C3 Corvette electric headlight actuator installation

Step by step installation of a Detroit Speed electric headlight actuator kit in a 1981 Corvette

[@crawford323]

Incredible patience. You got the task done and never cursed or threw a wrench. Zen and the Art of Corvette Mechanics. Well done Grasshopper.

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

😂😂😂 Thanks for watching!

[@MrSmartAlec]

I bought a '78 C3 in 1982 that was in good shape with the exception of one headlight that would only open half way. Turned out the accordian style seal on the actuator arm was dry rotted and leaking vacuum like crazy. In those days you could not buy just the seal. You had to buy the whole actuator which was very pricey. I ended up using a clear flexible rtv to gooby up just about the entire seal. Worked great. Those headlights slammed open after that repair.

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching.👍

[@cajunroadwarrior]

One thing I learned about the motors used on those conversation kits is that they are originally used on the Mazda Miata. The motors are installed upside-down compared to the Miata. If not properly sealed and protected with water-resistant grease inside the motor, water will intrude through the vent at the base of the motor. The inside of the motor will rust solid and seize. Before they do, the motor will run in a very jerky manner that will either strip or break the plastic gears.

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Thanks for the information and for watching

[@randywatsonii3173]

Thats how it's done! By far the very best step by step I've ever seen. I got it all out, about to put it all in. Also my hood, radiator, shroud, core, engine, interior is elsewhere, still this video warned me from trashing the stuff I still need for install.

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Thanks for watching

[@CorvettesandCassicCars]

I would have cried Uncle before I was done. Good job!

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Thanks for watching. I edited out some curse words.

[@jefflynch9559]

Thanks, now I get to try it on my 1980 Corvette.

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Thanks for watching!

[@HectorGarcia-eo1lq]

Thanks for sharing this video Car looks awesome.

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching

[@mikebroszczak5767]

Thank you for sharing this video, it was excellent

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Thanks for watching, Please subscribe if you haven’t already.

[@FRITZI999]

that car is totally clean and show & shine from the top.... but underneath rotten and rusty.... YIKES !

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Thanks for watching

[@crawford323]

Aircraft Spruce and Specialty company has a nice stock of rod ends ( Heim joints ) FYI in case anyone has found themselves in a situation of need.

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Thanks for the info

[@hurricaneusa]

Thanks for this video!

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Thanks for watching! Please subscribe if you haven’t already.

[@sqr2024]

If an headlight will not go up or down it’s the front vacuum actuator seal, which is very cheap.

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Yes the outer seal can be replaced. The owner of this car purchased the kit already and wanted it installed. The customer is always right. Thanks for watching.

[@ourhouse6892]

It could be many different things I have worked on 100s of c3s

[@kylemartin2594]

I was gonna convert my 76..not now. Fix seal and done. And..it stays original

[@jefflynch9559]

As easy as the knob came out, if mine will not come out, I am guessing a new switch and knob is in order?

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Hopefully you can get it removed. Replace it as a last resort. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe if you haven’t already.

[@jefflynch9559]

Well knob is out and the wiring complete. Now the totally absurd issue. There is no power to the fuse block spaces marked battery. What is your suggestion. The car runs and drives fine, this is a new one on me.

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Could be a bad fusible link, power comes from the battery cable by the starter. The fusible link should be near starter

[@michaeljkowar]

Don’t waste your time effort and money with these electric headlights, for way under 200 bucks total you can remove the oem units replace the seals (small easy bench work) and replace all vacuum hose lines. And if you don’t have any extreme engine vacuum leaks those actuators works better and faster than the electrics, sorry….I rained on your parade here… and remove the hood… don’t be a fool.

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Thanks for watching.

[@terrysmart237]

Great Job on the install and video work!

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Thanks for watching!