Electric Hideaway Headlight Actuator Conversion: 1967-1968 Mercury Cougar

In this video, we show how to replace your early Cougar's vacuum-operated hideaway headlight system with a simpler, more reliable electric conversion kit. This kit includes two remanufactured Ford Probe headlight motors, a custom wiring harness, and custom bracketry and hardware for this specific application, making installation simple.
To view the kit, click here: www2.cougarpart...
Some reasons to go this route instead of keeping your vacuum system:
Easier to keep your grille straight. The vacuum system puts constant pressure on the grille.
Cheaper as a whole. To replace your entire vacuum system is significantly more expensive.
Faster and more even opening & closing. No more slow opening / closing one at a time.
Can operate without the engine running.
Perfect solution for those with high performance engines with low vacuum.
Etc.
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[@Tommerd]

Fun fact! My '67 sequential tail lights didn't work since the parts were all corroded and shot. I found tail light parts out of a '69 T-Bird hooked right up and worked amazingly well.

[@aladams684]

As always another great vid from WCCC. If you haven't dealt with them, you need to. I have been a customer for 5 yrs., and while I don't get everything from them, they ALWAYS seem to have that hard to find stuff, are happy to answer your questions, and don't gouge you on their prices. Their forum is another great place to hook up with other owners and learn from the more experienced. Anyhow, that's my testimonial. I hope my check's in the mail😉. Just kidding.

[@Kingcobra19801980]

I met Darrel on the 20th of Oct I stopped through on my way home to Washington from Vegas he's a he'll of a nice guy gave me a tour I bought the electric headlight conversion got some geat info great place tons of parts awesome people defiantly recommend stopping by if your in Salem Oregon I'll be doing much more business in the near future for sure all around great experience thank you for the help Darrel I really do appreciate you have a great day

[@josephharris8226]

What size rims and tires did this car have - I really like them as well as the.conversion kit, which I’m going to buy. Thank you!

[@hagenent]

Just installed this system and thought i would ad some info that might help others.The bolts that attach to the door need to go from the inside out . i put one in the other way and the tip touched the motor housing. Also should have taken the stops off the doors to begin with. They contacted before the motor was all the way down. I would also route the wire harness before i put the headlight buckets back in all the way and really be aware of the arm swinging all the way around had to do it a couple of times before I liked it. Other than that it works really nice so far.

[@PecoWainwright]

Nice. Looking to do a conversion for my '68 T Bird

[@larryhernandez2594]

Great job! I have the same system in my 68 Cougar.

[@jeffpurdie4848]

the last section of this video leaves a lot to be desired. ie how/ what happens when you "tie" the system to the hi beam switch. wtf does that mean?

[@stignasty]

Do you know if this will work on a 1967 Thunderbird. As far as I know they had the same vacuum system when manufactured.

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Stig Nasty The geometry is a bit different, you'd probably have to fabricate your own mounting brackets. We've never tried installing these on a T Bird, so we're not sure!

[@jackmidst8304]

Why does that strike me like a whole lot of needless extra cable?

[@ayecaptin]

Sorry to make this the "will this work on my car" thread. But, any thoughts on a 68 ltd?

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

+Casey Dudek These ones probably won't work exactly, but we suggest contacting the guy that makes these conversion kits. His username on KZbin is "catheadlights"

[@Thunder_6278]

I got a 7th gen t-bird w/ vacuum eyelids. Can I convert also??? Are they normally closed or normally open??

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

I do not believe that Josh is doing that year at this point, but you could contact him via his website and see if he knows if anything he makes currently would work on that vintage: www.catheadlights.com/

[@flatbrokemodsquad4241]

nice conversion. I'll have to do that to my 67 when I get it back on the road with its new all wheel drive setup.

[@Crowbarful]

Would this work on a 1977 Lincoln Continental Town Car? do you have something compatable?

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

We only carry these for the 67-70 Cougar, but the guy who makes these has an eBay store and has been able to come out with kits for several other cars, so you might want to contact him and see: www.ebay.com/str/catheadlights

[@kimwarfield1587]

I couldn’t do it myself…no way.

[@district99]

Dont drive and sleep

[@jackblah5842]

When I was 5 one of my dad's colleagues would come over for dinner every few months and I'd run out to meet him and he would flip the headlights on his Cougar. Stupid things I'll never forget. thx for posting

[@donmorris4129]

My High School car was a 67 Cougar.... loved that car.!

