reasons!! AND they don't pop up when not supposed to
The problem with C3s are the RUBBER parts that rot, deteriorate, inside the actuators and relay valves. Let alone the switches, hoses check valves etc!!! They are NOT long lived! Then we get cheap imported repop parts....
The problem with C3s are the RUBBER parts that rot, deteriorate, inside the actuators and relay valves. Let alone the switches, hoses check valves etc!!! They are NOT long lived! Then we get cheap imported repop parts....
Cost to the consumer aside from what I've read the C2 electric headlight operators were discontinued very rapidly after they proved a high cost to the company.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 183
From: Port St. Lucie Fl
If they're so good why were they discontinued in Corvettes after 2004 despite styling that certainly allows them? Precise, environmentally contained electrical limit switches have always and will always be extremely expensive.
Cost to the consumer aside from what I've read the C2 electric headlight operators were discontinued very rapidly after they proved a high cost to the company.
Cost to the consumer aside from what I've read the C2 electric headlight operators were discontinued very rapidly after they proved a high cost to the company.
If i could find a fixed mounted system I liked I would drop the flip up elec. or vac along with that heavy *** vac. canister.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,874
Likes: 3,551
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
If they're so good why were they discontinued in Corvettes after 2004 despite styling that certainly allows them? Precise, environmentally contained electrical limit switches have always and will always be extremely expensive.
Cost to the consumer aside from what I've read the C2 electric headlight operators were discontinued very rapidly after they proved a high cost to the company.
Cost to the consumer aside from what I've read the C2 electric headlight operators were discontinued very rapidly after they proved a high cost to the company.
The C2 used external limit switches...early 60's technology...
The C4 used a current limiting control box-plastic gears-really not any better.
The Miata/Probe motors used on many conversions (Cougars/GTO/Camaro etc) are really reliable- used on over a million cars- and still work when you pull them out of junkyard. My brother has 230,000 miles on his Miata and still has the original headlight motors...
Here's why-
All encased in the motor- an ingenious contact system - after it travels 180º- the motor stops- hit the other trigger wire and it moves 180º and stops. Simple, reliable AND inexpensive!!!
I can now flash my headlights-
Can also do other duties-
Wiper door-
And reverse lights!!!
Trigger wheel-
All the electronics required-a relay and a couple diodes-
DSCN4669 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 708
Likes: 25
If they're so good why were they discontinued in Corvettes after 2004 despite styling that certainly allows them? Precise, environmentally contained electrical limit switches have always and will always be extremely expensive.
Cost to the consumer aside from what I've read the C2 electric headlight operators were discontinued very rapidly after they proved a high cost to the company.
Cost to the consumer aside from what I've read the C2 electric headlight operators were discontinued very rapidly after they proved a high cost to the company.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 183
From: Port St. Lucie Fl
The C2 used external limit switches...early 60's technology...
The C4 used a current limiting control box-plastic gears-really not any better.
The Miata/Probe motors used on many conversions (Cougars/GTO/Camaro etc) are really reliable- used on over a million cars- and still work when you pull them out of junkyard. My brother has 230,000 miles on his Miata and still has the original headlight motors...
Here's why-
All encased in the motor- an ingenious contact system - after it travels 180º- the motor stops- hit the other trigger wire and it moves 180º and stops. Simple, reliable AND inexpensive!!!
I can now flash my headlights-
Can also do other duties-
Wiper door-
And reverse lights!!!
Trigger wheel-
All the electronics required-a relay and a couple diodes-
DSCN4669 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
The C4 used a current limiting control box-plastic gears-really not any better.
The Miata/Probe motors used on many conversions (Cougars/GTO/Camaro etc) are really reliable- used on over a million cars- and still work when you pull them out of junkyard. My brother has 230,000 miles on his Miata and still has the original headlight motors...
Here's why-
All encased in the motor- an ingenious contact system - after it travels 180º- the motor stops- hit the other trigger wire and it moves 180º and stops. Simple, reliable AND inexpensive!!!
I can now flash my headlights-
Can also do other duties-
Wiper door-
And reverse lights!!!
