66 C2 Power Antenna motor and Headlight motor issues

[Jerry S.]

Wonder if anyone has dealt with similar issues and what solutions were found.

My power antenna will move the shaft up or down about 3 inches. I can manually move it all the way up or down while the switch is held in the up or down position, but can't move it at all without the switch being activated. Does this sound like an adjustment issue or does it need to be rebuilt?

My second issue is with my headlights. The passenger side opens and closes completely but the driver side only opens a little bit and then will close back tightly. I've tried to spin the wheel to manually open it but while the wheel moves freely, the headlight doesn't budge. Again, not sure if this is a simple adjustment fix or a rebuild.

[Kent S.]

Re: 66 C2 Power Antenna motor and Headlight motor issues

Re: antenna - it needs to be rebuilt. Greg Thompson who advertises in the Driveline is your man.

[Mike T.]

Re: 66 C2 Power Antenna motor and Headlight motor issues

Jerry - regarding the headlights, is this a new development or a Corvette you just bought? Not that it really matters, things on Corvettes can go 'bump in the night'. Could be some interference with the wiring harness, could be the pot metal gear in the motor, could be a number of things.
Try to do a visual on the wiring harness to make sure it's not impeding the headlight pod movement. If that looks to be okay, let me ask this...when you say the drivers pod opens a little bit...you mean it then completely stops? You might need someone to help on this. Have them activate the rollover switch while you are up front at the pod. When the pod stops, does the motor still sound like it's running? If so, the pot metal gear I mentioned earlier might be the culprit. If the motor is not running at that point, sounds more like a wiring issue.

[Leif A.]

Re: 66 C2 Power Antenna motor and Headlight motor issues

Jerry,
Mike's comments are spot on. One other thing, how often do you operate the headlight rollover function? They need to be "exercised" on a fairly routine basis. No telling what grease is in them but if it's white lithium it may be hard as a rock not allowing the motor to do its' job.

[Jerry S.]

Re: 66 C2 Power Antenna motor and Headlight motor issues

Thanks for all the helpful tips. I've owned the car for 4 years and seem to recall the headlight issue since day 1, although it use to open slowly and sometimes only partially but then I was able to manually open it. Now it doesn't seem to budge. I don't use the headlights often but want them working in case needed and eventually judged. I will be taking the car in for some repairs, carburetor rebuild and the antenna and headlight issue, so was hoping to get feedback and any helpful advice to provide the shop that will be doing the work.

[Don H.]

Re: 66 C2 Power Antenna motor and Headlight motor issues

Jerry
reading you write "taking the car in for repairs of antenna and headlight issues" gives me a case of the shakes.. I suppose there are still shops around that will rebuild a carburetor.. But I can't imagine any general repair shop that would have a clue on the headlight motors and antenna. Those things must be rebuilt by specialists, or a DIY'er willing to figure them out, buy the unique parts that only the vendors sell, and do the bench work. That said, maybe you have access to a specialty shop familiar with the ins/outs of mid-year Corvettes? I hope so.. good luck.

[Mike T.]

Re: 66 C2 Power Antenna motor and Headlight motor issues

Jerry - I'm with Don on this one, unless you know someone who's had their midyear worked on by that group...and successfully , I'd be reluctant to use them.
Maybe they are a decent repair shop but the big question is...are they experienced with early Corvettes. I have been chatting with a new NCRS member down in Tucson who recently inherited his Dad's 67 L36 Roadster. That Roadster sat for '31' years and is in need of a serious teardown to get things right before trusting it on the streets. He got in contact with the chapter down there and is getting very good advice and help on putting his newly acquired 67 Roadster back into shape. I know you mentioned you have family up my way towards Prescott but we're still a good distance apart right now so maybe try to reach out to your local NCRS chapter there in Scottsdale/Phoenix and maybe someone could either help you do the work yourself or suggest a reputable repair shop.

[Jerry S.]

Re: 66 C2 Power Antenna motor and Headlight motor issues

The shop I'm referring to does complete restorations and is currently working on a 1966 327 roadster but don't know how much experience they have with other C2's. I have reached out to my chapter secretary for advice. I am hoping that rebuilding a Holley 4 barrel is within this shops scope of expertise and if it is recommended that I hold off on the headlight and antenna, I will do so.

[Mike T.]

Re: 66 C2 Power Antenna motor and Headlight motor issues

Jerry - Our concern is only that the place you take your Corvette to should be experienced in working on them. Could be a number of things with the headlight motor but if it turns out to be that potmetal gear, and I'd guess they don't have that part on the shelf, it will take a number of days to get a replacement. On the antenna, if it's just a poor electrical connection causing the problem, that can be a quick and easy fix but if the unit is in bad shape, it would need to be sent out to the guys who rebuild them and turnaround time could be long...and expensive.
On the carb - find out if they will be rebuilding your carb or maybe replacing it with a remanufactured unit. If yours is the original with the right date code, a reman would most likely be a different date code. If you feel comfortable with this shops capabilities, you'll be fine. Keep us posted on your progress.

[Jerry S.]

Re: 66 C2 Power Antenna motor and Headlight motor issues

Took my vehicle in yesterday and expect to hear back today or tomorrow after it has been evaluated. Also heard back from Greg Thompson regarding the antenna. Interestingly I left it in the full up position over the weekend and when I got it to the shop, I was able to power it down. Hoping mine is a minor adjustment/Lube, but Greg will be my next option if necessary.