Headlight Questions

[scodari]

I think I have read all the threads on headlights but can't find the answer to two specific question....if it is there and I missed it....I apologize. We have 69 and a 70, both have problems with the headlights.

1969 - I have disconnected the headlight cable. With the cable disconnected, I can rotate the left headlight witout a problem but the right one is stuck half open...it will rotate about an inch (open and closed) but that's it....What would cause the right headlight to get stuck in this position?

1970 - The headlights rotate open and closed but will not lock in the open or closed position. What part of the mechanism actually does the locking? How do I fix?

Many thanks.

[namba209]

For a start check out this forum. http://www.opelgt.com/forums/2c-gt-h...emoval-repair/ There's a whole lot of repair threads on the mechanism. On your 69 GT, it could be the 3 bolts that hold the spring steel plates to the headlight buckets and rotating mechanism may be loose or broken, jamming up the works. On your 70 GT there are overcenter locking mechanisms and spring loaded jaws that lock the mechanism open and closed. It takes a healthy movement of the buckets to lock them in place. It's the rotating mass that provides the impetus to slam the pin into the overcenter locking jaws. HTH.

[opelbits]

The 70 may just need adjustment of the actuating cable/rods. Under the hood is the headlight actuating rod and cable. There is block that the rods from both headlights attach to. Disconnect the right side completely (the rod will slide out of the block). The 69 may have a loose right side rod.

The left side headlight can be adjusted with the cable adjustment nuts (at the end of the cable where it goes thru the bracket). Adjust the left side headlight so it locks open and closed nicely using the cable.

Then reattach the right side rod and adjust until it locks open and closed at the same time as the left side.

This is all providing the rotator mechanisms (behind the headlight pods in the headlight holes) are lubed and working properly.

[scodari]

Thanks. On the 69, I have lubricated it and it still only rotates half way. I can roll it closed, but when I try to open it, it gets stuck half way. I assume if I try to force it, I will damage the mechanism further. Any other ideas?

[TonyB]

I had a problem with one of my headlights not wanting to move and traced it to the bucket where the headlight rotate was bend up which cause the headlight to bind half way in it rotation. I fixed by removing bump in headlight bucket by reshaping the sheet metal in the bucket.

[scodari]

Thanks for the suggestion but I just ran a piece of paper under the bucket and it moved freely without any problem. I think the rotater must be jammed in some way. Any one else got any suggestions??????

[namba209]

Originally Posted by scodari Thanks for the suggestion but I just ran a piece of paper under the bucket and it moved freely without any problem. I think the rotater must be jammed in some way. Any one else got any suggestions??????

The next thing would be to check the rotating mechanism, to see if the metal spring steel arms are tight and secure to the rotating mechanism. They are held on with three very hard 5mm bolts. If they are loose, sheared or otherwise screwed up, that could cause your problem. You can take the sheetmetal from around the headlight to access the mechanism, or at least look at it. Also, check out the front pivot point to be sure it's tight and properly lubed. HTH.

[opelgtmaster3]

in the front wheel wells there is a little panel you can take off tp get access to the back of the healights. its not much but it might help. theres only 3 screws that hold the panel on. you might have to take off some of the crap that they use to protect the metal in the wel.