For the last couple years the headlamps have been a real pain on my Toronado every time I have needed to use them... So today I decided to replace the vacuum the vacuum lines going to the actuator and to the reserve tank. First I removed the reserve take and fished new lines through to the actuator. I was hoping this would resolve my issue, but just narrowed everything down to the control valve. Of course finding one for a 68 or 69 Toronado is close to impossible. I nervously decided to remove, clean, and oil the slide mechanism inside... Thinking if this didn't work I might try a Headlamp controller from a 68-82 Corvette Stingray. The diagrams look very similar and the control valves look almost alike. Well apparently cleaning and lubrication was all I need... I hook everything back up and now look how flawless they are working...

 

Nice! So did you take the vacuum piece apart, or just clean/lube the mechanical action of the covers?

 

Future reference: you can do same thing with the headlight switch itself.

 

No just replaced the hoses and then that controller that has all the hoses going into it... I took the slide out cleaned all the dirt out and sprayed it good with wd-40, wiped it down, and then put it back together... It has allot of dust inside it...

 

Replacing the lines on a vacuum car is so important. Vacuum... Any leak (and those original lines will for sure leak. Dry out split etc) will make the motor run better etc. One of my first jobs we had a 67 and 68 Toronado as our pizza delivery cars. I have owned and loved early Toro's. Good for you wanting to figure it out and achieving it.

 

I had a chance one time to buy a super clean 60 Cadillac. "Power" everything. Including seats windows etc. I swear there were hundreds of vacuum lines in the drivers door... I can fix electrical. Replacing all those vacuum lines? I had to pass. Vacuum is no joke. One pin hole leak can F up the entire system.

 

Good job fixing her up. I think the '68-'69 Toro hide-a-ways are the coolest looking of all years. When they are closed, you have no idea where the headlamps are located. Although, I may be partial. I remember replacing a mile of vacuum hoses on my '69 to fix all the leaks. But never had a problem w/ the headlamp controls.