C2 mystery bracket

[Randy S.]

Need some help

I discovered this bracket below my radiator just laying loose. I have a 66 small block. I replaced the radiator 2 years ago but do not rememer this. Anyone recognize what it is?

Randy

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 mystery bracket

That is a support bracket for a headlight motor. The hooked end goes in a rubber bushing.

[Bryan L.]

Re: C2 mystery bracket

So how well is the headlight motor and door working? You would think with that bracket missing it would be flopping around like a BB in a box car.

BL

[William L.]

Re: C2 mystery bracket

The motor will work just fine and the door will work ok as long as the rest of the parts are all in tact. This bracket just stablizes the motor.
Bill

[Mike Barnard Sr No 36249]

Re: C2 mystery bracket

If your headlight housing still rolls over then it wasn't connected to the motor. The hole is suppose to attach to the motor with a hex screw that also grounds the motor. Check to see if one of your headlights doesn't roll over. If one doesn't work then you know which one the bracket is off of.

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 mystery bracket

Joe,
Excellent catch! I am looking at UPC 12 A3. I just got a mirror out and I see one is loose from the grommet and the other is in my hand!

I obviously have not tried to raise the headlights. What is the best way to access for repair. Do I need to remove the grill or can it be done from the top.

Randy

[Stephen L.]

Re: C2 mystery bracket

Install from the top in the hood opening. Remove watches etc to prevent scratches to the hood. It helps to have small hands and wrists so maybe you'll need a helper......

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 mystery bracket

This can all be done by carefully reaching between the hood and the hood surround while the hood is open. BE SURE to block the hood open by putting a pin through the holes in the hood support, so that the hood can not accidently close and crush your forearms.

Access is a lot easier and safer with the hood removed, but hood removal is not necessary. The entire headlight motor can be removed with the hood installed, but it is a snug fit.

The hardest part of this is getting used to working "upside down" using a mirror. I found that within a short time I got used to the odd orientation and the work went smoothly.

[Bruce Boatner]

Re: C2 mystery bracket

Randy,

I recently installed the headlight motor brackets on my 1964 "from the top" without too much difficulty. You will definitely need a good mirror and light and some patience, but it is not that bad of a job.

Remember that you can gain a few more inches of clearance by moving the hood forward after it comes to rest on the stop. Obviously, this will release the hood from the catch so remember to "reset" the catch before releasing your grip unless you like the sound the hood makes when it comes crashing down, or the sound you will make if your other wrist is between the hood and front end. An assistant can come in very handy.

Apparently the previous owner of my car decided the brackets were just extra weight and pitched them. The headlights worked just fine without them, but being the purist that I am I installed them so that things were "right". Doc Rebuild has the rubber grommets (remember to get these) as well as the brackets.

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 mystery bracket

Guys,

Thanks for all the tips. Got the bracket back in today.

Randy

[Nick Culkowski]

Re: C2 mystery bracket

Somebody got lazy installing this one. The end on the side with the rubber grommets should have been in the slot around the circumference

[Page C.]

Re: C2 mystery bracket

Hi Randy,
Use the shortest screw possible going into the headlight motor. You don't want to short out the field windings.
Page Campbell