Fixing Pop Up Headlights On The 1979 C3 Corvette

In this video I fix the pop up headlights on my 1979 C3 Corvette. A little over a year ago I repaired the actuators with new seals and the headlights were working. At some point a few months ago the driver side headlight popping up, so I diagnosis and fix this issue.

[@EvenTheDogAgrees]

The lights not opening and closing in a synchronised manner is pretty much to be expected. These run on vacuum, and share the same vacuum line. If one has a little bit of extra friction compared to the other, it will result in uneven actuation. And while maybe they might have been better matched when new, these are 40+yo cars. Wear and tear.

[@rea8755]

Great diagnosis!!!

[@bluesxt]

Thanks for the comment :)

[@jimcabezola3051]

Excellent diagnosis and repair. Me? I’m so un-enamored of hidden headlights that I probably would have disconnected the vacuum lines and kept the lights up!😂😅 Indeed, I was so distrustful of hidden headlights that I used to leave the headlights of my Honda Prelude in the “UP” position in winter, fearing the snow would freeze them down. Nothing of the sort ever happened, and my hidden headlights worked flawlessly in all weathers when I used them (which was often, in Germany). Faced with your situation, I would’ve done something stupidly expensive. If you type “Corvette C3 FIA headlights” into any search engine and look for images, you will see those iconic plastic-covered headlights that were once mandatory for racing C3 Corvettes back in the day. Once I installed a set on my imaginary Corvette (LOL!), I would then kid myself into thinking that my Corvette looked cooler and racier than the average one! 😂😅I’m so pathetic. I admire your industry and patience! Aloha!

[@bluesxt]

@@jimcabezola3051 I’d prefer the look of pop up headlights for sure. And nothings cooler than popping your headlights up at a fellow vette in the oncoming traffic

[@vincegrimes2614]

One goes up but doesn't go down. The other one barely goes up then goes down. I put it up manually but hitting a bump on the road causes the headlight to close.

[@bluesxt]

Your actuator seals could be bad, as that’s a common issue

[@muchsqueak9239]

I have one that goes up and down fine. The other one doesn’t go either way I think it’s an issue with a vacuum line or something. I know the actuators go bad with time but I’d hate to buy a new one if I don’t need to. Might go spray the lines with soap water and see if I see any bubbles. Idk I’m not really much of a mechanic I mainly bought this car so I could learn more about working on cars.

[@bluesxt]

Sounds like you’re on the right path