‘71 Charger Hideaway Headlight Motor Rebuild

[71SandbugCharger]

I hooked up a 12v power converter, that I use to test bulb fixtures, to my hideaway headlight motor, and all it did was buzz. I took it apart and sprayed all with electrical cleaner and then grease lubricated the worm drive, and interior sprocket. Still just buzzed.

Is 13.8 vdc, 3amp not enough to power this, or do I need to rebuild? Are there rebuild instructions? Anyone service these motors?

Thanks!!!

 

[Nacho-RT74]

the concelead doors system gets a 15 or 20 amps ( can't recall ) breaker in line expecting maybe it sucks 10 amps, so no, I don't think a 3 amps source will be enough

 

[RTSE470]

If you turn the manual adjustment knob, does it turn freely? If it is not seized, it probably needs the proper current.

 

[71SandbugCharger]

How about the end clip springs?? Any idea who sells these???
Thanks

 

[fatecaptured]

I had the same problem with mine. Was able to open with the knob, but still wouldn't function.

I took it apart and the lower bearing was seized to the shaft. I ended up breaking the brush plate getting the lower bearing out. I didn't ( drill out the rivets first) . So I made a brush plate out of plastic. I believe the original is bakelite. Cleaned the shaft where the brushes ride. And put it all back together and it worked.

 

[chickendeluxe]

I had the same problem with mine. Was able to open with the knob, but still wouldn't function.

I took it apart and the lower bearing was seized to the shaft. I ended up breaking the brush plate getting the lower bearing out. I didn't ( drill out the rivets first) . So I made a brush plate out of plastic. I believe the original is bakelite. Cleaned the shaft where the brushes ride. And put it all back together and it worked.
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How did you get the adjuster Knob off to open up the case?

 

[chickendeluxe]

Rivet pics are helpful!

I guess the spring clip holds in the bronze bushing like in the top housing.
My spring seems sprung.

 

[E-Body]

How about the end clip springs?? Any idea who sells these???
Thanks

View attachment 750238

Hi hey Im looking fir a good pair of those torsion bar springs & retainer clips

 

[Bob Nossal]

I been told not to test the motor without proper torsion resistance. It is my understanding that you can damage internal gears and switches.

A fella on Facebook repairs and restores these. Topher McGinnis. Nice work.

 

[72sunroof]

I been told not to test the motor without proper torsion resistance. It is my understanding that you can damage internal gears and switches.

A fella on Facebook repairs and restores these. Topher McGinnis. Nice work.

You can but just move it like a 1/4 turn each direction. I have tested them like this before without any harm. You can use a 9v, it slows it down.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

A fella on Facebook repairs and restores these. Topher McGinnis. Nice work.

He is around here too

 

[T2R9]

Topher did mine not long ago. Nice work!

 

[72sunroof]

Topher did mine not long ago. Nice work!

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Ballpark for the repair?

 

[T2R9]

I would guesstimate $200-$250 as I paid a flat rate for all three.

 

[moparsaver]

Rivet pics are helpful!

Here you go.

For anyone looking for a rebuild, Topher Is a FBBO member and does Excellent work. Website below.
https://headlightmotorman.webs.com/gettoknowme.htm