Have any of you replaced faulty headlamp visor (clam shells) motor with linear actuators. I'm looking to do that but wondering if any traps.
Maky, I have a 65 Riviera GS also. I have not done a replacement on my car. The original works. Is there a reason you don't just have the motor gone through? Are your end switches working properly? Those clam shells are one of the best parts of that car.
Thanks Lou I have taken it for granted that the motor is U/S but when I looked yesterday at the relays I wondered if the motor is actually getting any voltage. Now I want to do some testing to see if all circuitry is functional. I agree the clam shells ar a great feature and i want to have them working. It is encouraging to know yours are still working!
Yes, I would get a volt meter out and do some checking. There are guys out there that restore those motors if you need it. Crazy as it sounds, the motors can be found but the rods that go from the motor to the clam shell are as rare as hen's teeth. You got this. Keep me posted.
Hello Lou I'm going to get some contact cleaner and go over everything with the voltmeter. I'll let you know how I get on. There is an auto electrician near me who I'm told can do rewinds so he might be able to help if the motor is bad. I don't have any trouble with the rods, disconnected from motor so can operate manually for the time being
Maky, I can help you out with the system, I know it very, very well. The relays are very often a problem. To bypass them disconnect the rods at the headlight motor (this is to eliminate the possibility the linkage is stubborn which will burn out the motor) and use a jumper wire to put battery voltage to either one of the two wires which feed the motor. There are two wires to operate the motor clockwise or counter clockwise. The motor grounds through its mounting. You`ll find a rubber plug/connector on the back side of the splash pan for access to the two wires. Momentarily touch the jumper wire to one of the two wires...if you dont get any rotation touch the other wire. If you dont get any reaction from the motor when jumping either wire, the motor is toast. I can help you out with schematics, advice, parts, service bulletins, etc... Tom Mooney
I have found the connector and applied voltage to the motor, it works in both directions so the trouble must be in the relay. I found it hard to access and ran out of time to test it. I might need to replace the relay, but want to know what is NC and NO to work out what to get. Maybe you can help me with that. BTW I had already taken the rods off to work the visors manually. Paul
Hello Lou The motor is fine, I checked it with jumpers to the connector plug, so the trouble seems to be the relay. I have to work on that. Paul
NC = Normally Closed, NO= Normally Open...just happened across this thread again, if you have questions best to send me a message Tom
Hello Tom Yes I know what NC/NO are, but what I am asking is the spec. for the relay i need. Looking at a circuit diagram I have it seems the headlight relay powers the visors open, and the visor relay powers them closed. I have reconnected the rods and tested the visor operation with a jumper lead to the open and close contacts, all is working fine. So all I need now is the right relay if I can't fix the one on the car. If the circuit diagram is correct I presume i need a NO relay, but I would like to find one that directly replaces the one on the care. Paul
Hi Maky, Great news! You will be turning your headlights on and off all over the place just to show them off in a crowd. LOL Always gets alot of attention.
I don't even own a Riviera and I feel like this is a victory for me too. For everyone! Good job everyone! That's what makes this place awesome.
