Rebuilding Headlight Vacuum Relay

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May 12, 2004 | 05:35 PM

Joe 77

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 16

Likes: 0

From: Jacksonville FL

Rebuilding Headlight Vacuum Relay

I got the info from my last post about troubleshootinh the vacuum system for the headlights. thanks again to everyone who helped.
I have it down to the dreaded relay... I pulled it apart according to the link about rebuilding them but I can seem to find the "rubber refurbisher" they talked about. I tried NAPA, Autozone, and Radio shack. Any ideas where I can get it. Or does any one know of a rebuid kit for this part. If they make new replacements then someone must make the parts to build the new ones. Or is that the secret of the century?
Thanks
Joe

May 12, 2004 | 06:35 PM

Avette4me

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 6,575

Likes: 1

From: Tuttle OK

Cruise-In VIII Veteran

Re: Rebuilding Headlight Vacuum Relay (Joe 77)

You can try one of the forum sponsors, ecklers and mid america have them...

May 12, 2004 | 06:48 PM

Wrencher

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 4,101

Likes: 10

From: NorCal

Re: Rebuilding Headlight Vacuum Relay (Joe 77)

Both of mine leaked (wiper and headlight) when I got my car. I fought and fussed with them and never did get them to hold up for long. Finally gave up, bought new ones and have had no problems since. Be sure and put a new filter in-line to the source fitting.

Hans

May 12, 2004 | 07:30 PM

wcsinx

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 24,160

Likes: 78

Re: Rebuilding Headlight Vacuum Relay (Joe 77)

I ended up fixing mine with two tiny o-rings and some RTV. You'd think someone would make a replacement for that stupid little piece rubber wouldn't you? :rolleyes:

May 12, 2004 | 09:49 PM

goinbroke

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 837

Likes: 3

From: Texas

Re: Rebuilding Headlight Vacuum Relay (wcsinx)

wcsinx is right ........try some O-rings to flare the cups at each end of the valve. I think I used 5/16" OD X 3/16" ID X 1/16" wall thickness. Use some RTV or 3M weatherstrip adhesive. Hold some pressure on the o-ring until the adhesive sets up a little. You don't have to take the valve off the shaft for the top cup....just stretch the o-ring over the valve. I also put a thin coat of RTV on the bottom side of the diaphram rubber before sealing it back up. I did mine 2 years ago....so far so good.

May 13, 2004 | 01:13 PM

Garys '68

Racer

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 271

Likes: 0

From: St Louis MO

Re: Rebuilding Headlight Vacuum Relay (goinbroke)

Try this: http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshow...number=341-362

May 13, 2004 | 02:12 PM

mrvette

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 65,492

Likes: 230

From: Orange Park Florida

Re: Rebuilding Headlight Vacuum Relay (wcsinx)

That rubber is commonly available at most any Home Despot.....in a heavy duty thick Latex Glove, one glove dows two relays.....

seal with RTV........

BTW, I seriously weakened the spring in the relay controlling the wiper door, so it doesn't allow the door to flip open so readily....

GENE

May 13, 2004 | 03:06 PM

Joe 77

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 16

Likes: 0

From: Jacksonville FL

Re: Rebuilding Headlight Vacuum Relay (mrvette)

Thanks all i am tring the o-ring thing right now I have to let it cure for 24 hours so we'll see how it works tommorrow. Hey mrvette i am right up the road in Jax. Are there and Vette nights here in town?
Joe