1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

[Steve Wallach]

My 1967 Convertible Right side headlight doesn't go up ver well, sometimes doesn't go up at all, and if it does, then may not go down.

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Steve

[Richard J.]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

I had a problem like that and it was the headlight motor that was bad.

[Steve Wallach]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

Anyone know who would be good to send the motor to for rebuild or can I do it myself?

Thanks,

Steve

[Don 42616]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

Steve I just finished both of my 67 motors. If I can do it you can. Trust me.
Here is photos someone sent me. Hardest part is R/R. good Luck,If you want suggestions you can e mail or call me about the R/R. Don

http://www.c2registry.org/downloads/...ht%20Motor.pdf

[Steve Wallach]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

Hi Don,

Thanks for the link! Did you need to purchase any replacement parts to complete
the rebuild?

Thanks Again,

Steve

[Don 42616]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

No None. The big problem is the gear assem. not the motor itself. Grease as in the photos.
Be VERY carefull when you R/R motor as not to scratch paint as I did.
Also When you reinstall motors grind out surface metal in hole on bracket.
It will not go in unless you do that. Remember surface only. I used a small sanding wheel on my drill. Don

[Steve Wallach]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

Hi Don,

Thanks Again,

Steve

[Gerard F.]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

Steve,

As Don says, the toughest part is taking the motor out and putting it back in, for the first time. You have to work in an odd position between the hood and the front valance (and with probably a mirror along the bottom of the radiator).

It's only one clip to pull and one bolt to loosen plus the ground to the motor.
Be careful with the electrical connector to the motor(they are hard to come by), and check it for corrosion and pulled wires. Failing to get a replacement, I had to solder one back together.

Also don't lose the plastic bushing when you pull the motor. Once you get the motor out you will see what a simple thing it is.

I think the usual problem is that the die cast gear in the motor (which turns the light pod shaft), either gets bunged up or packed with hardened grease. If it is bunged up on one side, some say you can turn it 180 and reuse it. I tried that once but it didn't last too long.

If the gear is bunged up, Paragon has replacements for about $20 each. I have replaced the gear on both of mine. There is also some pretty good drawings of the assembly in their catalog as well as the Service Manual. You can also bench test the motor with a battery charger.

It is so much easier to take the headlight motor out with the hood removed, but the service manual way is to tough it out with the hood in place (and a bolt in the hood brace for safety). Once you have done it a couple of times, you can down to 10 minutes remove and 10 minutes replace with the hood on.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Steve Wallach]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

Thanks Gerry and Don,

Looking at the access to the H/L motor, it looks like a real pain! I have the radiator out, but it still looks hard to get to.

Should the headlight come out?

Thanks Again,

Steve

[Don 42616]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

Nothing gained by removing H/L. Use a mirror & flashlight as Jerry suggested to see the motor. Also Jerry's suggestion to buy the 2 gears is good as they probably have been turned 180 degrees before in its 40 year life. When removing between hood & nose rotate motor carefully & it will come w/o difficulty. The actual rebuild following photos I sent you is a no brainer . good luck . Don

[Steve Wallach]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

Thanks again Don,

Steve

[Steve Wallach]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

Ok,

I've tried pulling the motor off after removing the mounting bracket screw / bolt. The motor seems to be solidly in place though? Is there something else to removing the H/L motor? The spring clip seems to be missing, so that's not holding it up. What's the trick to getting the motor loose?

Steve

[Gerard F.]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

Turn the motor with the thumbwheel to relieve the tension on gear. I think the book says 6 turns, but I forget whether from open or closed. Just turn to where the pod is somewhat loose. Are you sure the pin is missing. Maybe turn it full open or full closed and look for the pin again.

With pressure off the gear (pod loose)and the pin removed, it should come out pretty easy, just slide it inboard.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Steve Wallach]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

Thanks Jerry,

Will give that a try!

Steve

[Don 42616]

Re: 1967 Headlight Trouble Shooting ?

Mt. bolt & spring clip off. Wiggle it free & apply inboard pressure same time. Remember I told you that when you replace it you have to SLIGHTLY sand out bracket hole? Well that seems to be holding it tight.Don