can anyone sugest a good replace kit. I recently purchased a 1968 camaro rs/ss project car. the rs headlamp equipment is there for the most part but in really poor shape. I was looking for a good replacement with electric motors since the 383 stroker I built for a previous car has a huge cam (485hp dual edelbrock endurashine carbs).

I think DSE makes a pretty good kit, based on what I've read.

Jim

I was considering them as a retorfit for the vacuum actuators. but I need to replace all doors, grille, buckets, pretty much everything. does someone provide a complete kit with detroit speed acutators?

I have the DSE actuators (motors) and could not be happier. Since the original vacuum cans are fairly rare, I would think that you could get a good price for them on EBay or a swap meet and help pay for the DSE motors.

The DSE motors don't rely on the large rear support brace, but if you want some extra fender reinforcement (stiffer) OR something to mount the actuator shields to then you will need that brace.

-Kevin

So should I buy the complete kit to replace everything or do all i need is the headlamp assembly (which is much cheaper) I do have all the origanol vacuum stuff including the headlamp switch, just very old appearing

thanks again for all the help

You will need the complete headlamp assembly and bellcrank. The arm of the DSE motor attaches to the end of the bellcrank arm just like the vacuum actuator.

You don't need necessarily (IMO) the front bracket that get bolted to the very front of the fender extention with the two bolts. I used mine for awhile without them as mine fit sort of poorly presumably due to aftermarket inner fenders / radiator support or something. I have them on now mainly because I had them and holes already drilled for them.

You don't need the large brace that goes between the fender and fender extension and inner fender. That brace is not used by the DSE motor. The DSE motor bolts to the radiator support where it attaches to the inner fender. What I can't say is if the large RS bracket strenghens the front end up any. I put mine on because I already had mine painted. Also, I put on the plastic actuator shields as DSE recommends them, and if you decide to use them, you DO need that large bracket as they bolt to it.

The DSE motors also use the standard headlight switch, but I assume you can use the RS one, it just won't use the vacuum obviously.

-Kevin

thanks, that is alot of help. I do have the origanol lamp switch with the vacuum ports. luckily i also have the factory fendors with appropiate brackets for the rs set-up. just the doors, actuators brackets and belcrank or in poor or brocken condition. I will order replacement kit with the bell crank then the dse motors.

what powers the dse motors (what tells them to open and close if not the vacuum signal) is there a toggle switch or do they wire into the load side of the headlights

If possible, try to save your buckets (the main part), as the aftermarket one that I got required a lot of work to make it anywhere near like the original. Its hard to explain, but its a complex part. The doors, etc. are fairly staightforward to produce, but the bucket is a key component.

The DSE motors are controlled by the headlight switch. The instructions show you where to tap into the wiring at the switch. Then, there are four (4) wires (2 to each motor) that route through the fuse panel. That way, everything runs without putting any holes in the firewall. You can run the wiring along the outer fender to the left motor, then along the radiator support to the right motor.

thanks, mission critical. they are ordered and on the way. once again what a great site, lots of good knowledgable people

You will need the complete headlamp assembly and bellcrank. The arm of the DSE motor attaches to the end of the bellcrank arm just like the vacuum actuator.

You don't need necessarily (IMO) the front bracket that get bolted to the very front of the fender extention with the two bolts. I used mine for awhile without them as mine fit sort of poorly presumably due to aftermarket inner fenders / radiator support or something. I have them on now mainly because I had them and holes already drilled for them.

You don't need the large brace that goes between the fender and fender extension and inner fender. That brace is not used by the DSE motor. The DSE motor bolts to the radiator support where it attaches to the inner fender. What I can't say is if the large RS bracket strenghens the front end up any. I put mine on because I already had mine painted. Also, I put on the plastic actuator shields as DSE recommends them, and if you decide to use them, you DO need that large bracket as they bolt to it.

The DSE motors also use the standard headlight switch, but I assume you can use the RS one, it just won't use the vacuum obviously.

-Kevin

The 68 headlight nightmare.
Ok, I have a question. I have bought another 68 RS camaro.
This one has all new sheet metal and most of the original RS parts.
I too want to install the DSE kit but I cannot find the install instructions.
Question:
My fenders are all new RS fenders, and I have new fender wells.
I made a post on here years back with my original 68 rs pictures but the pictures do not show up anylonger and I do not have the original pics.
My new fender wells do not seem to have the holes pre drilled for the bell crank. With the new DSE setup, do I need to drill those holes in the fender well? There are currently no holes predrilled into the wells.
I did not want to do a mock up before I paint the car, but I may need to.
I need all the help i can get on this.
For those that know me, here is a thread about my current project:
http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43682

Thats a tough one. Maybe someone will reply that knows of a template. I don't think you can drill all of the holes with the car fully assembled, but you might be able to get to most of them with the radiator support out. The hardest one and the most important hole is the large one for the bellcrank to go through. Most of the other holes are either optional or can be done later.

-Kevin

This might help , 68 inner fender rs holes :http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg306/kycamaroguy/th_68RSMountHoles.jpg (http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg306/kycamaroguy/68RSMountHoles.jpg)

This might help , 68 inner fender rs holes :http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg306/kycamaroguy/th_68RSMountHoles.jpg (http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg306/kycamaroguy/68RSMountHoles.jpg)

Yeah, i finally found my reference pics as well. Ill repost.
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb156/osso12/RS%20HEADLIGHT%20ARCHIVE/DSC00139.jpg