[@NotaMechanicJack]

Look at the deal on the one o just got

[@gregman1969]

Great Video, would love to see one for the 69 Thunderbird but it should be done close to this right? I guess i order a pair of them.

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

There is a T-bird version! Check it out: secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/store/p/15541-Electric-Headlight-Conversion-Kit-with-Motors-THUNDERBIRD-New-1967-1969-Thunderbird.html

[@72Stiles]

Considering these for my 67 Tbird as well!

[@nathandougherty110]

This company has gotten gready Outrageous price. Buy the 94 ford probe headlight motor. Bolt it up yourself. And save the extra $400.

[@troyadamson8618]

The vacuum system is too fun watching the headlights open. My 68' XR7 the right light started to open then a few seconds later the left started opening. Cool sight.

[@MYBALLSYC]

I’m deleting my headlight vacuum system all together. Did some engineering and took my cover plates off my grill, now my lights shine through my grill. Now I’m stuck wondering what light switch do I need to turn on my headlights without vacuum or electric. Do I just use a standard late 60’s mustang switch.

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

See Don Rush's response below. If you want to run the brighter halogen sealed beam bulbs, also may want to consider upgrading to using the headlight relays that allow the headlights to pull directly from the battery and reduce the load on the headlight switch in the dash: secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/store/Search.aspx?SearchTerms=Headlight%20Relay%20Kit&CatID=0

[@donrush5690]

You would use the 1967 Cougar switch as it has no vacuum ports and is designed for 4 headlights.

[@MYBALLSYC]

@@donrush5690 thanks for the reply … can not find a repro switch on your site do they make them

[@slikdarelic]

my favorite ol' skool car with my favorite rims! torque thrust M's i believe? :-)

[@lifeisonehugedream]

hi guys. would this system fit a Ford Lincoln 1977 Mark5 ?? Thanks for any help.

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Most likely not, but the guy who makes them goes by "catheadlights". He may be able to put something together for you.

[@scottymizzo415]

where is this shop located???

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Just north of Salem Oregon: secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/Contact_Us.html#home

[@boldmoves6000]

My 68 Ford LTD only has one actuator located in the middle that opens and closes both headlight covers. I wonder if just one will work for my car?

[@kenc_sr.8857]

I REALLY hope you can help me. I have a 1982 Lincoln Mark VI. The headlight covers are vacuum controlled. Believe it or not, I have only 1900 original miles on this beauty. I have spent a small fortune trying to find a vacuum leak without success. The covers open about 30 minutes after shutting down the engine. I would love to convert over to electric. Would you be kind enough to tell me where I could find these actuators for the Lincoln Mark VI? Thank so much!!!

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Not sure if there's a kit yet for the Mark VI, but our supplier "Catheadlights" makes a kit for the Mark III. Look him up, maybe he can make something for you!

[@TheColtClassic]

You should combine this system with RCCI's halogen relay system. It'd be nice to be able to make the headlights up to date with one system/one harness.

[@torino390]

kit just landed here in the UK to do my customers '68. looks pretty straightforward. should clean things up nicely, and more importantly, work!!! ;-)

[@mikewalsh7080]

Darn office guys always looking down on the mechanics who do all the work! "Dont get your fingerprints on our customers car" I would have handed the actuator back and say do it yourself buddy! HA I just cant stand office guys that think they are better cause they dont get dirty, its a problem in so many trades

[@mikewalsh7080]

after watching more videos, I retracte my statement cause the boss man can tell you anything lol didnt realize he was "the man" ha

[@kilobytegames]

I can't seem to find the "grill tips video" that should contain info about how to remove the old vacuum system

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

We don't really have anything that shows how to entirely remove the headlight vacuum system, but we have a free download called "Actuators in an hour" that walks through the removal and installation of actuators: secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/acinho.html That page also has the Grille Tips video.

[@kilobytegames]

@@WestCoastClassicCougar Thanks :-) But unfortunately, the video says: This video is private

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

@@kilobytegames Sorry about that. I asked Don about that and he said he had that video hidden because it has some misinformation on it. He still suggested that you download the free "Actuators in an hour" (secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/acinho.html) as that will give you a lot of info on at least removing the actuators.

