The Complicated C3 Corvette Vacuum Operated Headlight Assembly

Today we're taking a closer look at the C3 Corvette flip up headlight assembly to highlight the major components it is made of of and illustrate how the vacuum actuated hinge mechanism articulates to raise and lower the headlights.
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[@rtkracht]

Good instructive video. When I last drove my ‘76 (20 years ago) both lights were working fine. Once I get it road worthy again this will be a great reference should things go sideways.

[@VetteSource]

Thanks Rusty, I'm sure the headlights will be one of those items needing attention after long term hibernation.

[@thedrivewayC3]

Thanks - I’m about to build these. Very helpful

[@VetteSource]

Excellent, glad to hear👍

[@thedrivewayC3]

@@VetteSource Did you guys ever do an assembly video?

[@VetteSource]

I have not yet. I've got that on my video to do make list👍.

[@crawford323]

This reminds me of the retraction mechanism on a landing gear on an aircraft.

[@VetteSource]

Man, excellent comparison! I was just riding back home on an A319 and was checking out the landing gear because it was making so much clunking noise while we were taxiing😁.

[@Manawy-uv4mz]

When I had my 72 i got half lucky it was the headlight switch

[@VetteSource]

Yep, that's an often overlooked component in the vacuum circuit that can spring a leak. Luckily it's easier to get to than some of the other vacuum items. Thanks for the comments👍.

[@alzg8779]

I have a 76 so this is great! Brakes question if you don't mind. Calipers fairly new, Master cylinder new, booster works and adjusted, yet my pedal is very low. No leaks or air in the system...any ideas on what the problem might be? Any help REALLY appreciated...Thank you for the videos! Al

[@VetteSource]

Al, no problem. Glad you're enjoying them👍. The C3 braking system is notoriously finicky to bleed. Did you bench bleed the master cylinder before installing? They will trap air in the lines between the master and proportioning valve, which forces you to gravity bleed the system from component to component.

[@alzg8779]

@@VetteSource Thank you for getting back...I will check but believe that was done, if so, is it new calipers time? if so, is it ok to try it in pairs, maybe the front 2 first? Thank you very much!

[@VetteSource]

Yep, if everything looks good from MC to proportioning valve, I would go with front calipers first, and then move to the rear. The idea is to eliminate all possible sources of trapped area. I will say the proportioning valve is a known trouble area for trapped air, so you might want to try cracking the lines and leaving it for awhile to gravity bleed.

[@alzg8779]

@@VetteSource Thanks so much! Appreciate it!

[@robwhite3241]

You said something about headlight washers/squirters, were they available in the Us or were they for foreign markets only? Thanks!

[@VetteSource]

Hey Robert, they were standard equipment on all 68 and 69 Corvettes. They discontinued them in 1970, most likely because it was a complex system that was difficult to maintain. I actually did a video on the headlight washers a few years back - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJiYd4JuYseDaqc

[@zameul35]

I believe the assembly cover is aluminum not steel or at least they are on an 82.

[@VetteSource]

I haven't heard that one before.

[@Reallypeople1000]

Where is the video for installing the headlight assembly piece by piece? It was no easy feat getting them out!

[@VetteSource]

Oh yea, they're no fun getting in and out of the car. I have that video on my to-do list. Thanks for the comments👍

[@Reallypeople1000]

@@VetteSource Standing by! 😁

[@gmcnelly2468]

What's a good guess on the weight of each C3 assembly??

[@gmcnelly2468]

Forgive me, I missed the weight estimate on the first go-around.

[@VetteSource]

No problem, each one weighs in at around 20 lbs, specifically the early ones with the metal headlight surround bezel.

[@gmcnelly2468]

@@VetteSource Thanks

[@andip8495]

ALSO WATCH YOUR FINGERS IF IT DROPS ON YOU. EXPERIENCED 70 OWNER

[@VetteSource]

For sure, nothing like pinching or getting your fingertips caught in the very narrow gap when it closes😁.

[@flatworm00]

And to think GM actually paid people to come with this design

[@VetteSource]

I think it was more along the lines of just how complicated can we make the vehicle accessories? You thinknthis is bad, you should see the vacuum operated windshield wiper door hinge actuator mechanism🤪.

[@flatworm00]

@@VetteSource I am doing a frame of resoration of a 1969 T-Top. I started out with lots of hair, sense of humor and sober...now none of those are true!

[@VetteSource]

Yep, it'll definitely test your patience and sanity🤪.