KWIL

I am considering scrapping the stock setup and going with the fixed electric setup on my 76. I have found the setup complete for $350.00.

The reason I am considering this is because the headlights dont pop up. I replaced the seals on the actuators, but still didnt work. Also, the passenger side wont even go up manually- the support is cracked, causing the whole unit to sit too low- it hits the body when lifted up. I figure if I repair/replace the support, and all the vacuum components, the total will be close to $350.00.

The car is pretty original, so I didnt want to make too many alterations- but the units are bolt in, and I could always just keep the old setup. This would also "clean up" the engine compartment with out the vacuum lines and canisters.

For those that have done the conversion- how much did you pay?

Any thoughts are welcome.

crf311

I was going to do this with my 69. got the lights put them in and didn't like haw the looked. It was not a bolt in for my year. Still have the lights but I don't think they will work on a 76. Good luck.

ylose

where did you find the conversion?

KWIL

most of the major vendors have them- Ecklers, Corvette Central, Riks Vette- I have the info at home, but I think its Riksvette that has them for 350.00.

Crf311- would you be intersested in selling me the lights? (If they will work with my 76)

KWIL

just did a search- 68-72 conversion is a different part# than 75-82. So I guess they wont work.

KWIL

just to clear it up- I'm talking about the fixed, recessed rectangular headlight conversions.

cmon- someone talk me into it - or out of it.

pws69

For that amount of $$$, you should check into the vacuum to electric conversion that's recently been announced. I don't have the exact details, but I believe it is something that '69myway' is involved with.

wcsinx

He got his to work, but I hadn't heard any follow up on his plans to sell a kit. I considered making my own electric conversion, but I scrapped that idea once I realized just how simple these vacuum lights really are to get working.

Stewart's74

In my opinion, you couldnt pay me enough to scrap the original pop-up lights. The vacuum system seems to be this big scary animal to most vetters. Actually the system is very simple.
Go through the system hose by hose, relay by actuator, spring by spring. Trust me, you WILL find the problem, fix it and be happy with yourself when you can say to your buddies "Yeah, I fixed them myself"

jerryjfunk

I bought recessed lights for my car for a few reasons. First, mine didn't work. Second, it's a lot of adjusting and care to make sure they are aligned right so they don't chip the paint. Third, they're heavy, and forth, I like the look of the recessed lights. They look meaner. :reddevil

I think I got mine for $200 on Ebay.

Jerry

wcsinx

Bring me your car, and give me 30 minutes. I'll either get them working or pinpoint what's wrong and what parts you need to get. They really are very simple systems. I don't know why they scare so many people.

:confused: It is? I've never adjusted mine, and my paint is original and unchipped (at least there)

They're heavier than fixed lights certainly, but the components aren't that heavy. I think GSC3 is the authority on C3 diets. How much weight do you think you saved with fixed inserts, GS?

And you're entitled to your opinion. :cheers: I like the sleeker look of pop-ups myself.

Alwyn678

DON'T do it whatever you do. Fix the original lights. I think you would regret it if you did. The pop up lights are a big part of the cool factor on the c-3 as well as being fully functional to this day

flynhi

For considerably less than $350 you can buy all vacuum parts and hoses. Do this with a good diagram and you'll have an operating system. It's not that hard to do.
Fixed headlights are for racecar or heavily customized cafe racers. They also reduce the value of your car for resale.

jerryjfunk

If resale value is a factor, then just keep the pop-ups. Like someone mentioned, recessed lights arn't permanent, and require no modifications.

Desertdawg

Hmmm Arizona to Florida to fix the headlights....sounds like a fun trip.

I'll be right over.. :lol: :lol: :lol:

I will get to mine after it cools off in the fall... :cheers:

wcsinx

:lol: If you actually made the trip, I promise you I'd get them working. :thumbs:

KWIL

thank you guys for your opinions. If it was just a matter of tracking down a vacuum leak, I wouldnt even consider the fixed headlight setup- but, the headlight support bracket is cracked down the middle- these things are expensive- around $150.00 from what Ive seen. Perhaps it could be welded- I think its aluminum, but Im not sure.
:cheers:

litevette

I've got about $75 into mine and a lot of people have said they look way better/meaner than stock. I still have to buy the covers ($200) from Ecklers. I guess weigh in the price/looks of each setup. To each his own. Good luck! :)

dath

Welded... Pshaw, just use duct tape! Err....

ndirishr1

My pop-ups work but they do chip the paint. Any tips on adjusting them to stop this?