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Since the front end of my '69 was in shambles when I got it, I have no way of knowing how things were before being molested.
The vendor's website where I purchased new actuators from states: "Note: When installing the headlight actuator - often times left or right sides are confused. Original installations featured the vacuum nipple pointed to the OUTSIDE of the Corvette. Often times upon replacement the actuators are mixed up and the correct installation is reversed. This reversal causes issues with the routing of the vacuum hoses allowing the hood to catch or pinch the hose when closed."
Yet, I've see several vacuum diagrams showing the exact opposite, (nipples pointing in) and the AIM appears to show both pointing to the left side. I'd really like to get this one right the first time and avoid having to re-position them later. Does anyone know the correct way to install them?
Thanks,
-Doug
Last edited by CrossedUp; Nov 15, 2016 at 04:46 PM.
Hi Doug,
In early 68 production until late February or early March the tubes for the hose connections both pointed to the left side. (In fact the tube itself was not at the 6:00 position on the actuator, it was at about 7:00.)
The info I'm looking at shows the pipes on both actuators pointing toward the outside on 2 fairly unmolested 69s.
Does this have anything to do with the number of relays? 1 or 2?
The 71 AIM shows both pipes pointing outward.
Regards,
Alan
Does this have anything to do with the number of relays? 1 or 2?
That would be my next question. Most of the vendor diagrams I've seen show two. Also, were two relays part of the initial design, or was the second one added later?
Hi Doug,
I'm thinking that 68 and 69 cars had just one headlight relay and 70-72 cars had two relays.
The single relay screwed right to the headlight reinforcement bar while the set up for 2 relays was a plate that was screwed to the bar and the two relays were screwed to the plate.
Regards,
Alan
I have a '74 Roadster and both actuator connectors point to the inside. I will rebuild and reinstall in the same orientation, because I cannot see any performance issue caused by either orientation. I have seen photos and illustrations showing both actuators pointing outside and other photos show both actuators hose connections pointing outside. Let me know if I am missing something.
Thanks,
Tom
Last edited by TommyClocks; Oct 10, 2023 at 11:53 PM.
It's a 9 year old thread you're on...
But to your question, The AIM shows them pointing to the outsides but there is no working difference which way they are installed. BUT, there's slightly more room for the hoses if they go off the actuators to the outside and it keeps the hoses away from the point of the hood when it swings down while opening. A lot of them get re-installed pointing inwards I believe because the relays are in the center and in makes sense that the hoses should point there... but that actually crowds them more
M
That's exactly what I needed to know. I was more concerned that there would be functional binding or component wear, by installing them on the wrong side. After rebuilding the actuators with new seals, they function very well. Thanks for the reply.
The actuators looked a little sad so I had to paint and clear coat them. Not anodized, but close.
'69 Headlight Actuator Orientation Confusion
