How To Manually Open Headlights?

[73ess]

Searched the archives, but much to my surprise, no one has asked how to manually open the headlight lids on a 914? My project 914 ain't gonna have power for quite a while, but I want to get at the headlights.

[SteveStromberg]

Use the black round knob on the headlight motors.

[brownaar]

Be sure there's no power to the motors when you use the knob on the back. It seems like I had them want to shut back once you open them so far.

Aaron

[gbalke]

When turning the black knobs to raise the lights, you'll get to a point where the lights will begin to close. So, once you have them up to where you want them, turn the knob in the same direction to close them. Otherwise, all you'll do is unscrew the knob.

[73ess]

So twist the knob? Pull out the knob? I guess it would help if I had an owner's manual, but the car didn't come with one. Anyone know if repro owner's manuals are available? Looks like our host doesn't sell one for a '73 2.0.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

There should be a black knob on the back of each headlight motor itself, up in the front trunk. Turn that knob clockwise, as if you were screwing it in. It takes quite a number of rotations, but the light should come up. Eventually, it will start going down again.

You said your electrical system is not hooked up, but if it were the light would start moving on its own if the light switch is off. You'd open it a certain amount, then it would continue opening and then it would close again. Be prepared for it if/when you plug the power in.

--DD

[SteveStromberg]

Open the front trunk. See the headlight motors. On the end of the motor there is a round knob, rotate that to raise and lower the light.
Owners Manual try Der White on the board he may have one.

[calbrat]

My right front light is often lazy eyed, like Thom Yorke from Radiohead. After 20 or so seconds it pops to where it should be.

I swear there is a ghost in my electrical system. My e-brake light is working again!!!

Gives the car character... The main stuff works (brake lights, stereo, ignition, etc.)

[Joe Bob]

If no knobs....pull the black plastic shrouds that are inside the front trunk and disconnect the arm. The head light bucket will then move without resistance.

BTW, consider upgrading the old cruddy sealed beams with H-4 conversion ones....they are available from Pelican and GPR for around fifty bucks....

[BigD9146gt]

Steve, try taking out the bushings in the rod that pushes the light housing up and down. Then when your driving it will chatter up and down, making people ahead of you wonder what the hell is going on with your headlights.