This is the electric light conversion I was talking about - Corvette Forum : DigitalCorvettes.com Corvette Forums

slofut · 02-03-2013, 08:45 AM

Who does this car belong to? Nice setup, this is what I plan to do.

D_B · 02-03-2013, 09:22 AM

That's very clever. A single actuator on a shaft with joints. Even and smooth, and picking different size arms on the shaft and using a shorter throw could greatly increase the speed.

That's a great idea.

Richard454 · 02-03-2013, 09:22 AM

That does look nice....

But (5) plus brackets...(2) u-joints...(3) arms....couple feet of linkage rod...$100+ linear actuator... (2)micro switches to limit throw...

I like to keep it simple- I know...I know -a V12 Dry sumped w/ ITBs...instead of dropping a big block back in- in a couple weekends instead of a couple YEARS...

I got this idea from the "other" website- cleaned and refined it up a bit.

I think its a little bit more afFORDable...

(2) 93-97Ford Probe Headlight Motors- $15-35 each
(2)Simpson BC60Z galvanized post cap(Home Depot/Lowes)$12/each
(2)Rod end bearing-Hardware store $8 each
(1)12" threaded rod 5/16 18 $3
(1) Bosch type relay DPST $5

Tools needed- jig saw-unibit-file- couple drill bits-scrap wood-paint(not really needed since it's galvanized)-some wire and terminals...

EASILY done for under a C note- and a few hours worth of work.

Richard

D_B · 02-03-2013, 10:03 AM

Richard, did you put together a wiring diagram? I assume you're using the headlight power wire as a trigger for the relay / motor operation?

Richard454 · 02-03-2013, 11:11 AM

Here you go Matt-

I haven't measured current flow- but the factory fused both motors w/ a 20A....

Richard

brent319 · 02-03-2013, 12:26 PM

Looks like 7t's setup. There is video on page 17 ( I think ) of it operating.
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...153955&page=13

Richard454 · 02-04-2013, 10:20 PM

I just got the new pivot bushings today -and finished putting together one side-

And it works as smooth as Keith Stone...

7TRoadster · 02-05-2013, 01:29 PM

Yes, that is my setup. It has been modified a bit since this photo. The U joints were increased from 1/2" to 5/8" diameter, the actuator throw increased from 2" to 3" and arms extended to compensate for the additional throw.

The longer throw and arms added more leverage into the linkage taking stress off the motor.

Video of the setup in operation can be seen here.

http://youtu.be/5XlB53ppsE8

I've been working on a deal to offer these commercially as bolt in kits (no mods required) for a while now. Complete with brackets, linkage, motor, wiring, relay, hardware and install instructions. It's to early to say exactly when they will be available but you can expect them to be offered through one of this sites active sponsors.

We are getting closer to the first release, should be this year sometime.

Bill Davies · 02-05-2013, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard454

That does look nice....

But (5) plus brackets...(2) u-joints...(3) arms....couple feet of linkage rod...$100+ linear actuator... (2)micro switches to limit throw...

I like to keep it simple- I know...I know -a V12 Dry sumped w/ ITBs...instead of dropping a big block back in- in a couple weekends instead of a couple YEARS...

I got this idea from the "other" website- cleaned and refined it up a bit.

I think its a little bit more afFORDable...

(2) 93-97Ford Probe Headlight Motors- $15-35 each
(2)Simpson BC60Z galvanized post cap(Home Depot/Lowes)$12/each
(2)Rod end bearing-Hardware store $8 each
(1)12" threaded rod 5/16 18 $3
(1) Bosch type relay DPST $5

Tools needed- jig saw-unibit-file- couple drill bits-scrap wood-paint(not really needed since it's galvanized)-some wire and terminals...

EASILY done for under a C note- and a few hours worth of work.

Richard

Looks pretty much like the route I went except I used Firebird motors. Basically the same thing as what is shown here... http://mcspeed.homestead.com/Our_Products.html

Mcspeed has discontinued the bracket kits, but with the help of a fellow DC member, I got some dimensions to make my own set.

D_B · 02-05-2013, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard454

I just got the new pivot bushings today -and finished putting together one side-

And it works as smooth as Keith Stone...

Got a video you could post? I'd like to see how fast and uniform they operate now.

Richard454 · 02-05-2013, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D_B

Got a video you could post? I'd like to see how fast and uniform they operate now.

Click on the pic- it's a video...Working on getting both of them in the car tonight...

Bill-

Yes, I'm familiar w/ the killer lights....BUT with the Probe Motors- NO module is required AND can use the stock headlight switch-all that's needed is a Bosch relay ( Tyco ).

These motors are so simple and bullet proof- and have the right throw. Put 12v on one trigger- it opens- 12v on the other it closes. Nothing to limit- it'd all done internal in the motor- plus it has a manual turn knob just in case...

I can't take credit for the idea- I just simplified it as far as wiring/bracket/arm.

Richard

OK..I put it on youtube as well as Photobucket...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OylY...ature=youtu.be

72SBVet · 02-05-2013, 05:33 PM

Od

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard454

Click on the pic- it's a video...Working on getting both of them in the car tonight...

Bill-

Yes, I'm familiar w/ the killer lights....BUT with the Probe Motors- NO module is required AND can use the stock headlight switch-all that's needed is a Bosch relay ( Tyco ).

These motors are so simple and bullet proof- and have the right throw. Put 12v on one trigger- it opens- 12v on the other it closes. Nothing to limit- it'd all done internal in the motor- plus it has a manual turn knob just in case...

I can't take credit for the idea- I just simplified it as far as wiring/bracket/arm.

Richard

OK..I put it on youtube as well as Photobucket...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OylY...ature=youtu.be

If you use the trans am headlight module you can use your factory C3 switch. I do hear what you are saying though.

Bill Davies · 02-06-2013, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard454

Click on the pic- it's a video...Working on getting both of them in the car tonight...

Bill-

Yes, I'm familiar w/ the killer lights....BUT with the Probe Motors- NO module is required AND can use the stock headlight switch-all that's needed is a Bosch relay ( Tyco ).

These motors are so simple and bullet proof- and have the right throw. Put 12v on one trigger- it opens- 12v on the other it closes. Nothing to limit- it'd all done internal in the motor- plus it has a manual turn knob just in case...

I can't take credit for the idea- I just simplified it as far as wiring/bracket/arm.

Richard

OK..I put it on youtube as well as Photobucket...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OylY...ature=youtu.be

I wasn't knocking your setup. Just commenting on how it was similar to mine. Probe, Firebird, or whatever else you can fit in there is a great idea. Switching from vac to electric is a great mod.

And, as 72SBvet said, I used the Firebird module from the car I pulled the motors from. That allowed me to use the original C3 switch. You mentioned not having to have a module but you had to have a Bosch relay. As far as I could tell, the module is simply 2 relays in one box (1 for each motor).

slofut · 02-06-2013, 12:37 PM

With the probe motor conversion, are there any hood clearance issues?

77Custom · 02-07-2013, 08:05 AM

Guys, I designed and fabricated a single rod with single linear actuator for Full Tilt's headlights about 6 years ago. IF photobucket is not screwing up again, here is a link to my build. You will find several detailed pice of how this worked using the original brackets on the 77 buckets:

http://s1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff412/FullTilt1977/

Mine is switched with a dual position marine switch mounted on the console.