C2 Headlight Motor Resto?

[Mike R.]

So, with lots of fear, obsessive compulsive use of a volt meter, and friends armed with Fire Extinguishers, and wooden battery cable pry bars, I put power to my newly purchased '66 L72's electrical system for the first time in 33 Years... Nothing exploded! However, the Driver Headlight would not roll, and the Driver's window went down half way and then gave up the ghost. Other than that, I'm not too disappointed in the results. Anyone have any good Headlight Motor Restoration Shops? Window motor specialists? Thanks!!! Engine Rebuild is coming soon, VERY EXCITED!!! I have always loved these damn things since my Father had a couple in 70's , and am so excited to finally have one after all these years.

[Gary J.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Resto?

Joe Ray which is a member here. He did headlight, wiper, PW motors, along with gauge cluster, clock, and radio. Quick turnaround. Will be going back in the car in 2017! Can't wait it will seem like Christmas!

[Frank D.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Resto?

Several sources for wiper motor restoration in the NCRS driveline...
Headlight motors are usually corroded connections, congealed grease or a galled main gear (repro parts have gotten better in recent years); the headlight motors aren't that bad a DIY restoration job.... Several 'how to' guides on the process available if you want to try it.

[Edward J.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Resto?

Mike, Its likely just the motors have to be removed to clean out, the old harden grease keeps the motor from rotating., just dissay the housing with a few screws and cleaned and re-lube the gears. this is a easy to fix it yourself , if the gear is worn to much just rotate the gears 180 degrees.

[Mike H.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Resto?

Mike - There are several qualified guys doing them. We offer that service at Eastern Corvettes, and have since 1986. Check out www.easterncorvettes.com for more information. Typically rotating the motor gears causes issues down the line, we repair many that the issue was not resolved by spinning the gear. One major thing to check, regardless of where you ship your motors, is to remove the motors, check for end play in the buckets, and assure that the buckets will raise with your pinky, and almost drop on the way down once past the pivot point. Remember that in the General's infinite wisdom he decided to make a limit switch turn a light on the dash, instead of taking power away from a motor that was already at its limit. The goal is to time the motors and get them as close to unison as possible. Another thing to look out for if you send them out is shipping/packaging. If they are dated correct for you insure them at $800 and wrap them in a box, in another box - be sure to wrap some scrap cardboard around the molex plug at the base of the motor.

[Frank D.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Resto?

I agree...the 'ole gear flip works sometimes but, depending on how badly they are galled they can cause future problems. I could understand it when the old repro gears were so poorly sized, but the new repro gears fit perfectly...

[Mike R.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Resto?

Thanks guys! Lots of options! I finally got someone to help operate the switch while I observed the bucket. The motor actually sounded good, but there was no movement. Oh, and there is a lot of slop in the assembly at rest. I am guessing that the main gear is the culprit. Thanks again. Mike

[Frank D.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Resto?

Its good to get the two motors synchronized absolutely as close as possible IMO.

My theory is that a big time difference in operation makes the driver hold that dash switch up/down to get the slowest motor to its stops while the quick motor is grinding away at the same time. The 'limit switches' limit nothing; they are warning light switches...