Headlights
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Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Monroe NC
Headlights
You purist may throw me out for asking this but: When I got the 73, the previous owner, had converted the headlights to electric. They worked at first with the right one being sporadic. Now the control mod just clicks about every 10 seconds and no movement. Is there any way I can test to determine if the mod is bad? From what I can tell the conversion came from mid 90s Trans-am.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,071
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From: Rotonda FL
In the GM of yesterday stuff was supposed to work for the first 12,000 miles so no warranty repairs. Then you were supposed to buy a new one. As a demonstration of GM's "engineering to a low cost" I will simply point out the Vega as an example, with both the engine block and body rust problems.
It took the Germans and Japanese to finally teach GM (and Detroit) that durability and quality was more than sticking another chrome strip on the new model.
I used Miata motors to work my headlights and they continue to work perfectly, without maintenance.
Last edited by Rotonda; Mar 5, 2018 at 05:17 AM. Reason: Addition
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
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I like the crudeness of the vacuum system, its design and the hiss and thunk of them working, but would prefer the reliability of electric. I just had to go through my system because the 2 year old light switch lost its vacuum seal. crappy chinese repops. I hope this lectric limited one is higher quality.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,442
Likes: 967
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
And maybe that is why a recurring theme on the C3 Forum is malfunctioning headlights.
In the GM of yesterday stuff was supposed to work for the first 12,000 miles so no warranty repairs. Then you were supposed to buy a new one. As a demonstration of GM's "engineering to a low cost" I will simply point out the Vega as an example, with both the engine block and body rust problems.
It took the Germans and Japanese to finally teach GM (and Detroit) that durability and quality was more than sticking another chrome strip on the new model.
I used Miata motors to work my headlights and they continue to work perfectly, without maintenance.
In the GM of yesterday stuff was supposed to work for the first 12,000 miles so no warranty repairs. Then you were supposed to buy a new one. As a demonstration of GM's "engineering to a low cost" I will simply point out the Vega as an example, with both the engine block and body rust problems.
It took the Germans and Japanese to finally teach GM (and Detroit) that durability and quality was more than sticking another chrome strip on the new model.
I used Miata motors to work my headlights and they continue to work perfectly, without maintenance.
There are lots of things to improve on the C3, but I would not count electric headlights necessarily an improvement..........................
Last edited by jb78L-82; Mar 5, 2018 at 07:35 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 119
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From: Spain
Hmmm... could you explain which part(s) you used and the mods needed? I had to buy Wagner's H5006 and H5001 from summit for my car as I couldn't figure any bulb available in Europe for it.
Last edited by fede; Mar 5, 2018 at 08:32 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
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You purist may throw me out for asking this but: When I got the 73, the previous owner, had converted the headlights to electric. They worked at first with the right one being sporadic. Now the control mod just clicks about every 10 seconds and no movement. Is there any way I can test to determine if the mod is bad? From what I can tell the conversion came from mid 90s Trans-am.
If not- it's more than likely a bad motor- bearings- brushes- water damage.
And if the motor was tough to turn- it might have torched the module as well-see below.
If they turn smoothly- might just be the module.
Fiero and Firebird modules will work- however the later ones are better (see below- green board)
A lot of us have used later technology-as the Firebird was controlled by current sensing. The newer(93-97) Ford Probe and Mazda Miata motors- have switching and control all internally- no extra modules. These things are bulletproof.
I guess my 78's are mutants...totally stock, 40 years old in Oct 2017, never been touched since new except changing the 4 headlights to Hella Euro Haolgens, same hoses, same electric dashboard switch, same everything, 100% original, and work PERFECTLY AND COUNTING.......AND I beat the 12,000 mile warranty...coming on 70,000 miles.
There are lots of things to improve on the C3, but I would not count electric headlights necessarily an improvement..........................
There are lots of things to improve on the C3, but I would not count electric headlights necessarily an improvement..........................
Count your blessings....
I love my electrics- they are constant and FAST.
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Le Mans Master
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ThAt's funny. After GM fired Rube Goldburg, they went back to electric, and now I don't think they use vacuum for anything.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
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How difficult is it to make brackets for the Ford or miata motors. ?
Le Mans Master
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
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Race Director
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From: Virginia
Last edited by Bikespace; Mar 5, 2018 at 07:31 PM.