Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

Brian...

You might want to add the Camaro Central Stage 3 Kit to this mix. It is kind of unique in a couple of ways:

1. You don't have to cut any holes in your fenders.
2. The headlight buckets come preassembled complete and tested.
3. Just two (2) connections, no thru-firewall wiring.

The kit includes everything you need with a couple of exceptions. If your car wasn't originally a RS, you need a pair of fender adapters, and you'll need a couple of half-inch spacers. A step drill would be handy I'm told because alignment of the grill and modules could be needed.

Here's a link to Super Chevy where they actually did the conversion using this kit. I'll note right now that one of our members [dawg] did this conversion and he noted that its not quite as simple as they make it out to be but its easier and simpler than some of the other systems.

1969 Camaro Front RS Grill Conversion

I'm going to give this kit a shot myself, so hopefully I'll report back on how it went.

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

Brian...

You might want to add the Camaro Central Stage 3 Kit to this mix. It is kind of unique in a couple of ways:

1. You don't have to cut any holes in your fenders.
2. The headlight buckets come preassembled complete and tested.
3. Just two (2) connections, no thru-firewall wiring.

The kit includes everything you need with a couple of exceptions. If your car wasn't originally a RS, you need a pair of fender adapters, and you'll need a couple of half-inch spacers. A step drill would be handy I'm told because alignment of the grill and modules could be needed.

Here's a link to Super Chevy where they actually did the conversion using this kit. I'll note right now that one of our members [dawg] did this conversion and he noted that its not quite as simple as they make it out to be but its easier and simpler than some of the other systems.

1969 Camaro Front RS Grill Conversion

I'm going to give this kit a shot myself, so hopefully I'll report back on how it went.

I used this kit as well and was moderate to easy install. No holes to cut etc..Very happy with it thus far.

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

Please do. When I was working on this post there little to no information about the kit or any videos on its installation. Maybe you could shoot a video series of your install and post it.

The kit from Camaro Central PN GRI-1502, costs $1,630 which included the grille, center chrome, upper grille stiffener, RS capsules, door chromes, outer plates, right and left inner door covers, headlamps, headlight mount rings, adjuster kits, headlight bowls, and electric motors. It also includes the electric door control module.

You also need 1969 Chevy Camaro RS fender headlight adapter brackets PN RAL-6, for $27. if your vehicle has original GM non RS fenders. These adapters do not require welding like other tabs on the market.

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

I agree.....Of all of the videos on youtube, there are none of a full install on a non RS Camaro

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

Yes I did the Camaro Central Conversion. had to Notch the radiator support a little but the finished product is very good.
will buy same kit again if I ever need to.

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

Yes I did the Camaro Central Conversion. had to Notch the radiator support a little but the finished product is very good.
will buy same kit again if I ever need to.

The only thing I had to "adjust" was the mounting holes for the headlight brackets that attach to the radiator support. Not sure if this was the same issue you had with your install Harry?

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

I'd love to see some pictures of the modded area issues if at all possible. I have the Stage 3 kit in the garage and hope to get it done in January after I get my garage heater set up.

Anybody wants to send me pix, PM me and we can swap emails or text options which may be easier than posting them here. I intend to do a full write up/pictorial when I do mine.

Mike

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

I'd love to see some pictures of the modded area issues if at all possible. I have the Stage 3 kit in the garage and hope to get it done in January after I get my garage heater set up.

Anybody wants to send me pix, PM me and we can swap emails or text options which may be easier than posting them here. I intend to do a full write up/pictorial when I do mine.

Mike

Mike, I would be glad to send some pics. The pics will be already installed so to speak pictures. But the upper and lower holes I had to oval out a bit to get the assemblies to sit horizontally correct with the center grill etc... A Dremel tool or a carbide bit will work just fine. ....And this/mine was an aftermarket Radiator support. A stock unit may not need any adjustments. PM me or I can post here to help fellow members out on their builds or conversions. I am totally happy with what I bought and paid for and I am sure you will as well.

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

Old thread... but its a good one. I'm finally getting around to installing the kit and I will document as much as possible and post a thread on my experience. I must say that the "instructions" are less than minimalist LOL. I think there's 3 pages and not much is explained. I think whomever puts the kit together figures its primarily for retrofitting a vacuum RS setup. There's absolutely nothing in the instructions about taking the original grill out, what to be concerned with.

There is a sheet suggesting you check out this article in SUPER CHEVY Magazine where they did the full conversion: 1969 Camaro RS Grill Install - Camaro Central Stage 3 Kit

The one part I question is the mounting of the adapter brackets. They mounted them inboard of the fender return. Many guys I've talked to mounted them inside the "nose" of the fender and they claim the fit is closer to the RS fender tabs that way. But the funniest part was page 4... click on the thumbnail below and if that doesn't scare you I don't know what will LOL.

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

Recently purchased a 67 RS Convertible. Headlights worked fine (multiple times), and all of the exterior and interior lights work.
Then, I decided to clean up the engine compartment by gathering wires into plastic loom (specifically the wires at the LF corner where the windshield washer fluid reservoir is located).
Now the headlights will turn on, and the doors open, but when I push the headlight switch to off (even with key turned on), the lights turn off but the doors don't close. Also, at the same time, both front marker / signal lights stopped working. I'll be checking the bulbs today in case both blew. I also installed a triple gauge kit (temp, oil pressure, ammeter, but ammeter is not connected yet). All fuses in the fuse box are good.

