C3 headlight system weight loss/simplification program
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 526
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From: Seattle WA
C3 headlight system weight loss/simplification program
I was messing around with my elec lift system making sure everything was adjusted and working properly. I like that “POP” sound when the lights snap into the locked open position.
Anyway. I was fiddling with the brackets/limiters that keep the lights from opening too far. At least I think that is their function. Or possibly they keep the lights from wobbling when they are open.
Holy hell those things are HEAVY. I experimented with just deleting them and I could see no reason not to ‘86 them. The lights function exactly the same and when open they barely wobble at all.
Not as radical as deleting every bit of safety equipment from the rear bumper on my 75 but it all adds up.
Anyway. I was fiddling with the brackets/limiters that keep the lights from opening too far. At least I think that is their function. Or possibly they keep the lights from wobbling when they are open.
Holy hell those things are HEAVY. I experimented with just deleting them and I could see no reason not to ‘86 them. The lights function exactly the same and when open they barely wobble at all.
Not as radical as deleting every bit of safety equipment from the rear bumper on my 75 but it all adds up.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,779
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From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Yeah, I was amazed at how beefy/heavy those pieces are. A few years back I just copied the basic shape out of 1/4" aluminum (with a few extra holes) and swapped them in.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,380
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From: N J
Yes, they are heavy but needed. Making them from aluminum is a great idea.
I removed mine years ago only to put them back in.
I could see the light bouncing on large road signs while driving on the highway at night.
Back in they went and are now tight again, no bounce.
I removed mine years ago only to put them back in.
I could see the light bouncing on large road signs while driving on the highway at night.
Back in they went and are now tight again, no bounce.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 526
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From: Seattle WA
I don't know guys I logged around 50 miles on the back country farm roads of Snoqualmie Valley tonight in the dark. The lights were not bouncy to me at all. Perhaps a lifetime of riding motorcycles has skewed my idea of proper headlight behavior but whatever the case I'm completely happy with the brackets removed and in the round file.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 526
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From: Seattle WA
Drove all around bumpy Seattle streets and on/off I-5 and I-90 last nite. No light bounce. Support brackets gone.
I think it’s possible that the Detroit Speed elec conversion holds the lights more rigid when in the open position. Just a theory.
I think it’s possible that the Detroit Speed elec conversion holds the lights more rigid when in the open position. Just a theory.
