Headlight bushings....
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Re: Headlight bushings.... (GiDvEtTe84)
Someone posted on one of the current headlight posts that they had found some "metal" nuts that were the right size.
Personally, I would stick with the plastic/nylon. They are supposed to be somewhat "sacrificial" absorbing the "shock of the metal worm gear against the nylon drive gear for the momentary time when the lights are up or down and the motor is still turning.
Using metal instead of the nylon bushings could wear out the drive gear...just my HO :D
Personally, I would stick with the plastic/nylon. They are supposed to be somewhat "sacrificial" absorbing the "shock of the metal worm gear against the nylon drive gear for the momentary time when the lights are up or down and the motor is still turning.
Using metal instead of the nylon bushings could wear out the drive gear...just my HO :D
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,915
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From: Maurice, LA
Re: Headlight bushings....
Well, I tried to take the motor apart while leaving it on the car. Of course! There is one little bolt thats behind a F%^&$G bracket! Whats the best way to get to the bushings? Take off the headlight assembly? I sure hope not. :boxing
Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,478
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From: Sacramento, CA Money can't buy happiness - but it's more comfortable to cry in a Corvette than a Yugo.
Re: Headlight bushings.... (GiDvEtTe84)
The best way is indeed to take off the headlight assembly. It is actually so easy you will curse yourself for not doing it sooner. There is an excellent write-up in the C4section of Tech Tips to guide you.
I bought a 3 delrin bushing kit from Eckler's for my 88 and after seeing how easy it was to remove the headlight assembly I decided to to the other headlight before it went bad. I used one of the delrin bushings as a guide at the hardware store to get 3 more nylon bushings. I found that the 27/64 x 29/64 nylon spacer sold at Home Depot was as close a match as possible. They come 2 to a package at 29 cents per package.
The nylon spacers work just like the delrin bushings except they aren't as naturally slick as delrin. I doubt that it matters, but I'd put a wee bit of lubricant on them (marine bearing grease is perfect). Only had the fix in for about 6 months, but no problems so far.
The first headlight takes about 1~2 hours depending on how careful you are and how much you clean. :yesnod: The second one takes about 45 minutes. Be sure to have a 1/8" pin punch as well as all of the other tools listed in the Tech Tip and it will go real easy. You don't need to take the motor itself apart. Just loosen the assemblies it is attached to.
I bought a 3 delrin bushing kit from Eckler's for my 88 and after seeing how easy it was to remove the headlight assembly I decided to to the other headlight before it went bad. I used one of the delrin bushings as a guide at the hardware store to get 3 more nylon bushings. I found that the 27/64 x 29/64 nylon spacer sold at Home Depot was as close a match as possible. They come 2 to a package at 29 cents per package.
The nylon spacers work just like the delrin bushings except they aren't as naturally slick as delrin. I doubt that it matters, but I'd put a wee bit of lubricant on them (marine bearing grease is perfect). Only had the fix in for about 6 months, but no problems so far.
The first headlight takes about 1~2 hours depending on how careful you are and how much you clean. :yesnod: The second one takes about 45 minutes. Be sure to have a 1/8" pin punch as well as all of the other tools listed in the Tech Tip and it will go real easy. You don't need to take the motor itself apart. Just loosen the assemblies it is attached to.
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Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 3
From: Sacramento, CA Money can't buy happiness - but it's more comfortable to cry in a Corvette than a Yugo.
Re: Headlight bushings.... (GiDvEtTe84)
GiDvEtTe84,
That's 27/64" long by 29/64" diameter. UPC # 30699 87278. :flag
I bought a 3 delrin bushing kit from Eckler's for my 88 and after seeing how easy it was to remove the headlight assembly I decided to to the other headlight before it went bad. I used one of the delrin bushings as a guide at the hardware store to get 3 more nylon bushings. I found that the 27/64 x 29/64 nylon spacer sold at Home Depot was as close a match as possible. They come 2 to a package at 29 cents per package.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 99
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From: Pascagoula Ms
Re: Headlight bushings.... (Mike_88Z51)
Just remove the whole headlight assy. then remove the motor and install the new bushings. Ordered mine form mid america last week. $4-$5 a set and rebuilt both lights in under 1.5hrs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,179
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From: waller texas
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Headlight bushings.... (GiDvEtTe84)
loosen the two screws where the bracket holding motor mounts to main bracket and that will allow you to raise motor bracket high enough to get that screw out.also is your headlight going up or not.if it is not even moving then check the motor and see if it is turning the rotating mechanism.if motor doesnt even try to move it then the motor is probably shot as mine was.I replaced right side and now the left side is taking a CRAP.I think the motor gets dead spots and would only move if I turned the postion first.then next time it wouldnt work again.I replaced bushings first and that didnt help.the bushings can be bought for under 10 bucks.
