Two Unrelated Questions.......
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: ST AUGUSTINE FL
Two Unrelated Questions.......
1-Is there a tool or a "secret" way to get the oil dipstick tube out of
the block? I bought a new chrome dipstick tube and dipstick and
can't get the old one out!
2-What are the best replacement lamps for the old sealed headlights?
Thanks,
Pat
the block? I bought a new chrome dipstick tube and dipstick and
can't get the old one out!
2-What are the best replacement lamps for the old sealed headlights?
Thanks,
Pat
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 0
From: largo florida
the old dipstick is just pressed in. I suppose clamping a set of vice grips on it, then using a hammer to hit the vice grips away from the block would pull it out. It would also ruin the old dipstick tube though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
I just clamped a pair of vice grips on my old dipstick tube and started twisting and pulling. It does destroy the old tube.
I'll be watching to see what kind of replies you get on the headlights as I have the same question.
I'll be watching to see what kind of replies you get on the headlights as I have the same question.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Az
Try spraying some WD-40 or something similar and let it soak for a day or two. As far as headlamps I replaced mine with halogen from Eckler,s. They fit with no modifications,just like the old seal beams. Like mine very much! Good Luck!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
My dipstick tube just lifts out...
I used the NAPA replacement halogens (Sylvania I think) and they work great! Much better vision, especially at night!
Be sure your wiring is in good condition because they pull somewhat more power.
I used the NAPA replacement halogens (Sylvania I think) and they work great! Much better vision, especially at night!
Be sure your wiring is in good condition because they pull somewhat more power.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Lights
Z-Man
I replaced the low beams on my 1973 with the Slyvania Halogen lights. After the replacement I noticed that the left side is quite a bit dimmer than the right side. Your post said something about wiring and the lights drawing more power. Could this just be a bad connection at the plug?
Thanks for the tip.
kdf 1973 454
kdf 1986 L98
I replaced the low beams on my 1973 with the Slyvania Halogen lights. After the replacement I noticed that the left side is quite a bit dimmer than the right side. Your post said something about wiring and the lights drawing more power. Could this just be a bad connection at the plug?
Thanks for the tip.
kdf 1973 454
kdf 1986 L98
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
I think the dipstick tube just pulls out. If yours is rusted in soak it in PB Blaster for a week and it should free up.
For headlights, check out Hella. They used to make a halogen replacement headlight that had a removeable bulb.
Rick B.
For headlights, check out Hella. They used to make a halogen replacement headlight that had a removeable bulb.
Rick B.
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
kdf1986 -
It could be... I'd check and clean the connections (don't forget the ground side). Try to feel the wiring going to the dim side. If it's warm, you could have cracked or damaged old wiring that has a high resistance. If you switch bulbs and that side is still dim, its most likely poor wiring. If the other side is dim after switching bulbs, then the bulb might be bad.
Also, it might just appear to be dim if it is pointing downward. Alignment shops often point the left side down so it doesn't blind oncoming drivers. This isn't usually a problem on Vettes since Vettes are so low. I do my own adjustment against the garage door at night and even them up...
It could be... I'd check and clean the connections (don't forget the ground side). Try to feel the wiring going to the dim side. If it's warm, you could have cracked or damaged old wiring that has a high resistance. If you switch bulbs and that side is still dim, its most likely poor wiring. If the other side is dim after switching bulbs, then the bulb might be bad.
Also, it might just appear to be dim if it is pointing downward. Alignment shops often point the left side down so it doesn't blind oncoming drivers. This isn't usually a problem on Vettes since Vettes are so low. I do my own adjustment against the garage door at night and even them up...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Originally Posted by Z-man
My dipstick tube just lifts out...
I used the NAPA replacement halogens (Sylvania I think) and they work great! Much better vision, especially at night! Be sure your wiring is in good condition because they pull somewhat more power.
I used the NAPA replacement halogens (Sylvania I think) and they work great! Much better vision, especially at night!
Be sure your wiring is in good condition because they pull somewhat more power.
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,920
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by GRAYGHOST
2-What are the best replacement lamps for the old sealed headlights?
Thanks,
Pat
Thanks,
Pat
There was a great discussion a few months ago regarding GE4537 aircraft landing lights and how to install them using relays.
They work absolutely wonderful!!
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,920
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
Landing lights? Sounds like an invitation to have the cops pull you over - after the glare fades from their eyes... 
No, you use the GE's for your high beams and regular Sylvanias for the low beams. When you see approaching cars, you should turn off the high beams!
BTW, I bought a few extra sets on a buying spree at a heavy truck parts store that I was browsing around in while looking for SS truck stacks as replacements for my shot and peeling hooker side pipes.
Got right excited when I happened to recognize the part number for the landing lights that does some double duty as truck spot lights, I guess
