Advice needed for removing headlight actuator
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 878
Likes: 60
From: Minneapolis, MN USA
Advice needed for removing headlight actuator
Hi all,
I have determined that I need to replace one of my headlight actuators with the seal kit. What is the common opinion on the best way to get it out of the car? I saw a youtube video showing someone remove just the actuator, eventually pulling it out of the top. I have also read that it might be easier to remove the entire headlamp assembly out the bottom, and then remove the actuator from that while it's on the bench? The car is a 1970 small block, no A/C.
Any comments/tips/suggestions to make my life a little easier?
Thanks in advance!
I have determined that I need to replace one of my headlight actuators with the seal kit. What is the common opinion on the best way to get it out of the car? I saw a youtube video showing someone remove just the actuator, eventually pulling it out of the top. I have also read that it might be easier to remove the entire headlamp assembly out the bottom, and then remove the actuator from that while it's on the bench? The car is a 1970 small block, no A/C.
Any comments/tips/suggestions to make my life a little easier?
Thanks in advance!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 154
From: Deplorableville Nebraska
You will find the actuator will come out very easily if you have an assistant hold the hood ALL the way open, past the stop. Some even disconnect the hood from the support. Just wrap it in a towel to make sure you do not scratch any paint when it comes out. If you have ever tried to re-align the assembly before, it can be a real challenge.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 19
From: Manhattan Beach Ca
Take four nuts off actuator. Take two springs off mechanism. Undo pin holding actuator. Hood open. If I remember right headlight door open. Should wiggle out through hood and body. Might need to over extend hood with hand to get it out of bigger opening. my .02
Last edited by Surfer69; May 5, 2016 at 05:44 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Re-Sealing Headlight Actuators
As you can only remove the 4 nuts from the bottom I find it's easiest to remove the actuator from the bottom too. If you have the front end jacked up and supported on two safety stands it only takes about 15-20 minutes to remove one. I just re-sealed both of the actuators on my '82 last week. For the later C3's that have the plastic air dam remove that beforehand to gain easier access.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
I find it easier to remove the actuator from the bottom. Close the hood before removing the actuator to avoid scratching the hood. I can now replace mine in about 10 minutes after doing it a couple of times.
Here is the step-by step guide I used the first time I did mine.
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/tech...system-repair/
Here is the step-by step guide I used the first time I did mine.
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/tech...system-repair/
Last edited by Iceaxe; May 5, 2016 at 06:33 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
I took mine out from the top. Although it was a few years ago, I remember it was no trouble. I did heavily tape the hood, and all the surrounding area to me sure nothing would get scratched, and all worked out perfect. I too took mine out to replace the seals,and everything worked perfect afterwards.
