Headlamp shields
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 30
Likes: 19
From: westminster, md
Headlamp shields
Hey folks. For those of you with headlamp shields do have airflow issues? Mine are missing and I m wondering if I should even bother getting them if they could cause overheating. I don’t have a fan clutch. Basic 350.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 807
Likes: 800
From: Chapin SC 29036
If you install them they won't cause overheating. C3 Corvettes are bottom breathers. If you look under the nose you will see two large oval holes. That is where most of the air comes from. If you don't have a front license plate some comes in that way also. The plastic shields mostly protect the headlights from stone damage when they are down.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,197
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hello,
In addition to rt's information I think they were also there to help prevent the headlights from being frozen in the closed position in snowy/slushy driving conditions.
Regards....
In addition to rt's information I think they were also there to help prevent the headlights from being frozen in the closed position in snowy/slushy driving conditions.
Regards....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 918
Likes: 198
From: TX
Alan
Did your 71 have the shields? I ask because I remember clearly seeing the red paint on the headlights through the grills. My 69 has the shields and I cannot see the paint.
(Great that you are back!!)
VS
Did your 71 have the shields? I ask because I remember clearly seeing the red paint on the headlights through the grills. My 69 has the shields and I cannot see the paint.
(Great that you are back!!)
VS
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,197
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hello VS,
Yes my car had the shields.
I bought the car in the middle of March and don't think there was much snow or ice .
But the next winter there was quite a bit of snow and ice and I remember needing to clear the area around the head lights.
There is a small oval slot in each shield. I'm not sure what their purpose is?
Regards......
Yes my car had the shields.
I bought the car in the middle of March and don't think there was much snow or ice .
But the next winter there was quite a bit of snow and ice and I remember needing to clear the area around the head lights.
There is a small oval slot in each shield. I'm not sure what their purpose is?
Regards......
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 807
Likes: 800
From: Chapin SC 29036
I am not sure how many owners of a 50 to 60 year old Corvette are going to drive them in the snow, to have worry about slush getting into the mechanism and freezing. I don't even take mine out in the rain, unless I get caught out in it. Don't have to worry about snow very much in SC as our blizzard this year only dropped about 3 inches and it was going by the afternoon.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,367
Likes: 1,061
From: Virginia USA
I am not sure how many owners of a 50 to 60 year old Corvette are going to drive them in the snow, to have worry about slush getting into the mechanism and freezing. I don't even take mine out in the rain, unless I get caught out in it. Don't have to worry about snow very much in SC as our blizzard this year only dropped about 3 inches and it was going by the afternoon.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 807
Likes: 800
From: Chapin SC 29036
When I lived in NY many years ago, I drove my Vette in the snow many times. I didn't even have snow tires on it. Back then the car didn't look as good as it does now. Now it won't see and snow unless it is looking out the garage door.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,197
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hello,
During the winter of 72 I was in Detroit with plans to drive back to Westminster on a Sunday afternoon and night.
It was snowing heavily and I should have left early but didn't.
I left about 3 p.m.. The Pennsylvania Turnpike was about as bad as it can be.
I drove right to work and got there about 9 a.m..
Firestone wide oval tires. Basically no traction in the snow.
Regards........
During the winter of 72 I was in Detroit with plans to drive back to Westminster on a Sunday afternoon and night.
It was snowing heavily and I should have left early but didn't.
I left about 3 p.m.. The Pennsylvania Turnpike was about as bad as it can be.
I drove right to work and got there about 9 a.m..
Firestone wide oval tires. Basically no traction in the snow.
Regards........
Racer
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 264
Likes: 200
From: Sicklerville NJ
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Hello VS,
Yes my car had the shields.
I bought the car in the middle of March and don't think there was much snow or ice .
But the next winter there was quite a bit of snow and ice and I remember needing to clear the area around the head lights.
There is a small oval slot in each shield. I'm not sure wht their purpose is?a
Regards......
Yes my car had the shields.
I bought the car in the middle of March and don't think there was much snow or ice .
But the next winter there was quite a bit of snow and ice and I remember needing to clear the area around the head lights.
There is a small oval slot in each shield. I'm not sure wht their purpose is?a
Regards......
Steven
