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You need to contact richard454 here on the forum. He has a nice kit that is easy to install and works perfectly. I have one on my 79.
and is easier on the wallet $$
search vacuum to electric headlight conversion his name should come up.
Consider repairing your existing vacuum system, unless you just really want to change.
When I first got my '71, the wiper door didn't work and the headlights were lazy, so I was all determined to drop a few grand on electric conversions.
Just a little bit of checking around found a couple disconnected hoses and an out-of-place vacuum switch. Hooked hoses back up and put switch back in place and lo and behold, everything works!
Don't throw in the towel on the vac system until you've really looked at it. YMMV
I second, third and fourth Richard's kit. It is a home run. Cheaper than than the other kits, Richard is around if you need help, it just flat works perfectly, and you won't need help because the kit is so easy to install.
I second, third and fourth Richard's kit. It is a home run. Cheaper than than the other kits, Richard is around if you need help, it just flat works perfectly, and you won't need help because the kit is so easy to install.
Once you go electric , you just removed one of the most unique aspects of the C3. I struggled with my 68 headlights and wiper panel for a year. I rebuild the complete system during my restoration. And always had issues. The headlights would not open or they would open so slow the sun would be back out. Very frustrating. I replaced the relay for a second time and still had issues. So I started at the beginning. Reading and testing . There was 2 issues with my brand new, everything replaced vacuum system. 1 was the new filter right off the vacuum port from the intake manifold was 80% clogged. I rinsed it out using electric connector spray cleaner. It was amazing the amount of black crud came out of it. Must of been in the New hoses from manufacturing. The second issue was the second pair of new relays. The diverting actuator did not move up or down smoothly. It would studder durining its travel. Cheap Chinese reproduction parts from our suppliers. I try to lubricating them but no luck. I called the vendor they would not help. Mind you these were a second pair of new relays but I have had them a year and tried putting in service for about 4 hours. Junk. I had no choice but to purchase another, 3rd pair but from another vendor. I know they all get them pretty much from the same source any the new relays dud the trick. The actuate smoothly and my headlights and wiper panel function as they should. The point is that it can be overwhelming. Try not to take the easy path. Do your due diligence and you will prevail. Start at A and go to Z multiple time if necessary. You are just Aligning the stars. The car now has the unique features of yesterday, which fascinates others and gains appreciation of the days gone by. Good luck. The answers are out there or more likely right here on the forum.
Once you go electric , you just removed one of the most unique aspects of the C3. I struggled with my 68 headlights and wiper panel for a year. I rebuild the complete system during my restoration. And always had issues. The headlights would not open or they would open so slow the sun would be back out. Very frustrating. I replaced the relay for a second time and still had issues. So I started at the beginning. Reading and testing . There was 2 issues with my brand new, everything replaced vacuum system. 1 was the new filter right off the vacuum port from the intake manifold was 80% clogged. I rinsed it out using electric connector spray cleaner. It was amazing the amount of black crud came out of it. Must of been in the New hoses from manufacturing. The second issue was the second pair of new relays. The diverting actuator did not move up or down smoothly. It would studder durining its travel. Cheap Chinese reproduction parts from our suppliers. I try to lubricating them but no luck. I called the vendor they would not help. Mind you these were a second pair of new relays but I have had them a year and tried putting in service for about 4 hours. Junk. I had no choice but to purchase another, 3rd pair but from another vendor. I know they all get them pretty much from the same source any the new relays dud the trick. The actuate smoothly and my headlights and wiper panel function as they should. The point is that it can be overwhelming. Try not to take the easy path. Do your due diligence and you will prevail. Start at A and go to Z multiple time if necessary. You are just Aligning the stars. The car now has the unique features of yesterday, which fascinates others and gains appreciation of the days gone by. Good luck. The answers are out there or more likely right here on the forum.
I wouldn't say that. He's not removing the pop up headlights or wiper door, he's just making them work better imo.
when corrected, they work just fine. No need for electric conversion in my opinion.
You have to have the car running to get them to work and if you have a big cam like I do you have to rev the engine to get them up or down. Electric just works better. Just because GM made it vacuum doesn't mean it's better.
when corrected, they work just fine. No need for electric conversion in my opinion.
One thing I really like about this hobby is that you can pick and choose the best solutions for you, and build a car however you want. After reading about spending countless hours (days perhaps) fixing the vacuum system to make the headlights work, especially hearing how crappy replacement parts have made this much harder than it should be, I'm pretty happy with my decision to simplify and modernize my two cars.
I'm glad the original cars are out there, and good on you for keeping one alive for others to appreciate. In the meantime, my 80 is a manual brake conversion away from having nearly zero vacuum hoses.
I did have a few issues with the car. I had a front-end accident about 40 years ago and the body guy grafted a 72 nose on my car. The lights never worked correctly after that. Somethings you should know. I track the car and it has a ton of non-stock mods already.
Plus the body guy wasn't sure if my cam would pull enough vacuum for them to work. So I send richard454 an email. I ordered the kit yesterday. Thanks to all who replied.
1969 Electric Headlight Motor Conversion Kit
