Hi there. As I promised some time ago, here is the modification I did on my mates 68 Riviera, the short version is that all the vacuum Va's removed and replaced with custom electrical actuator's, the actual up/down control for the actuator's is for the time done via normal relays, but we are working om a electronic version. They works just like the vacuum version, when you turn on the light the lamps comes down and vice versa, There is also a short video of it operating here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3bnTILSykM Input's/idea's are very welcome. Brgds
Most interesting Dannie, looks like a positive improvement over the OE vacuum system which is a PITA !! I'm sure a lot of '68-'69 Riviera owners would appreciate that setup, please keep us posted. :beer :TU:
I love that system Dannie. Gets rid of the OE system massive vacuum leak that sometimes happens. Is that linear actuator running to it's limits or do you have switches to limit the stroke? I didn't see any switches, but my eyes are old and I'm not too smart. I'd like to replace my manual system of rods and thumbscrews with something like this.
God. Please. Yes. I have the Camaro cans and was getting ready to design and fix on extensions when I saw this glimmer of hope. Please post the particulars so we can all benefit; hopefully it won't rhyme with "$295 a side" as with OEM type solutions (OPG: you are officially gouging us, we all know it, especially you, and no one appreciates it). :spank: Holding breath here in Sand Dog...
do you guys think it would be possible to run one electric actuator with some sort of link between the headlights? I could see a benefit doing it this way to make both open at the same rate and less to go bad in the future.
Yes that is properly possible, but i think that the linking system is going to be very complex (lots of fault possibilities) BTW. the lights are opening at the same rate. Ps what is OPG mean ? Brgds
OPG refers to OPGI, which I believe used to sell OEM quality headlight canisters to the tune of $295 EACH, along with Year One. Not surprisingly, they no longer do - guessing a low demand at that price.
I've often wondered if you '68 -'69 guys could retrofit the '66 -'67 electric sytem into your cars. o No:
I do not think the linkage would be that complex to use one actuator. I may try it out. I think if there were a bar to tie the to lights together and run the actuator from the center of the two it would be relatively easy to setup. Hmmm.... going to have to do some measuring. Anyone have a picture of what the 66-67 electric setup looks like? I do not know of anyone with those years Rivs to see if it could be retro-fitted.
Don't have a picture, but they have one motor mounted in the middle, with bars running out each end of a gear box to each headlight pod. It's the same motor as is used for power windows. The headlight motor in the '66 I owned burned out, and a used window motor from a junkyad bolted right in it's place. The only reason I can come up with that Buick went to a vacuum system in '68 was because it was more quiet than an electric motor.
I finally found a picture of a 66 and it was kind of how I thought they were setup. I am pretty sure it will be relatively easy to make something work with one actuator. I am going to start getting parts together and fab up a system. I will post pictures when I get closer.
I have a '67 and a '69 and would be happy to photograph or measure anything from whatever angle you'd like if it will help. :TU:
