70 headlight canister removal

[Terry B.]

does anyone know of a good source for describing how to remove headlight canisters on a 70'

[Alan S.]

Re: 70 headlight canister removal

Hi Terry,
On my 71 I work entirely from below through the air-flow openings in the front valance panel, and with the hood closed.
I take the 4 (#10) small springs off the headlight mechanism. That takes the tension off the link (#15), which allows the cotter pin (#11) and the pin (#7), to be slid out of the clevis on the end of the actuator's rod. AIM UPC 12, Sheet A2.
With both hoses disconnected from the actuator I push the rod all the way in.
I then remove the 4 mounting nuts from the actuator which allows it to be moved backwards towards the radiator and away from the headlight mechanism frame it was mounted on. Then with a non a/c car it's easy to maneuver the actuator down and out through the valance opening. On an a/c car there's not as much room because of the a/c condenser so you need to be a bit creative in positioning the actuator so it can come back far enough to clear the headlight mechanism frame; then move it down and out.
The bottom 2 nuts on the actuator also attach the rods, (#3 & #24), but the rods can stay in place.
That should do it.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Tom L.]

Re: 70 headlight canister removal

Good description. A little off tiopic but I thought I'd ask. I need to change a couple of heaklinghts but can't remove the bezels. Seems that the door need to come up a bit. Can I simply remove the pin from the actuator clevis and get more range of motion upward?

[Terry M.]

Re: 70 headlight canister removal

Good description. A little off tiopic but I thought I'd ask. I need to change a couple of heaklinghts but can't remove the bezels. Seems that the door need to come up a bit. Can I simply remove the pin from the actuator clevis and get more range of motion upward?

The 1970s, especially the early ones with the headlamp nozzle on the lower surface of the bezel, produce some difficulties in removing them. A piece of painters tape on the body, in front of the headlamp opening will help prevent damage to the paint. The bezels, at least on my 1970, will come out with some maneuvering without disconnecting the clevis. I suspect each car will present unique situations however. Since I didn't have to remove the clevis, I can't answer your question -- but I do suspect you will have to remove some of the springs on the headlamp actuating mechanism in order to remove the pin that goes through the clevis.

[Terry B.]

Re: 70 headlight canister removal

Thanks Alan, I'll give it a try

[Alan S.]

Re: 70 headlight canister removal

Hi Lynn,
Have you tried using the 'open' stop on the head light mechanism, (tightening the stop bolt), which will allow the door to open somewhat further. I think that stop rather than the clevis MAY be be stopping the door from opening further. UPC 12, Sheet A 3, Items #5, 6 & 7.
You do need to take Terry's advice about protecting ALL the painted edges on both the door and the surround opening.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 70 headlight canister removal

Lynn,
I always use very this cardboard (like the cardboard that comes with a new shirt) bent over and into the opening between the bezel and painted surface. I am always afraid that thin tape could rip and allow for damage to the paint.
Jeff

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 headlight canister removal

does anyone know of a good source for describing how to remove headlight canisters on a 70'

Terry------


Why do you want to remove them? If it's to replace them, you might not need to. Replacing the shaft seal will return about 90% to proper function and this can be done with the actuator still on the car (although some dis-assembly is required).