My plan is obviously to focus on the area where I bundled wires together, looking for weak connections, broken wires, etc.

Any tips or specifics on what to look for, and where, would be greatly appreciated.

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

I would check the black ground wire from relay R3 which connects to the radiator support as that is located in that corner and would cause the doors to not close but still allow them to open if it were disconnected.

What do you mean when you say that the marker/signal lights stopped working at the same time as you turned off the headlights? If you turned off the lights the marker lights should go off, or are you only partially pushing in the light switch to the parking light position? Do the blinkers keep working?

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

UPDATES:

ISSUE #1 - Headlight doors: There's a black ground wire and an orange ground wire on the radiator support near the LF corner of the car, and the latter simply grounds to the LF fender. Both had loose connectors, one was really bad. Stripped wire, installed new connectors, cleaned metal ground surfaces, put it all back together, but it didn't work. The issue remains that the doors open fine when the headlights are turned on. But when the headlights are turned off, the bulbs turn off but the headlight doors don't close.


ISSUE #2 - Exterior Lights: I turned off my garage lights to confirm which lights are on vs off in each headlight knob position. Nope, I didn't trip over anything, LOL. New discovery. When I put the knob in the parking light position, the front marker lights come on, as do the tail lights, license plate light, and interior gauge lights. When I put the knob in the headlight position, the headlight doors open, the headlight bulbs come on, and all other exterior lights all turn OFF (namely the front marker lights, tail lights, and license plate light). I believe this may be normal for the front marker lights (pre-1968 govt safety standards), but the tail lights should at least stay on!

The interior gauge lights remain on whether the knob is in the parking light or headlight position. This has obviously been like this ever since I bought the car a few weeks ago.

Assuming the tail lights are supposed to stay on when the headlights are on (which I would think is the case), sounds like there could be a short or short to ground issue?
If it's normal for the front market lights to turn off when the headlights are on, I would bet someone knows the correct wires to "jump" so they are on with the headlights?

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

ISSUE #1 - Try running a ground wire from your negative battery terminal to the radiator support ground connection to confirm that you are getting a good ground all the way back to the batteries negative terminal. If that doesn't work then try swapping relay R2 with R3. I think you still have a bad ground or a bad relay. You could also try measuring the voltage on the brown wire at the limit switch on the headlamp assembly with ignition on and lights off. You should get 12V.

ISSUE#2 - I think the light switch is bad (open circuit). The fact that the gauge light still works in either parking or headlight position means that power is getting to the light switch at all times but not to the parking lights when in the headlight position. Try jiggling the light switch handle around a little to see if any of the marker lights flash.

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

As far as retro fitting in this thread unless I missed it.
If retro fitting you need a new lower valance(and paint) different front running lights and new hood release. Adds substantial cost. Not to mention back up lights which I do not particularly care about. Always liked the look and if I had my senses about me in 1985 I would have gotten the valance and tail panel while it was apart.

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

Thanks blitzer454, here is what I found so far...

Issue #1: Running a direct ground had no effect. Looks like the relays are under the front fenders (per the AIM)? From receipts I got with the car, both headlight door motors and one relay were replaced in Aug 2018, so the investigation continues...

Issue #2: The issue is indeed the headlights switch! Wiggled it while the headlights were on, and the taillights and license plate light suddenly illuminated. And I confirmed that for 1967, the front marker lights are supposed to turn off when the headlights are turned on. When I replace the headlight switch, I'll move the purple wire so they are on with the headlights (already found instructions online).

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

If you need to remove the headlight switch for inspection, there is a push button/pin on the switch housing behind the dash panel that has to be depressed to pull the switch out of the opening. You might however, just take the driver seat out and get in a good position to look at the wiring on the back of the switch and simply find a wire that just simply needs secured more tightly. That might take care of the rear tail lights. Sometimes the limit switches on 67's, the little boxes with the push buttons on the radiator support frame can become out of adjustment and not allowing the doors to contact (press) good enough to complete the circuit for the doors to close. And if memory serves me correct the key has to be in the on position for the doors to close. This isn't part of the 68/69 vacuum style headlight doors.

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

I just realized that this thread started as a sticky. You should actually go down to the electrical section and start a new thread. Probably get more attention and not over complicate the sticky.

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

Yes, the relay's are located in the LF under fender. I would start by checking the wiring going to the relays. If that all checks out then measure the voltage on the brown wire at the limit switch on the headlamp assembly with key on and light switch off (doors open). If you get 12V then replace R3 if you don't then replace R2. I think the limit switches are probably good given the doors are opening normally and fact that both doors are failing to close. Relays R2 and R3 get grounded through the bulb filament and another common problem that causes the doors not to close is when the bulbs burnout or someone swaps the bulbs for LED bulbs. But it sounds like your bulbs are working and doors were closing before you cleaned up the wiring so that's probably not the problem.

 

Re: Update Failing Electric & Vacuum RS Headlights or Convert to RS Op

I just realized that this thread started as a sticky. You should actually go down to the electrical section and start a new thread. Probably get more attention and not over complicate the sticky.

I thought about staring another thread, but my issue all started as "failing electric headlights", which matches the title of this sticky, so I felt it belonged here to help keep all of this info in one place. If the purpose of sticky threads on this site is to be for solutions only (not new issues), LMK.

 

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Detroit Speed Headlight Door Kit - Infinitybox

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