When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello, I have a 1971 base model convertible and none of the headlights are working. I need the lights because want to drive the car early and during the evening when its not so hot out. I have heard that its a complicated process to replace them and I would rather do it myself because mechanics are expensive and its only the lights. I haven't found a detailed guide on how to replace them so I came here for help. I found replacement lamps on Zip corvette and now I just need to familiarize myself with how to install the new ones before ordering them.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Hi and welcome!
It's very unlikely that all the bulbs are burnt out although anything is possible.
Here are a few things to check, if this is overwhelming post back with your questions.
First manually raise your headlights. Be careful not to break the headlight position switches as they are at the center hinge point if you break one its $50 or more.
1. Then use painters tape and place around the painted edge of the headlight opening to protect the paint.
2. There are 4 screws holding the bezel to the headlight assembly. 2 machine screws top leading edge these can be frozen from age be careful and 2 sheet metal scews at the back side of the bezel.
3. If yours is an early 71 there can be 2 headlight washer nozzles the hoses would need to be disconnected.
4. Carefully pull the bezel up and forward revealing the lights end trim rings.
5. On each light bulb there should be 3 trim ring screws holding the bulb in place the bulb should be able to move it forward to disconnect the electrical connector. There should also be 2 adjustment screws do not turn these they just to adjust the aiming of the bulbs.
6. Reverse steps to install
From: Loud, Raw and Dangerous 1968 327 4S in Southern California
My main problem with the headlights not working was the rusty and corroded connections at the back of the bulb. Hopefully you just have connection issues with some burnt out bulbs if all four are not working. Could be the foot switch on the floor connections also. Other issues could be in the headlight switch itself. As others have said it is not hard to replace the bulbs....just takes a screwdriver to change them.
How do I replace the headlights?
