1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

[Frederick H.]

I am replacing some of the headlight bucket assembly parts and would welcome responses/opinions on whether the Inner and Outer Pivot Supports and Pivot Bearings should be replaced as well. The originals that I have are not damaged or cracked so I don't really see a need to replace them, but thought I would throw it out there. Does anyone have a recommendation as to supplier for the rest of the parts - Y-Stop, Limit/Warning Switch, etc., that are as close to original as possible? I would prefer the original Y-Stops and the rest but purchasing them individually racks up the shipping costs.

Thanks in Advance,
Fred

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

If they are functioning correctly and correct there is no need to replace them. Long Island Corvette Supply has the most correct parts across the board for C-2 Corvettes. They can be reached online at www.licorvette.com
Other vendors supply correct parts for C-2 Corvettes as well!

JR

[Bob W.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

I agree with Joe if there is nothing wrong with the parts you have why replace them. My 63 has all it's original headlight parts it came with.

Bob

[Loren L.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

Make a copy of the headlight bucket page in the AIM and designate the parts you're worried about or need.

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

I don't know why you'd replace nicely working original parts...nearly every time I've done that its been unsatisfying.

Fuel sending units, headlight switches, fender emblems, fuel gauges, etc.

Stay pat...

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

Yep - I have used LI quite a bit in the past but always try to go original when possible. The Y-Stops are definitely going to be replaced though. Thanks for the help.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

Agreed - I plan to refinish the pivots and test fit everything before paint. While I have previously taken apart the front and rear suspension, brakes, cluster, etc., I have never installed the headlight buckets. I will have help but from what I have studied, it can be a pain getting things lined up.

Thanks for the advice.

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

Agreed - I plan to refinish the pivots and test fit everything before paint. While I have previously taken apart the front and rear suspension, brakes, cluster, etc., I have never installed the headlight buckets. I will have help but from what I have studied, it can be a pain getting things lined up.

Thanks for the advice.

There is a great NCRS tech article on the headlight buckets I (or others) can point you to on installing them; also some decent youtube videos...
Blue painters tape on the hood surround around the bucket openings is your friend...

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

Just as a reminder shouldn't the 1963 motors have the black electrical plugs?
LI only has the white one as far as I could tell.
At this time I am not sure where to get black replacements.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

Yes, the plugs should be black (I have the originals but will need to replace). Lectric Limited is usually the place I refer when it comes to harnesses and wiring.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

Yes, I have found a couple, including the one from Corvette Central. Shoot me the NCRS article location when you get a chance - the more, the better.

Thanks,
Fred

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

Apparently the article is too large to upload here. You can PM me your email address if you want me to send it to you.

[Tracy C.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

..... The originals that I have are not damaged or cracked so I don't really see a need to replace them..........

Thanks in Advance,
Fred

Fred, if not cracked or broken just clean the parts up and use them. Save your money for the shiny stuff..

tc

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

Frank, I sent you a PM with my email address - were you able to send the article link?

Thanks,

Fred

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Bucket Assembly Parts Replacement

Sorry I thought you must have gotten it by now....try to view it here:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwisibzToenZAhWE6lMKHUgvC9cQFggpMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metroli.org%2Fpdf%2FARTCLE_MidYearHeadlightsSeminar2011.pdf&usg=AOvVaw11SnEROurSWENQBJVDkVCr