68 Headlights

[mopar1968]

OK, not sure if this has been brought up yet so here is my question.....

I want to eliminate the vacuum pods on my 68 charger headlights.  I would rather have the newer 1970+ electric opening design.  I've only spent a few minutes looking at both (my neighbor has a 70), and it seems that I could duplicate a rod setup like his with some sort of electric motor to run it with maybey a weekends worth of work.

I'm not one for authenticity for 38 year old technology.  As long as the outside of the car looks as it should, I'm all for upgrading everything I can to eliminate leaks and such over the long haul.

Thanks!!

[terrible one]

I would love to see that! Keep us updated on your progress.

[mopar1968]

I would love to see that! Keep us updated on your progress.

Thanks, I'll keep everyone posted.  I was also hoping that someone has already done this to make my life easier though.  Hopefully, someone will chime in......

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

How would adding finiky electric motors, wires, relays rods etc make your life easier?

Whats easier than 2 vacuum diaphragms, a tomato juice can and some hose?   Much more reliable IMHO

[ChargerRob]

When I'm at carshows, People for some reason love to see the doors go up and down. 
They really trip out when they find out it works on vacuum. 
Keep the vacuum system it works just fine. No headaches 

[694spdRT]

 

The vacuum system works fine on both of my cars.

[mopar1968]

Yes, mine works at the moment too.  However it is in need of a complete rebuild and replacement of all the hoses as they are getting very brittle and the doors no longer open in sinc.  But, they do work. 

I want to eliminate the possibility of vacuum leaks and this seams like the biggest area.  A side affect would be the bullet proof opening and closing of the doors using electricity and the ability to do so anytime without the need for vacuum.

I did a long search last night and found another thread where someone had used a linear actuator on each pod.  It seamed to work well.  I'm still leaning toward a rod setup with a very simple motor though.  I know that allot of people like things original.  I do as well for the outside.  As for the internal workings of these cars, including interior, engine, trans, suspension, and electrical, I'm a firm believer that modern components can be used without taking away anything from these cars but rather adding a bit more pleasure to driving them.

[JimShine]

You can buy the tubing at your local parts store. It is pretty cheap too. There really is not a whole lot going on with the system. Finding the leaks and repairing them should be no more difficult than converting the system to electrical.

[myk]

I always liked the idea of motors for the headlights, myself.  It's just a preference thing...

[694spdRT]

Yes, mine works at the moment too.  However it is in need of a complete rebuild and replacement of all the hoses as they are getting very brittle and the doors no longer open in sinc.  But, they do work. 

I don't think they ever will open in synch with a vacuum system. My headlight doors always have opened and closed independently of each other for almost 30 years now.

If you want to convert to electric that is fine but, it really is only one year newer technology. 

[mopar1968]

Yes, mine works at the moment too.  However it is in need of a complete rebuild and replacement of all the hoses as they are getting very brittle and the doors no longer open in sinc.  But, they do work. 

I don't think they ever will open in synch with a vacuum system. My headlight doors always have opened and closed independently of each other for almost 30 years now.

If you want to convert to electric that is fine but, it really is only one year newer technology. 

I totally agree with everyone that is happy with what came with the car.  My personal opinion is just that.  I would rather have them open at the same time, without vacuum and be able to open them anytime as many times as I'd like when the car is not running too.

I know the 70's models are not that much newer in design, but I was only going to use them as an example not to copy, but to improve upon for my buddy that has a 70 and for my 68.  The linear actuator design by another member seamed to work well and they are usually in sinc with each other.  I'm still leaning toward a rod idea that would use off the shelf components, easy to install, minimized fabrication and alteration of the car, work perfect, with modern components to make sure it will last another 30 years.

I'll start this weekend as I'm still waiting on a Master Cylinder from SSBC and draw up some plans.....

[mikepmcs]

i'd like to see some pics of your progress and your parts list and design if possible, sounds pretty cool.
good luck
v/r
Mike

[694spdRT]

I think some of the later 70's early 80's Miradas, Imperials, etc. used flip up lights. Maybe some of those parts would work for you.

[mopar1968]

Thanks for all of your responses!!  I appreciate both the for and against.

My first sketches so far are of a single linear actuator in the middle of the grill similar to the motor location on the 70.  Using a simple bracket and some hi-em joints and a off the shelf carrier bearing it should be easy.  The next thought is of the pod connections to the new rod.....

Here is some food for thought.  There is no reason why we can't come up with a true "bolt in" kit for something like this.  As a member in a motorcycle site, we did the same thing with a metal guy and powder coater to come up with parts that either weren't available or too pricey from the big companies.

Here's another teaser....I'm currently working with some local people to produce an affordable, true bolt in, complete Grill assembly for all the 2nd Generation Chargers!!  We are still in the design phase and are having trouble locating perfect units to then copy, but are progressing slowly.  I see all kinds of potential to working together and putting are minds to work.  Another idea floating around in my head is replacement upper door panels.  I had some made locally as prototypes, and it was very encouraging.  I'll go back to that later though as my Charger needs to get back on the road.  (upgrading brakes currently)

If anyone has any other suggestions for the headlight electric doors, please let me know.....