I am planning a headlight and wiper conversion on my '69 with factory AC. Reviewing options, I see several sellers listing the following kit for under $200:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_dkr...nversion%20kit

This kit from Richard454 is over $300 more:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/15526136516...YAAOSw8qNlHIOX
I'm wondering if there is a difference in quality that would justify the price difference or if I'm missing something that would account for the price difference.

 

Unless I am looking at the wrong links the top one is for headlight doors and the bottom from Richard is for his wiper door. Not the same items. As for the headlights they clearly say no instructions so if you have an issue you are out of luck. For Richard’s products we all know how to contact him and he will reply.

 

@kanvasman - Good catch. Updated.

 

I have Richard's conversion kits for both Headlights and Wiper door (1969 Vette). Both are excellent and well engineered. But I do not have AC. I don't believe the wiper kit will work with AC cars......fitment problems.

 

Did Richards headlight conversion on my 71 and it worked great. I'm guessing the Amazon kit has no or little tech service if required?

 

@C3 Stroker - He advertises '68 kits specific to AC cars. I will inquire re: '69. Thanks!

 

@71 Vert LS1 - Thanks for the feedback. You are correct. The other kits don't come with much in the way of instruction.

 

The cheaper kit-

It's a Chinese copy of what Corvette Forum members designed over 10 years ago.
When the kits came to market a year ago- they were $400- now they are on fire sale-I'm guessing
there is not such thing as a bad product - only a bad price.

The original design used Miata motors- which were nice quality pieces but in the past 5 years or so - tough to find (no longer in production) and getting expensive for good used ones.
The motors in the Chinese kit are knock off- with lots of plastic parts

-No tech help- no instructions
-Requires cutting up your headlight supports-
-Splices into the parking light - so the headlights do not function as originals
- No terminals on the power wires

and a big issue

-The harness is a fire hazard-
1) the wire is not rated for underhood use (SAE J-1128 rated for 256ºF)
2) you always fuse at the source of power- the fuse is designed to blow before the wire melts-
clearly the harness is not designed that way.
3) The clear case( poorly designed ) relay could possibly melt- resulting in a fire. The socket holder is not rated either!
4) The one I saw- wire was copper coated aluminum- a big no-no in a mobile environment

Trust me on these- years ago I worked for Kenwood-
Unfortunately they sourced a cheap fuse holder for the
entry level radio to bring the price down. After a a couple months Kenwood had to purchase 4 cars (3 brand new)
as the plastic on the fuse holder melted when the poor quality spring internally got to hot and melted the plastic- set them on fire!
.
Lesson learned-

 

@Richard454 - I appreciate the detailed feedback. This is exactly what I was looking for.

 

I'll say this as a seasoned Corvette owner. And I assure you that I have been in this Hobby for many, many years. And also, as a working man with a bank balance near zero most of time. I too have tried to cut corners a fair few times.
Bottom line. Everytime I was in a hurry, or tryed to cut costs. It bit me in the ****! HARD!
Seems a poor man pays twice.
I still run vacuum headlight doors. But if the time ever comes it is impossible to repair them correctly. (So far this isn't the case) then I will absolutely purchase Richards kit.
Buy the cheap ****. Go ahead. Learn as I have.
It really does Suck to not only pay twice, but to do it twice. And in this case. Once you have chopped up your car. It's going to be extra fun getting it back to correct.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I agree. I purchased both kits from @Richard454 yesterday.