69 Headlights won't pop up

[Thomas Christopher (67254)]

I know the headlight system must be a simple system, but they won't pop up when turned on. The lights light up, but that's it. Even if I give them a little manual help, they still are not even trying to go up (either one). After they are in the up position, they'll go down when turned off, but no upward action at all. They don't seem to be under any bind and go up and down smoothly by hand, but I can't figure it out. Before I go tearing into it, I figured I'd post this and see if anyone out there can help me. They worked fine before I painted the car, and the only thing I can think of is when I had to work them up and down by hand during the painting process, I messed them up. Any thoughts out there?

Thanks in advance.

Tom

[Roberto L.]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

These are shark's nigthmare. If you have checked the obvious things, there is a possibility the inner rubber seals in the actuators are broken, not the external accordion rubber but inside it. Perhaps the worn rubbers broke/cracked when moving by hand the headlights. They can be replaced at low cost. Other parts in the system could have failed too, like hoses, tees, switches and the like but I would start checking these seals. Best from Argentina Roberto NCRS #30019 RMC

[Roberto L.]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

These are shark's nigthmare. If you have checked the obvious things, there is a possibility the inner rubber seals in the actuators are broken, not the external accordion rubber but inside it. Perhaps the worn rubbers broke/cracked when moving by hand the headlights. They can be replaced at low cost. Other parts in the system could have failed too, like hoses, tees, switches and the like but I would start checking these seals. Best from Argentina Roberto NCRS #30019 RMC

[Tom B.]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

Tom,

The problem may or may not turn out to be a simple one, and Roberto is correct, the problems that the vacuum system can create are really a nightmare.

The system is simple in principle but no so simple when having to go through it, which is one of the things you may need to do. Its good that you mentioned the previous times you manipulated the headlights by hand. That is where I would first look for problems. Look at all the parts to see that you didn't accidently disconnect something (like a vacuum hose) or possibly break part of the headlight assembly.

If all is well with that, then I would recommend getting the reference manual: "Troubleshooting the 1968-1972 Corvette Headlight and Windshield Wiper Door Vacuum System." It will systematically take you through the vacuum system for your understanding. Eventually it can help you locate your problem. One reminder, the WSW door and the headlights operate from the same vacuum system. Hope this can help. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

Tom,

The problem may or may not turn out to be a simple one, and Roberto is correct, the problems that the vacuum system can create are really a nightmare.

The system is simple in principle but no so simple when having to go through it, which is one of the things you may need to do. Its good that you mentioned the previous times you manipulated the headlights by hand. That is where I would first look for problems. Look at all the parts to see that you didn't accidently disconnect something (like a vacuum hose) or possibly break part of the headlight assembly.

If all is well with that, then I would recommend getting the reference manual: "Troubleshooting the 1968-1972 Corvette Headlight and Windshield Wiper Door Vacuum System." It will systematically take you through the vacuum system for your understanding. Eventually it can help you locate your problem. One reminder, the WSW door and the headlights operate from the same vacuum system. Hope this can help. Tom #24014

[Chuck G.]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

This is sort of "off topic" here, but it's a good place to ask this question. I haven't been able to figure out how to lower the headlights manually. I can easily pull them open to replace bulbs, clean, etc. I then usually start the car and let the vacuum do the job. I've seen people reach up under the light assembly, wiggle something, and lower the headlights manually. How do you do it? What's the trick? Chuck

[Chuck G.]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

This is sort of "off topic" here, but it's a good place to ask this question. I haven't been able to figure out how to lower the headlights manually. I can easily pull them open to replace bulbs, clean, etc. I then usually start the car and let the vacuum do the job. I've seen people reach up under the light assembly, wiggle something, and lower the headlights manually. How do you do it? What's the trick? Chuck

[Tony H.]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

Hello Chuck.

I just went out to my car to figure out how to explain how to manually lower each headlamp assembly. First, there are four large springs on each headlamp which provide tension to the pivoting mechanism of the headlamps. If you look at these springs from the front grill as you are opening the headlamp manually by pushing up on the underside of the headlamp assembly, you will notice large adjusting bolt which is positioned parallel to the springs and about a half inch behind the pivoting point. If you put your index finger on the head of this bolt while the headlamps are in the up position and gently push downward in the direction of the bolt threads, the headlamp assembly will unlock and the headlamps will come down.

Best regards, Tony

[Tony H.]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

Hello Chuck.

I just went out to my car to figure out how to explain how to manually lower each headlamp assembly. First, there are four large springs on each headlamp which provide tension to the pivoting mechanism of the headlamps. If you look at these springs from the front grill as you are opening the headlamp manually by pushing up on the underside of the headlamp assembly, you will notice large adjusting bolt which is positioned parallel to the springs and about a half inch behind the pivoting point. If you put your index finger on the head of this bolt while the headlamps are in the up position and gently push downward in the direction of the bolt threads, the headlamp assembly will unlock and the headlamps will come down.

Best regards, Tony

[Roberto L.]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

If you disconnect by hand the actuators hoses you will be able to move the assemblies without risk of damage as pressure is release through the open connections. Problem occurs sometimes when I try to open the headlight without care and without disconnecting hoses, the seals are old and finished cracked/damaged. You can access the hoses through the Duntov holes below the grilles. I had a lot of problems with the hdlgts. but I still love the system. All my best from Argentina Roberto NCRS #30019 RMC

[Roberto L.]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

If you disconnect by hand the actuators hoses you will be able to move the assemblies without risk of damage as pressure is release through the open connections. Problem occurs sometimes when I try to open the headlight without care and without disconnecting hoses, the seals are old and finished cracked/damaged. You can access the hoses through the Duntov holes below the grilles. I had a lot of problems with the hdlgts. but I still love the system. All my best from Argentina Roberto NCRS #30019 RMC

[Thomas C]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

Yes, or if you just pull on the actuator rod (the thing that goes into the vacuum canister) and kind of simulate what vacuum is suppose to do, it'll unlock and the headlight will go down by its self.

Take care.

tom

[Thomas C]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

Yes, or if you just pull on the actuator rod (the thing that goes into the vacuum canister) and kind of simulate what vacuum is suppose to do, it'll unlock and the headlight will go down by its self.

Take care.

tom

[Thomas C]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

Thanks Tom and Roberto.

I found a hose that had come disconnected front dead center the hood. Probably happened when I was putting the new hood on. I guess that would explain that hissing sound huh?

Thanks again guys.

Cheers from England tom

[Thomas C]

Re: 69 Headlights won't pop up

Thanks Tom and Roberto.

I found a hose that had come disconnected front dead center the hood. Probably happened when I was putting the new hood on. I guess that would explain that hissing sound huh?

Thanks again guys.

Cheers from England tom