Replacing my headlight vacuum actuator for my 71 and have quick question

[Chad E.]

So I am installing the new headlight vacuum actuator and am having a problem screwing the acuator link clevis on far enough onto the end of the actuator rod. When I get to a certain point and keeping turning it starts to turn the actuator rod too. My guess is that I don't want this to happen. However, I need it to go about 1/4 further or else the linkage would be too long and the headlight would not flip down all the way.

I saw in an old Restorer Magazine that I should hook up the vacuum line to the extend side of the actuator first. Will that keep the actuator rod from turning as I screw on the clevis?

Anybody have direct experience with this?

Thanks a bunch!
Chad

[Joe L.]

Re: Replacing my headlight vacuum actuator for my 71 and have quick question

So I am installing the new headlight vacuum actuator and am having a problem screwing the acuator link clevis on far enough onto the end of the actuator rod. When I get to a certain point and keeping turning it starts to turn the actuator rod too. My guess is that I don't want this to happen. However, I need it to go about 1/4 further or else the linkage would be too long and the headlight would not flip down all the way.

I saw in an old Restorer Magazine that I should hook up the vacuum line to the extend side of the actuator first. Will that keep the actuator rod from turning as I screw on the clevis?

Anybody have direct experience with this?

Thanks a bunch!
Chad

Chad-----


The very first thing I would do is to run a bottoming tap down the threads of the clevis to make sure all the threads are clean and straight. Then, even though it's a new actuator, I would run a die on its threads. Then, with a little lube on the threads, see if you can turn it down far enough. I think you'll be able to.

[Michael W.]

Re: Replacing my headlight vacuum actuator for my 71 and have quick question

Do NOT force the clevis- there's a good chance that the inner diaphragm will tear and the actuator would become junk at that point. Chase the threads as Joe said. I hold the rod with a pair of vice grips with a piece of rubber between the jaws to avoid scratching the coating while installing the clevis.

[Chad E.]

Re: Replacing my headlight vacuum actuator for my 71 and have quick question

Great advice, guys! Thanks!!

[Chad E.]

Re: Replacing my headlight vacuum actuator for my 71 and have quick question

That worked perfectly!

Thanks again!