Hidden headlights - new electric conversion!
 

I did the electric motor conversion for GTO hidden headlights about a year ago. I was never really pleased with the performance, for several reasons:
· The headlights were driven by a single motor in the center of the bumper, connected to a long single rod. Long motion path from motor to headlight door. The headlight motion was very springy, and one door was always closed tighter than the other. Very finicky to adjust.
· The motor was not current limited. Since the doors closed at different rates/times, it required a good deal of force to get BOTH doors fully closed. I broke the motor bushings twice.
· The motor required the operator to hold the switch closed in one direction or the other until the doors were fully open/closed. (How long should I hold it?)
· There was no indicator to be sure the doors were fully open or closed, or even which state they were in.

I really wanted two-motor operation, like what is on my son’s 91 T/A. I got the two hidden headlight motors and the control box off a junk T/A and fitted them into my 68 GTO as you see here.

Operation is beautiful! Solid, predictable motion, up and down. Current-limited stops assures complete opening with no overtorqueing of the motor. Simple two-position switch with lighted “on” position for hands-off operation and visual indicator. Everhthing I wanted in the setup.

Here's a video of the test of the door prototype. I have since changed the mounting bracket from lexan to steel.


http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...091&pr=goog-sl

Some pics posted below of the parts used and the mounting.

I’d be glad to share details with anyone interested in this conversion.

Regards,
Bob Trimpe

Very cool setup Bob! Your right about the length of the rod, thats the draw back with the Crysler setup, alot of motion is lost to distant. The plastic gears don't help either.If the control box on your setup runs the motors why are you still useing a toggle switch, can't you run a feed from the headlight switch ? awesome job!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never thought of that. It would be simple. I'll do it!

Stay tuned for revb ...

If it will work that way, I would probably be interested in getting rid of my chrysler setup. Was there much hardware to fabricate up or is it mainly stuff from the pontiac ?

What? You don't like the original vacuum set up? ... just kidding ... Great job! :beerchug:

All parts are from either the T/A or the GTO, except I made two 4"x8" brackets. You see one in the picture. Its a 1/8" steel plate with holes drilled in it.

The earlier 3rd gen motors don't work. The years that will work are (I think) 87-92 Firebirds and the Fieros. If you go scavenging the T/A, you'll need a LH and a RH motor, their mounting bolts and folded clip nuts, the control box and its mounting bracket. It's mounted on the firewall just left of center.

The real invention was in figuring out how and where to mount the motors. I spent most of a Saturday just deciding on location and orientation.

Couple of other tricks that I did to get it to be solid and dependable.

Bob when is the conversion to a 68 Bird coming?
Ill donate a spare bumper so you can work on that next

Cammer, I might just take you up on that. The big hangup is I don't have the will to take my bird apart to start on it. It's all on paper ...

Bob

I was looking into getting this kit from Detroit Speed and modifying it to work on my '69 GTO. They told me it would work but I would have to do a little fab work. Here's the link.
http://detroitspeed.com/productpages...t_kit_prod.htm

The Camaro doors open/close horizontally, so there's no lifting force needed. The GTO doors close UPWARD; plus, they weigh about 5 times as much as the Camaro door. Be sure their motors have enough lifting force to do the job. Looks like a similar approach, though.

Bob

i talked to this guy at the GM nationals this past summer.

http://www.retro-electro.net/home.html


currently he only lists conversions for camodes, but, it was a pretty hot lick set-up, not cheap though, not by any means.

asked about 68/69 goats and his eyes lit up, said he was working on a conversion and to check back at the end of the year.

also said they wouldnt be as $$$ as the chevy ones due to needing only one motor.

I had a one-motor setup, and its performance (or lack of) is why I worked up the two-motor deal. Believe me, two motors is THE WAY to go.

OK I need pics of the other side please that is too cool!!

I'va already put the grilles back in, so you can't see the mounting. But I can do a video of operation, if that's what you're looking for ...

Bob the next time youre in town the bumpers yours.
I would love to see you do that conversion on a 67-8
bird.
Ive been playing with HIDs on my 97 and its even more fun
with popups vs hideaways.

Ill take video of both sides if its not any trouble

I'll make one tonight. You able to view the one above with no trouble?

ya no problem

Here's a video showing both lights:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...67649437186754

One is quicker than the other because the motor has new bushings in it. The slower one will be rebuilt when the bushings arrive. In any case, both doors are solidly open or shut once the movement is complete.

The oirignal video showing one side, with the grill out, is at top of this thread.


Bob Trimpe

C'mon guys, you're missing the point -- what good is having hideaways if you don't let the car wink at people! I've got a leak somewhere in the system that doesn't let the vac reserve build up so if I shut the car off too quick the doors don't finish closing -- always a great conversation starter from the new guys passing my car in the parkinglot when they find out the system runs on engine vacuum!