AMREITES

Hi has anyone ever used a early 1970 corvette headlight actuator on a 1966 toronado to replace the canisters looks like it would work? Any thoughts?

TheBirds

After having my canisters rebuilt (still in box) I went online and bought a set of 12V DC linear actuators. They work well.

I chose a set that can lift 50lbs and has a static hold of 500lbs (so the lights wouldn't bob up and down when driving at night).

They take 7-8 seconds to lift and drop. I don't know how that compares to the vacuum originals because mine were broken when I got the car.

I have to do some final wiring but the switch is under the dash (out of sight) below the headlight ****.

Lots of manufacturers make them I just chose a set of "weatherproof" ones so they work in all conditions. They were around $250 for the set.

Try this link if interested:
http://www.firgelliauto.com/linear-a...rs-catalog.php

Jeff

waterzap

Any photos of your setup?

TheBirds

I can try to take some pics but access is pretty limited. If I can get some decent pics I'll post them over the weekend.
J

TheBirds

Here are the best pics I could get of the actuators in place.The first three are the passenger side. The last one shows the vacuum box and the actuator. Sorry, best I could do.

Jeff

waterzap

What did you use to connect them to the headlights and the body? Did you have to create any new clamps?

TheBirds

The linear actuators came with a set of brackets to weld onto the existing hardware. I don't know if all the manufacturers of the linear actuators include the mounting brackets or if you have to make your own with some manufacturers. The original brackets are still usable with a little grinding.

No too difficult.

Jeff