C3 Working headlight & vacuum system for Tech Session

[Brad H.]

I have been thinking about building a working partial C3 headlight & vacuum system to use for chapter NCRS schools. The system is nearly black magic to many people and I thought if I built a visible working model, it would be helpful for people to understand what each component of the system does. Think "Visible V8" cutaway engine and that is basically what I am trying to do, although on a smaller scale with the Corvette vacuum system. I want it to be compact enough that I can carry without needing a forklift it so my initial plan is one headlight assembly mounted to a base and then include the headlight switch, override switch, etc. that I can power with a mighty vac, or maybe a electric vacuum pump. As the project evolves, I may also include parts of the wiper door assembly to complete the entire system if space allows.

Here is where you come in. It seems like every idea I have, someone in the NCRS has already done it and so I am asking here for advice and ideas from someone that has already built a working model of a C3 vacuum system.

Ideas? Advice?

Thank you!

Brad Hillhouse

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Working headlight & vacuum display system for Tech Session

You may want to get Doc Rebuild's vacuum troubleshooting guide to help you and also help define the function of each part.

PH

[Mark E.]

Re: C3 Working headlight & vacuum display system for Tech Session

A fantastic idea. And certainly of great interest to many. It would be great if NCRS had a series of "how to" sessions at events.

It seems every time the vacuum system acts up, it's a learning process to remember how it all works.

To be portable, omit the heavy headlight and wiper door assemblies. Showing how the various switches and relays control one headlight actuator plus the wiper door actuator is enough to understand it.

If laid out using shortened hoses it might fit on a 3' x 3' breadboard.

[Richard T.]

Re: C3 Working headlight & vacuum display system for Tech Session

That's a great idea ! Will make things much easier to understand and troubleshoot than studying a schematic. Perhaps make a video once it's up and running to make it easier to spread the knowledge . Kind of like an Al Knoch soft top video.

[Tom R.]

Re: C3 Working headlight & vacuum display system for Tech Session

An intriguing idea but, as you know, vacuum becomes larger than just headlamps, encompassing emissions, power brake booster, heat-A/C as well as M40/M38 transmission. Perhaps keep it simple as you describe but using something like a poster so viewers know that leaks in the other systems, especially emission, contributes to poor performance of headlamp operation.

Troubleshooting with the right tools is perhaps the first hurdle to mastering headlamp operation. Probably the best thing I did was a comprehensive troubleshooting to include not only vacuum lines and relays but the actuators as well, which eventually were a major factor contributing to the attrition of headlamp door performance.

If you can deliver those lessons in a mobile headlamp troubleshooting/repair/replacement storyboard...it would be a great aid.

[Paul D.]

Re: C3 Working headlight & vacuum display system for Tech Session

I think that would make an excellent tech session! You have gotten great input from this thread. To expand on Tom's point, every presentation should start out explaining how to isolate the wiper door and headlamps from other systems (and each other). Any one of those large actuators or relays leaking can really affect the rest of the vacuum system on our C3 cars. Chip.