Electric headlamp conversion

[alexsalvaris]

Hi everyone,

I did a search for C3 electric headlamp conversion and didn't find a thread. If there is one, please do direct me to it.

I'm looking to convert my 1981 C3 corvette headlamps from vacuum operated to electric. Can anyone recommend a particular kit and are there any instructions or videos I should follow?

I have seen a few advertised on ebay but unsure of their quality.

Thanks,
Alex

 

[CaptainK]

Coincidentally, about a month ago I received the "Richard454" kit to convert both the wipers and headlights to electric. It looks a really good kit, well made, and Richard is a very friendly and helpful chap who will talk you through anything. Its also completely plug and play, so no need to bodge anything. It is pricey though, BUT its the only kit I found where you don't have to cut up bits of bodywork / mounting trim etc to fit it. Much cheaper kits available on Ebay etc, but normally involve cutting up around where the lights are mounted to get their electric motor systems to work. And some use refurbished electric motors. So check what you are buying.

I haven't fitted it yet, so can't comment on how good it is. But after speaking with Richard, seeing the videos, and getting US forum feedback from other customers, it looks a good kit. Alas, I'm a bit busy with a new baby at the moment to work on my car, but this is something I'll do over winter here and there.

If you're going to convert the wipers, be glad you don't have a 1968, as the wiper system is slightly different, so you'll need extra bits for it. Yes, I have a 1968

 

[Forrest Gump]

Hi everyone,

I did a search for C3 electric headlamp conversion and didn't find a thread. If there is one, please do direct me to it.

I'm looking to convert my 1981 C3 corvette headlamps from vacuum operated to electric. Can anyone recommend a particular kit and are there any instructions or videos I should follow?

I have seen a few advertised on ebay but unsure of their quality.

Thanks,
Alex

The conversion to electric is a pretty unusual mod in the UK, I don’t think I’ve actually seen a C3 with this. That’s not to say there isn’t some, but I don’t think you’ll get too many responses to your question on here!

I’ve converted my headlights to electric quite a few years ago, but I did it myself with a pair of linear motors, some brackets and a lot of head scratching! I was put off buying a kit by the cost and fancied a challenge. At the time I did a write up for the magazine which is archived on the forum here (you need to be a member to access this).

Kieran - I hope your kit installation goes well. That looks like a nice kit and a good option. Richard 454 is known for his well developed mods.

 

[alexsalvaris]

Coincidentally, about a month ago I received the "Richard454" kit to convert both the wipers and headlights to electric. It looks a really good kit, well made, and Richard is a very friendly and helpful chap who will talk you through anything. Its also completely plug and play, so no need to bodge anything. It is pricey though, BUT its the only kit I found where you don't have to cut up bits of bodywork / mounting trim etc to fit it. Much cheaper kits available on Ebay etc, but normally involve cutting up around where the lights are mounted to get their electric motor systems to work. And some use refurbished electric motors. So check what you are buying.

I haven't fitted it yet, so can't comment on how good it is. But after speaking with Richard, seeing the videos, and getting US forum feedback from other customers, it looks a good kit. Alas, I'm a bit busy with a new baby at the moment to work on my car, but this is something I'll do over winter here and there.

If you're going to convert the wipers, be glad you don't have a 1968, as the wiper system is slightly different, so you'll need extra bits for it. Yes, I have a 1968

Do you know how you ordered it? Can't select UK on the eBay listing and Richard454 has spoken to the help team, they have said UK has tightened rules on importing. Item is here C3 Corvette Electric Headlight Motor Conversion Kit 68-82 Completely NEW | eBay

 

[Nassau65]

Shouldn’t be any problem importing this item provided the seller will send to the UK. The shipping will be handled through eBay’s global shipping programme, who will do everything from sale. All the vendor has to do is post to the global shipping centre through normal US post.
It’s not a prohibited item in the UK so no restriction on importation.

 

[CaptainK]

Do you know how you ordered it? Can't select UK on the eBay listing and Richard454 has spoken to the help team, they have said UK has tightened rules on importing. Item is here C3 Corvette Electric Headlight Motor Conversion Kit 68-82 Completely NEW | eBay

Yes, I had issues ordering it from him via Ebay as UK isn't listed as an option for the Ebay Global Shipping. It was most odd. So in the end, he said to email him directly (so Ebay don't know) - watch some of his videos on YouTube and you'll see his email address there. Just search Richard454. Then he'll directly invoice you and you can pay direct using Card / Paypal etc. He includes shipping as well in the invoice, and because it is NOT through Ebay he did it cheaper for me.

Don't forget that you'll also have to pay customs and VAT when it's delivered over here. I think that was around £130 quid. Can't remember now. All in for everything I think it was circa £800 for the whole electric headlights and electric wipers mods. Mine being that tiny bit more costly because I needed the 1968 only extra bracket for my wipers.

When I get around to installing the kit, I was planning on writing an article for Vette News. Just with a new baby, and Christmas stuff, I haven't had chance to do anything and when I do get some extra time I normally just sleep

 

[CaptainK]

Kieran - I hope your kit installation goes well. That looks like a nice kit and a good option. Richard 454 is known for his well developed mods.

Fingers crossed. It does look a really good kit. I fancied doing something technical on the car that is within my abilities, so thought I'd give it a go over winter. Then write a Vette News article on it. I wasn't going to say anything about it until said article, but as other members are looking for advice, I thought I'd better break silence.

 

[Nassau65]

I’ve got a 74 convertible stateside that my nieces have told me has only one eye sometimes and no eyes other times, so may look to change them to electric.

 

[Nassau65]

Just had a look on EBay’s Global shipping programme, the UK is on its list of approved countries to ship to, so there should be no problem for US suppliers to ship to the UK through the programme.

 

[Roscobbc]

Hi Alex - is your headlamp 'system' working at all? - the reason I ask that is because for many the supposed 'complexities' of the vacuum system are a challenge.
In short - they are usually attributed to vacuum leads in the first instance. So you need to check the state of all the vacuum hoses. Even hoses that appear OK can be degraded (after 40+ years, hardly surprising perhaps). A clue is almost inperceptible cracking on the exterior of the piping. This will usually 'open-up' if you flex the piping around yiour fingers indicating a potential leak source. The vacuum actuators under the hood riyght at the front can fail. The vacuum reservoir (usually under the drivers side fender can be damaged or perforated. The vacuum over-ride switch under the dashboard to one side of the steering column are easily kicked and potentially damaged if carelessly getting in or out of the car - again 40+ year old plastic can degrade too.
I've had American cars with vacuum systems operating seat-back releases (on coupes/verts), on door locks and rear deck ventilation grilles. All generally work fsar longer than electric options.