'64 Headlight doors..."slow"

[Verne Frantz]

One headlight door is slow, sometimes never opening all the way. I am not familiar with these systems, but have a very good mech. and elect. background.
What would be the first things to check? Can the door be opened manually to gain access to the rear? What is the easiest (best) way to gain access to the systems I'd need to check? Thanks
Verne.

[Jack H.]

Re: '64 Headlight doors..."slow"

Means to manually open H/L is given in your operator's manual as well as the shop manual. There's a 'thumbwheel' present just in case of a roadside emergency to manually run the lamps open.

As to what's up with 'slow' H/L operation, well there's a artform here that you need to work through like peeling an artichoke.... If system friction is too high, the motor will bind and door opening will be slow as a result. Also, if the motor is worn and no longer has original torque profile you'll get the same symptoms. And, you can have a combination of the two to fight.

Sooooo, you start by separating electrical from mechanical aspects and work methodically. How does one door roll vs. the other with motors off? Do you sense a difference in rotational inertia/friction? How do the motors run on the bench under no-load conditions? See the light?

[Jack H.]

Re: '64 Headlight doors..."slow"

Means to manually open H/L is given in your operator's manual as well as the shop manual. There's a 'thumbwheel' present just in case of a roadside emergency to manually run the lamps open.

As to what's up with 'slow' H/L operation, well there's a artform here that you need to work through like peeling an artichoke.... If system friction is too high, the motor will bind and door opening will be slow as a result. Also, if the motor is worn and no longer has original torque profile you'll get the same symptoms. And, you can have a combination of the two to fight.

Sooooo, you start by separating electrical from mechanical aspects and work methodically. How does one door roll vs. the other with motors off? Do you sense a difference in rotational inertia/friction? How do the motors run on the bench under no-load conditions? See the light?

[Bob R.]

Re: '64 Headlight doors..."slow"

My 63 motors were slow. I found 2 problems which were easy to fix. First remove the motor open it up and clean out 38 years of dried out lube. Put in fresh white grease. Second problem I found was with the gear which rotates the doors. This gear is aluminum. It is prone to wear. You can replace it or I just rotated it 180 degrees. Now the gear will wear at a new location. My doors operated fine after these repairs.

[Bob R.]

Re: '64 Headlight doors..."slow"

My 63 motors were slow. I found 2 problems which were easy to fix. First remove the motor open it up and clean out 38 years of dried out lube. Put in fresh white grease. Second problem I found was with the gear which rotates the doors. This gear is aluminum. It is prone to wear. You can replace it or I just rotated it 180 degrees. Now the gear will wear at a new location. My doors operated fine after these repairs.

[Verne Frantz]

Re: '64 Headlight doors..."slow"

Thanks, I've had other similar and more detailed responses. I see the light!
Verne.

[Verne Frantz]

Re: '64 Headlight doors..."slow"

Thanks, I've had other similar and more detailed responses. I see the light!
Verne.