Hi, getting ready to try to repair the hidden headlights on a '73 Colony Park. Are they vacuum actuated? If so are parts available like vacuum canisters, switches, etc? Parts source for new or old? Thanks for any assistance!
Hi MCP. Welcome to the Forum. Yes your ‘73 headlamps are vacuum operated. The canister can be removed and repaired if need be. I just recently had it done on my ‘77 Colony Park. Not sure about any OEM source for those. The eyelids were only staying down for about an hour after the car would stop. It just depends. I have a ‘77 LTD and those eyelids stay down for months on end. Sometimes there are also leaks that develop at the line from the switch. There was also some leaking from that source when I had the canister repaired as well. My guy just replaced the switch as well as tracked down the lines to and from the canister and replaced those. Good luck, and let’s see some pictures! Also I’ve heard, but not researched that they have come up with electric alternatives to the old vacuum system. My body man just replaced his vacuum system on a ‘68 Riviera that he owns.
The doors open up as a failsafe if vacuum is lost, so that you can still have headlights if the door system fails. I'll talk to Joe (Leadslead), see if he can lay his hands on his '73 shop manuals. So in the meantime, do a visual inspection of the vacuum lines, look for splits or broken/missing hoses.
Long time no hear DPainter. You been keeping busy? Since your in Michigan I know you haven’t been traveling. Lol.
All good as can be expected here! Took the CP on a road trip for a week around memorial day (complete with new rear bumper ) and she never missed a beat! So glad I added that fantastic vehicle to my livery!! Our big Woodward Ave cruise has been cancelled this year so looks like more trips to DQ!
Glad she behaved. That really is a beautiful car. What a lucky find. Same here. We had a car show/ Old car club had a show dinner at our local Outback. Fortunately the manager has an old Nova, and is an old car but so he made great dinner arrangements for us on their patio for our group. If there is a silver lining to all of this it has/sure given me an appreciation for the times I’ve had with the old cars and hopefully a brighter future.