C2 headlight adjustment

[John T. Marlar]

I can't figure out how to adjust the travel of the headlight pods since I can't see the adjustment mechanism. At present the low beam hit the ground about 5 feet in front of the car. It appears that the pods need to go further back in order to be about 90 degrees from horizontal. The only way I can figure is to remove the hood to provide enough room to see the adjustment mechanism. Suggestions?

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 headlight adjustment

Definately don't remove the hood, it's not necessary. There is an adjusting screw(actually I believe a hex head bolt) for adjusting the pod travel. Did they just become out of alignment or are you re-installing them. If you are re-installing them, make sure you have the adjusters aligned properly with the index marks on the pivot shaft or you won't have full adjustability.

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 headlight adjustment

Look at the headlight section of the licorvette.com website and you'll see the "Y" shaped headlight bucket adjuster, one on the motor side of each bucket. Each has two screws(bolts) for adjusting the travel.

[Gerard F.]

Eyes on your fingertips

are what you are going to wish you had. Your don't have to remove the hood, although it's easier if it's off.

Without removing the hood(put a bolt in the hood brace for safety), it's helpful to put a mirror positioned against the radiator and frame and a light in that tight space. You're looking for a little Y bracket around the shaft of the light pod with an adjusting bolt at each top of the Y. One bolt is for the down position, the other for the up position.

First check your closed position. If it fits right, try to move the pod up or down with slight pressure. If it moves, either the bolt which holds the Y bracket to the shaft is loose or the Y bracket is cracked. The Y bracket is of cast alumimum and prone to cracking if the shaft bolt is tighted too much. (Happened to me).

If the pod doesn't move in the down position, then go to the open position and check the adjusting bolt which is against the stop to see if you've got available threads to screw it in. If the adjusting screw is tight to the Y bracket then the Y bracket is out of position on the shaft.

If you have available threads on the adjusting nut, the screw it in to adjust the angle of the pod in the open position to near 90 degrees. See your service manual for the tolerance angle of the pod in an open position, I forget.
I found that adjusting the bolts up or down, is easiest done in a half open, half closed position with an box wrench with a rachet. It's a trial and error procedure and remember everything is opposite when you look through a mirror.
If the closed position is slightly off, you can adjust it with the other bolt.

Also, the horizontal position of the Y bracket on the shaft along with the end collar on the outboard side, determines the side to side position of the pod and the gaps between the pod and the body.

If you have to change or reposition the Y bracket, then you have to pull the headlight motor, and it's easiest to make all adjustments with the motor removed.

Hope you have eyes on your fingers, or a six inch tall mechanic to help you.

[Jim S.]

Re: C2 headlight adjustment

If the low beam is hitting the ground 5 ft in front of the car you may have motors not opening the full distance.

Many times the c-2 headlight motors become worn or the gear lub gets hard preventing the motor from opening the headlight door to the stops. Before adjusting the stops, confirm the motor has in fact opened all the way. You should be able to reach in front of opened hood to feel if stop has been reached. There is also a knob on the end of the motor to manually open the headlight door. Try turning this with you fingers to see if the door will open further.

[John T. Marlar]

Re: C2 headlight adjustment/Thanks for helping

Thanks to all who responded. I will use the information youu have graciously provided. Thanks.

[Gerard F.]

Re: C2 headlight adjustment/Thanks for helping

John,

If the same thing is happening to both pods, you might look into the electrical wiring to the motors. Each of the motors is supposed to be independent of the other.

If its only one, it could be the motor gear as Jim says, the Y bracket or a simple adjustment.

Let us know how you make out.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[John T. Marlar]

Re: C2 headlight adjustment/Thanks for helping

Gerald

Motors work fine. I am sure it is just the adjustment which is needed. Hopefully, I will have time this weekend to try to use the suggestions. Any chance you remember the wrench size needed?

John

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: C2 headlight adjustment/Thanks for helping

--------Memory is bad but I believe its a 7/16 wrench...........Bill S

[Gerard F.]

Re: C2 headlight adjustment/Thanks for helping

7/16" or you can use an 11 mm. If you have to reposition the Y on the shaft(or change it) you'll have to pull the headlight motor. The motor comes out and goes back in fairly easy- one clip and one bolt. In fact, if you have a lot of adjusting to do, it is easier to adjust the up and down positions with the motor off. You can move the pod around with your hand, rather then using the switch or the wheel at the end of the motor.

If you have to reposition the Y on the shaft, adjust each bolt half in and half out, and set it to stop on the closed position first. Then jamb the Y bracket tight to the pivot with a pipe over the shaft, and tighten the shaft bolt.
Then adjust the open position. You really can't see the index mark on the shaft and bracket in the position you are working.

Also, make sure your wife is not around, if you're used to yelling expletives like I do. You're really working in some tight and awkward space.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179