Why The Headlights
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 371
Likes: 223
From: Charlotte, NC
Why The Headlights
Hi everyone.
just came over here from the C5 forum to ask a question that I can't seem to find an answer to.
I was talking Vettes with one of my Mopar buds, and he mentioned that the C4 was his favorite because of the headlights and because it perectly encompasses the era in which it was built...but mostly the headlights. We got inyo a discussion about why the headlights were designed to open that way, but neither of us vould come up with a satisfactory explanation...and we can't find anything online.
Do any of you have any idea why they were designed to open that way?
Thanks for the info.
just came over here from the C5 forum to ask a question that I can't seem to find an answer to.
I was talking Vettes with one of my Mopar buds, and he mentioned that the C4 was his favorite because of the headlights and because it perectly encompasses the era in which it was built...but mostly the headlights. We got inyo a discussion about why the headlights were designed to open that way, but neither of us vould come up with a satisfactory explanation...and we can't find anything online.
Do any of you have any idea why they were designed to open that way?
Thanks for the info.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 1,490
From: New Jersey
Spinning forward is so that they don't blind you and I think the way they face back under the hood is to make replacing the bulbs easier. Just a guess. Also a rotating gear assembly that is electronic is a lot smaller than what would be required to make them operate like a c3 does I would guess as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,060
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
I had a 89 RX-7 the opening of the headlights seemed like a better design then the Vette...I like the headlights being hidden, but I think the whole rotating of the assembly could have been done better. On my RX-7 they just basically lifted up, no rotating. I always felt like that was put less stress on the headlight motors and gears.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 243
Likes: 23
From: Vancouver WA
They were designed that way because they’re friggin cool! When showing off my 92 to family with the hood up, a neighbor’s dog would bark every time I turned them on and off. I can only imagine the dog was saying “Again”! 😂
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 363
From: Central Alabama
I'm going with Roy on this. They look so cool when they open.
Lots of cars have simple pop ups the Original RX7, the First Gen Miata, the 80's Prelude and Accord.
The Opel GT lights lights are pretty cool and they were lever operated. if they had made those to turn opposite each other they would have been even cooler.
Lots of cars have simple pop ups the Original RX7, the First Gen Miata, the 80's Prelude and Accord.
The Opel GT lights lights are pretty cool and they were lever operated. if they had made those to turn opposite each other they would have been even cooler.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 396
Likes: 58
From: Katy Texas
I recall reading something about aerodynamics goals as part of the design. If you squint hard enough you can see that the overall side view is a teardrop. The C3 design simply throws up two walls into the wind.
Safety Car
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
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From: South-central Missouri
Good question!
I can think of no other car that had rotating headlights. All other "Cs" of Vettes simply popped up. Same on Firebird, Masdas, Porsche,... I know I missed quite a few more w/ pop-up lights, but can't recall any others that rotated!
I can think of no other car that had rotating headlights. All other "Cs" of Vettes simply popped up. Same on Firebird, Masdas, Porsche,... I know I missed quite a few more w/ pop-up lights, but can't recall any others that rotated!
Pro
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Smithfield VA
Last edited by 1stVetteFinally; Aug 23, 2018 at 07:50 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
The C3 and C5 headlights had simple pop-up action just like the RX7, it is a simpler design but definitely not as cool as the C4 rotating assembly.
I would gladly give up the cool factor of the C4 headlights if it spared me the motor/plastic gear/shim issues we commonly have with our headlights.
I would gladly give up the cool factor of the C4 headlights if it spared me the motor/plastic gear/shim issues we commonly have with our headlights.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 86
Likes: 11
I think the point of them rotating all that way is for aerodynamic purposes. Allows the car to still be aerodynamic with the headlights up. If they only popped up a few degrees then the flat part on top would catch wind more and cause drag
Racer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 294
Likes: 40
From: Massachusetts
It's badass. It does a whole 180 because murica.
The C4 was new and A massive leap in technology. LCD screens and computers (beep boop). Before everything was vacuum driven and now they had electric motors. A 180 flip adds to the intrigue (everyone loves it) and it allowed them to design how the headlight cover looked because it flips completely around, rather than being under the flat cover.
YOU'VE NEVER SEEN (DUN NAH)
ANYTHING (DUN NAH NAH)
LIKE THIS BEFORE (SHEEEEEEEW)
The C4 was new and A massive leap in technology. LCD screens and computers (beep boop). Before everything was vacuum driven and now they had electric motors. A 180 flip adds to the intrigue (everyone loves it) and it allowed them to design how the headlight cover looked because it flips completely around, rather than being under the flat cover.
YOU'VE NEVER SEEN (DUN NAH)
ANYTHING (DUN NAH NAH)
LIKE THIS BEFORE (SHEEEEEEEW)
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
I love the Pantera, but the C4 headlight flip design is better! I had a friend who owned one. "Just bring it back right-side-up, and with gas in the tank."
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...tays-with-you/
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...tays-with-you/
Racer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 396
Likes: 58
From: Katy Texas
As I mentioned earlier the Opel GT did rotate it's headlights 180 degrees. It was just side to side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SUcTPUZlRA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SUcTPUZlRA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Delta B.C. Canada
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I was showing a young kid how the headlights rotate, and he asks me: "Do they point backwards so you can see the motor at night?" 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 363
From: Central Alabama
You are remembering correctly. I'm trying to decide whether to buy a pair of them now. Guy claims there's one good body and one good drive train.