Trigger wheel-
All the electronics required-a relay and a couple diodes-
DSCN4669 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,874
Likes: 3,551
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
DSCN4668 by Richard Hayes, on FlickrAnd the harness I make up has a couple diodes between high/low beams w/ a Bosch relay- so you don't have to run any wires the the dimmer or headlight switch- or change out to a C4 headlight switch.
DSCN4691 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Headlight harness by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 183
From: Port St. Lucie Fl
The motor has a couple internally- the diode is basically a one way valve.
DSCN4668 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
And the harness I make up has a couple diodes between high/low beams w/ a Bosch relay- so you don't have to run any wires the the dimmer or headlight switch- or change out to a C4 headlight switch.
DSCN4691 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Headlight harness by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
DSCN4668 by Richard Hayes, on FlickrAnd the harness I make up has a couple diodes between high/low beams w/ a Bosch relay- so you don't have to run any wires the the dimmer or headlight switch- or change out to a C4 headlight switch.
DSCN4691 by Richard Hayes, on FlickrHeadlight harness by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown, Mi.
New Electric Headlight kit
Just a friendly note, I have a company saved in my favorites that makes electric head lights for C3's for a fair price for bothsides. Let me know, if I can supply you the contact. Take Care, Bart
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 14
From: Mobile Alabama
If they're so good why were they discontinued in Corvettes after 2004 despite styling that certainly allows them? Precise, environmentally contained electrical limit switches have always and will always be extremely expensive.
Cost to the consumer aside from what I've read the C2 electric headlight operators were discontinued very rapidly after they proved a high cost to the company.
Cost to the consumer aside from what I've read the C2 electric headlight operators were discontinued very rapidly after they proved a high cost to the company.
Me, I swapped over to the Firebird/Fiero electrics and it was soo much cheaper and easier. That said, even if you replace the plastic gears with brass, it is not the best solution. The control box senses current rise in the motors - not limit switches - and can be problematic. I have several extra motors and control boxes, but will be changing to the Probe motors.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,222
Likes: 93
From: shelbyville West Michigan
I restored a C2 with ELECTRIC MOTORS on the lights. Far easier, more reliable, but more expensive parts. GM abandoned the vac system after C3's, for good reasons!! AND they don't pop up when not supposed to
The problem with C3s are the RUBBER parts that rot, deteriorate, inside the actuators and relay valves. Let alone the switches, hoses check valves etc!!! They are NOT long lived! Then we get cheap imported repop parts....
The problem with C3s are the RUBBER parts that rot, deteriorate, inside the actuators and relay valves. Let alone the switches, hoses check valves etc!!! They are NOT long lived! Then we get cheap imported repop parts....
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
The C2 used external limit switches...early 60's technology...
The C4 used a current limiting control box-plastic gears-really not any better.
The Miata/Probe motors used on many conversions (Cougars/GTO/Camaro etc) are really reliable- used on over a million cars- and still work when you pull them out of junkyard. My brother has 230,000 miles on his Miata and still has the original headlight motors...
Here's why-
All encased in the motor- an ingenious contact system - after it travels 180º- the motor stops- hit the other trigger wire and it moves 180º and stops. Simple, reliable AND inexpensive!!!
I can now flash my headlights-
Can also do other duties-
Wiper door-
And reverse lights!!!
Trigger wheel-
All the electronics required-a relay and a couple diodes-
DSCN4669 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
The C4 used a current limiting control box-plastic gears-really not any better.
The Miata/Probe motors used on many conversions (Cougars/GTO/Camaro etc) are really reliable- used on over a million cars- and still work when you pull them out of junkyard. My brother has 230,000 miles on his Miata and still has the original headlight motors...
Here's why-
All encased in the motor- an ingenious contact system - after it travels 180º- the motor stops- hit the other trigger wire and it moves 180º and stops. Simple, reliable AND inexpensive!!!
I can now flash my headlights-
Can also do other duties-
Wiper door-
And reverse lights!!!
Trigger wheel-
All the electronics required-a relay and a couple diodes-
DSCN4669 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,104
Likes: 1,223
From: Madeira Beach, FL
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Hey Richard,
My name is Marshal.
If Mike does not take the actuator, I'd be interested in it.
If the offer is still on the table.
Thank you,
Marshal
My name is Marshal.
If Mike does not take the actuator, I'd be interested in it.
If the offer is still on the table.
Thank you,
Marshal