Re-build C3 headlamp door bearings?

[G A.]

The repops don't look anything like the originals. I'm sure they work fine but...

I'm thinking I can maybe have a machinist friend remove the pressed-in bearing retainers, take the nylon bearing out of the housing on the new ones, disassemble/clean the old ones and make the 4 bushings that appear to press fit the nylon bearing into the housing and, voila!

Or does somebody already do this? Seem like a lotta work for a $7 piece.

[Joe L.]

Re: Re-build C3 headlamp door bearings?

The repops don't look anything like the originals. I'm sure they work fine but...

I'm thinking I can maybe have a machinist friend remove the pressed-in bearing retainers, take the nylon bearing out of the housing on the new ones, disassemble/clean the old ones and make the 4 bushings that appear to press fit the nylon bearing into the housing and, voila!

Or does somebody already do this? Seem like a lotta work for a $7 piece.

Dan------


The reproduction bearing assemblies are the correct configuration IF one has a late 1975 to 1982 Corvette. These bearing assemblies, GM #362995, became SERVICE for 1968-E 1975 after the original bearings, GM #3915679, were discontinued. The original 1968-E 1975 bearings were configured considerably different. However, the 362995 (and reproductions thereof) will function properly.

[Russ S.]

Re: Re-build C3 headlamp door bearings?

Joe, Nothing to do with this thread, but just want to say a big THANK YOU to you and your undying faithfulness and vast knowledge/service to all the corvette brothers and sisters who you help out here on the discussion board!! THANKS

[G A.]

Re: Re-build C3 headlamp door bearings?

Joe, thank you. I'd really like to keep the 1969 originals and rebuild them but i can't find a thread where someone has trod the path ahead of me. I'm sure I'm not the first though. I guess I will start and see where it leads and if i destroy one in the undertaking, finding an original shouldn't be too hard.

[Ed H.]

Re: Re-build C3 headlamp door bearings?

Dan, it was at least 20 years ago, but I've done that job, the replacements were different in some respect that I don't recall from what was in the car (1970), but I do believe that I did what you are thinking, and that it wasn't difficult. If you have pictures that might help me to recollect what I did.

[Joe L.]

Re: Re-build C3 headlamp door bearings?

Dan, it was at least 20 years ago, but I've done that job, the replacements were different in some respect that I don't recall from what was in the car (1970), but I do believe that I did what you are thinking, and that it wasn't difficult. If you have pictures that might help me to recollect what I did.

Ed------


The original bearings used from 1968 to early 1975 had a more-or-less machined steel frame with the actual nylon bearing impressed into the frame. The L1975-82 bearings had a stamped steel frame with similar bearings impressed into the frame.

[Ed H.]

Re: Re-build C3 headlamp door bearings?

That sounds right. I might still have the pieces; I'll look in the AM.

[Russ S.]

Re: Re-build C3 headlamp door bearings?

I have never heard or seen these brgs go bad before.

The repops don't look anything like the originals. I'm sure they work fine but...

I'm thinking I can maybe have a machinist friend remove the pressed-in bearing retainers, take the nylon bearing out of the housing on the new ones, disassemble/clean the old ones and make the 4 bushings that appear to press fit the nylon bearing into the housing and, voila!

Or does somebody already do this? Seem like a lotta work for a $7 piece.

[Ed H.]

Re: Re-build C3 headlamp door bearings?

Hi Dan,

It looks like I 'mis-remembered', and merely saved what I believe to be the original. I did take a photo of it, just in case there is the remotest doubt, but I don't think so. In my defense, it was a long time ago...

[Graeme B.]

Re: Re-build C3 headlamp door bearings?

Push out the old and in with the new, It's what I did and easy as.