[@willert9]

Would love to know the info on those rims (backspacing, offset), I just picked up a Cougar and those look perfect

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

We would recommend checking out the conversations on the Classic Cougar Community Forums about different wheel options for the Cougar: www.classiccougarcommunity.com/forum/search.php?keywords=wheel+backspace

[@ModeloIbarra]

i have the same question boldmoves said, 70 cougar only has one actuator.Same deal?

[@turbofoxbird]

would these work on a 70 Torino?

[@drob2959]

Will these work on a 75 lincoln

[@HAS2BE]

I'm buying em'. Who needs rent anyways!? Gotta have em'!

[@timothy627]

Buying all old parts

[@robertmills3682]

2 questions. 1) I have as 79 Lincoln Continental that has the vacuum actuators. Other than needing longer wire for the harness due to the car being so much larger, would I be able to use this kit on my car? 2) did you disconnect the springs? I watched another video that y’all did and that kit had something that reduced the tension on the spring, didn’t know if this kit eliminated the springs all together.

[@darrellniemeyer9931]

please contact www.catheadlights.com and ask Joshua about a specific Lincoln kit he carries.

[@robertmills3682]

Awesome, thank you. I have been trying to search for a site, this is great!

[@goofycarlos9206]

When you have in those back in stock??? I need one of those ASAP

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

The manufacturer is in the process of a redesign with no ETA at this time.

[@intrepid5144]

I have a '69 Mercury Marauder X100 that also has the vacuum actuated headlight covers. I was wondering if this product could be used to replace that car's awkward vacuum system?

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

The motor and wiring, probably. However we're not familiar with Marauders, and don't know if the mounting bracket would fit or not. You might try getting in touch with the guy who makes these, and he can probably fab up a bracket for you. Here's his site: www.catheadlights.com/

[@intrepid5144]

Thank you for the lead, I plan to contact them very soon, having checked out their site, I think one of their products could be adapted to work with my '69 Marauder!

[@thatcardude2445]

How do you operate them? I just bought a 67 cougar and am wondering how to get the grill part to come up and show the headlight, am I not finding a switch or what?

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

The headlight switch is on the lower dash, to the left of the steering column. Pull it out all the way to turn on the headlights. The car needs to be running because they are vacuum operated. If there are vacuum leaks in the system, they won't work. This video shows how to convert to electric motors to open the headlight doors.

[@thatcardude2445]

West Coast Classic Cougar thanks! I will try that when I get the chance!

[@jackwild1111]

Wonder if those units will fit on a 69 Mark III ???

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Not sure, there's a good chance the mounting bracketry would be different.

[@slothmag]

I want one for my '70 XR-7!!!

[@bryanweis]

do these fit a 67 tbird?

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Sorry, these won't fit on a T-Bird. The geometry is a little different.

[@MrJonnieFingaz]

West Coast Classic Cougar I would like to know. Could you tell me off a company that does make this product for a 67 t-bird. I want to do away with the vacuum system. Thanks.

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Jonnie Fingaz There isn't one that we know of, you'd have to custom-build something. Our kits use Ford Probe headlight motors. The wiring harness is custom made though, as are the brackets. So one option would be to get our kit, and then modify the brackets or create your own. Sorry there isn't a better way we know of!

[@gearratchet]

I was here first...

[@richiesisneros4975]

Would these work for any hideaways? I'm gonna buy some for my 68 grand prix

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

The motors and wiring would work, but the brackets and such would probably need to be different, or customized, to make them fit in a different car.

[@richiesisneros4975]

West Coast Classic Cougar What do I have to do to get some conversion kit for my 68 grand prix?

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

We're not aware of one being produced, but maybe if you get in touch with the guy who makes these, he can help you out. His site: www.catheadlights.com/

[@mxlman26]

whats the price on this kit??

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Kinda pricey, but you can save a bit by getting the one with used motors. Check them out here: secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/store/Search.aspx?searchTerms=10250%2c+10049&submit=true&type=OR

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

Kits for 69-70 are coming soon! They should be significantly cheaper too, since they use one motor instead of two.

[@my69muscle]

what motor is used is it an easy replacement? Do you need buy or install limit switches?

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

They are Ford Probe / Mazda Miata motors. They are adjustable, as are the linkages in the kit - no limit switches needed.