67' Wheel on headlight motor (finger wheel?)

[Dave K.]

Is the wheel in the headlight motor meant to be turned by hand so one can align the shaft onto the motor? I got the motor on but the headlight bucket is in the "open" position. Is it OK to keep turning the wheel (clockwise) by hand to rotate the bucket back to the "closed" position?

[Mike E.]

Re: 67': Wheel on headlight motor (? finger wheel)

Absolutely yes.

[Keith B.]

Re: 67': Wheel on headlight motor (? finger wheel)

it was really meant to be a fail safe when the motor fails you could turn the bucket to the open position

[Frank D.]

Re: 67': Wheel on headlight motor (? finger wheel)

It is indeed a failsafe but can be used to take some of the pressure off the motor to detach it from the shaft or install it in position.

The thumbwheel is for getting the headlight buckets open at night to drive home in the event of a system failure.

The only problem is it will be daylight by the time you raise the buckets using the thumbwheels.

[Mike B.]

Re: 67': Wheel on headlight motor (? finger wheel)

Dave,

When I bought my '66 back in 1988, the drivers side headlight motor would often fail when I wanted to take her for a spin at night. So I found that I could open the bucket by using the thumbwheel. After the drive, I could usually close the lights together electrically.

As I was stationed in the SW corner of Oklahoma back then where it was quite windy, I found it safer to always place a temporary bolt (or pen) through the safety hole in the hood support. My hood slammed shut once on it's own. Good thing I didn't have my arms between the hood and the surround turning that thumbwheel! Pretty sure that would've broken some bones. To this day, I still keep a bent steel nail (45 degree bend) in my glove box just in case.

I've since learned how to rebuild the motors/gears with replacement parts. Adjusted just right so they open/close together. Lots of articles posted on the TDB Archives. I used an old Restorer article the 1st time I rebuilt one. Mike

[Keith W.]

Re: 67': Wheel on headlight motor (? finger wheel)

Dave
Before sticking you're arm in the gap in front of the hood when raised - secure it