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Re: Headlamp Door Vacuum System Solution

Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2013 7:14 pm
by hbarbee
There is no real reason that the headlight door operation has to be tied to the headlight switch. The actuator requires 12V DC of reversing polarity to open and close the doors. That is why I used a DPDT switch. It is very simple. The actuator travel is not adjustable. It cuts itself off when it reaches the end of travel and the circuit does not have to be opened. Just reverse polarity when you want the doors to go the other way. It takes about 2.5 A to operate. There is enough slop in the headlight door mechanism that your measured travel does not have to match the spec on the unit exactly. The unit I described above is perfect for the 68-69 design.

I believe the 66-67 have dual actuators because I remember seeing those cars with one open and the other closed, which you will never see on the 68-69. In any case this supplier has quite a variety of travel length models and one of them should work and could be switched in parallel.

Re: Headlamp Door Vacuum System Solution

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 5:56 am
by xgecko
While there is no reason it must be connected to the headlights, many might want that.

However, it is also nice to be able to open the lights independently, so in my case I would be inclined to use a circuit that would allow either option. It has been a while since I wired any such switch setup, but I do believe it can be done without too much hassle.

On the other hand it might be one more thing I could add to the list of things I am considering using an Arduino microcontroller system for... :ugeek:

Re: Headlamp Door Vacuum System Solution

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 9:07 am
by waterzap
I am going to have to go this route, seeing I cannot really get vacuum actuators for my 67. I will probably install a switch at first too. I can always improve it later on with relays, connecting to headlights etc.
So the actuators stay lengthened when current is cut off?
Ill take some pics once I start installing the actuators

Re: Headlamp Door Vacuum System Solution

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 10:06 am
by xgecko
Yes, the actuators almost certainly stay extended once the power is removed. Actuators can be built either way, but I have to believe HBarbee chose wisely and these will stay extended.

Re: Headlamp Door Vacuum System Solution

Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 12:34 pm
by xgecko
Harbee, how is the upgrade working out for you? I am about ready to order the actuator and it would be nice to know how well it has worked over time.

Re: Headlamp Door Vacuum System Solution

Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 4:09 pm
by duwen10
I have these installed in my 66. I love the reliability. I will get to enjoy them again once I finally finish my harness install.

Re: Headlamp Door Vacuum System Solution

Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 9:05 am
by hbarbee
I have had no problems so far. I cycle it every chance I get even when not needed. As I mentioned in the original post, the only mod you will have to do is slightly enlarge the diameter of the hole in the bottom support plate to allow the lower shaft of the actuator to fit through. I used 2 small hex bolts of appropriate length and diameter with nylon self locking nuts at each end of the actuator to install it.

Re: Headlamp Door Vacuum System Solution

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 2:16 pm
by sunglasses1991
What did you use for the top pin to the doors? I tried using a 1/4-20 X 3" bolt, but it binds up on the threads.

Thanks

Re: Headlamp Door Vacuum System Solution

Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2016 7:41 am
by hbarbee
Sorry, I have been away from the site for a while. Does anyone have any questions on this installation? Mine works fine. That model unit fits as if it was made for this use even though it was not. I left mine with a separate switch under the dash and left all of the other original vacuum gear in place for looks.

Re: Headlamp Door Vacuum System Solution

Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 8:13 am
by Mrtoro67
duwen10 wrote:I have these installed in my 66. I love the reliability. I will get to enjoy them again once I finally finish my harness install.

I have a 67 with sleepy eyes what vendors did you use for electric actuators?