Opinion on 68-69' Charger headlight actuator vacuum pumps:

[Captain D]

Hi all,

In restoring my 69' Charger grille, I am looking to replace the headlight actuator vacuum pumps just so that I can do a thorough job on it. I've seen new repro pairs selling for a lil' over $300. However, I found a place that sells used ones for about $150 a pair. I believe this place is called HotSheet.

Mine look rather rusty and dingy, so that's why I just want to replace and do the best job that I can on it. I would hate the possibility of restoring this thing, only to have problems with them later on and have to remove the restored grille once it's in, replace them n' what not. But anyway, I was curious to see if anyone purchased original ones from this seller (or used ones from anywhere) and what is your opinion of used ones in general? Or do you feel that this is an item that should just be replaced with new ones altogether?

Thank you for your time and suggestions,
Aaron

[jaak]

Do yours work? If so, i would just clean/paint reuse the ones you have.

Jason

[Charger-Bodie]

Do yours work? If so, i would just clean/paint reuse the ones you have.

Jason

[BlueSS454]

x3, if they work, clean them and paint them.  That's what I did on mine.

[six-tee-nine]

X4 if they work and don't leak, paint and reuse them....

[tan top]

     

[Captain D]

I just thought that I would check to see if this would be something worth buying new, because if these tend to break often, especially a part that is almost 40 years old, then it would be a good investment while the grille is out and being restored. I'm unsure if mine work or not, but just in case I had to replace them I thought that I would get your opinions on used vs. new.Thank you for the replies guys!
High regards,
Aaron

[mikepmcs]

Aaron
Here's a couple threads to read about some pods and some issues and just some good to know stuff. 
I tend to agree with the majority here, test yours out and if they work then clean them and use them.  I know that isn't the answer you are looking for right now, but it just begs the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" rule.  Read this  first thread and you'll see why new isn't always the way to go.  Then feel free to read all these others for some info.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,42612.0.html

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,3390.0.html

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,42111.0.html

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,48666.msg531297.html#msg531297

HOW  TO TEST THEM HERE

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,37759.0.html

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,17545.0.html

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,22712.0.html

There are actually a few more on the subject but this will give you some light reading for now.

Mike

[daytonalo]

Member Daytona se bought a new set and they were a pile of shit , they leaked right out of the box !! Just paint them and work on world peace !!!

[Captain D]

Thank you guys for the many responses, and to Mike for the links!  I've been away from the puter' for a bit, but I will definitely read up on the material over the weekend. "Thank you" again fellas and I'll post again soon!
High regards,
Aaron

[superbirdtom]

Hi all,

In restoring my 69' Charger grille, I am looking to replace the headlight actuator vacuum pumps just so that I can do a thorough job on it. I've seen new repro pairs selling for a lil' over $300. However, I found a place that sells used ones for about $150 a pair. I believe this place is called HotSheet.

Mine look rather rusty and dingy, so that's why I just want to replace and do the best job that I can on it. I would hate the possibility of restoring this thing, only to have problems with them later on and have to remove the restored grille once it's in, replace them n' what not. But anyway, I was curious to see if anyone purchased original ones from this seller (or used ones from anywhere) and what is your opinion of used ones in general? Or do you feel that this is an item that should just be replaced with new ones altogether?>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I have an xtra pair if you really need them .. i believe p.g. classics on ebay has repops too

Thank you for your time and suggestions,
Aaron

[Captain D]

Thanks again guys, and to Mike for the links. Dang, yeah, even though mine look purdy' dang rough, I may see how mine hold up after I test them. Thanks again for the heads up!
High Regards,
Aaron

[Belgium R/T -68]

I will also reuse my actuators although almost everything else is new.