Convertible questions?

[Guest wally888]

1. Anyone know how to repair/replace the door pin (one added for door stability on ragtops), mine fell out.

2. Visor clip status?

3. I copied the recent(post) instructions for replacing the exterior light bulbs but can't seem to replace the interior front bulb? Have it out but can not get it back in. Bulb is in but can't get socket in a position to turn and lock.

4. Have a head light that won't come up, even w/ help. Motor runs.

[Barney Eaton]

Wally...since no one wants to answer your questions, I will try.

(1) I never heard of the pin falling out. I would need to see how it was put together to offer an opinion on fixing. I would hope that GM did not reinvent the wheel and maybe it is the same part as a Corvette, Camaro, or other GM convertible.

(2) This visor clip thing is annoying.....someone needs to start making them in their basement. Seems like a silicone mold would work.

(3) I am slightly confused by you wording.... is the bulb that is giving you problems on the inside or outside of the car. I am thinking what you are trying to convey is the innermost bulb (near the hood) on the outside of the car.

(4) Headlight..........lots have been written about these. Here goes again.

Two things can happen. The arm (bellcrank) that attaches to the motor shaft can strip. Or inside the motor there are three plastic cylinders that cannot take the torque and they finally fail....they crack, break into chunks and the internal parts grind them into powder. Sometimes the powder packs in a corner and the doors will open, but not smoothly.

Unless you know what to look for, it is difficult to determine which problem you have without tearing into the headlight assembly. The reason you cannot get the doors open...when closed, the arm goes past center, locking the door closed. You can fashion a "J" hook with a coat hanger and fish down the crack, grab the arm and pull it past center and the door will then open.

The "fix" ..........you can buy a new motor and bellcrank from GM but that is overkill unless you just like to spend $$$. The bellcrank list for around $140 and the motor is probably over $200 by now. The only thing wrong with 99% of the motors is the rollers, which can be purched from Ecklers for $4.95 or they are on Ebay daily.

I sell a steel bellcrank replacement part that should last the life of your car for $35 including instructions and shipping. I also have a KIT that includes the bellcrank, the three rollers, a plastic UP-STOP nut, instructions, and shipping for $40

[Guest DAVESWF]

I sent an email to buickreataclip@yahoo about 3 months ago, and got the following response last month:

From : Russel Van Wyk <buickreattaclip@yahoo.com>

Sent : Friday, February 10, 2006 7:35 AM

To : David Koos <davidkoos@hotmail.com>

Subject : Re: Sun Visor Clip

| | | Inbox

Mr. Koos,

Sorry for the delay in my response. I am taking orders to see if this is economically viable. I will let you know when I have enough interest.

Thanks.

Russ Van Wyk

David Koos <davidkoos@hotmail.com> wrote:

I understand you manufacture these. I need 2 in the Tan color for a 1990 Convertible.Can you accomodate this order ?

[manikmekanik]

The bulb-holder gets inserted on an angle, then twist to horizontal relation to "lock" in place.

Follow Barney's advise on the headlamps, he's the headlamp door assembly pro!

Try GM parts direct for the door pin.

Lean on the guy who's gonna make the sunvisor clips, there are a number of folks who need them. Very few parts cars out there have them, if any at all.

Based on material prices only, he should be able to make 20 or so, with payment for a pair, at suggested prices. He could make a batch of each requested color, as orders arrive for each color, grnted he already has molds.

[Guest wally888]

Thanks for all the answers.

Barney I will send payment for the Kit (shipping?)

I made a washer for the bell crank, works good but how long..........Replaced up-stop and a bulb while..............Still messing w/ the bulbs (yes both) on the other car (Parking bulbs toward center of car). I could see how easy it would be to replace the bulb behind the battery, if battery is removed!

Also replaced the Velcro for the top flaps. A quick fix for an old ragtop-I used a self stick Velcro on the little metal tabs then with a razor knife cut old Velcro so a new piece would fit perfectly flush with the old. Used self stick there also as my top (a replacement) had the old velcro stuck on. (you can cut down to the plastic, remove old piece and new fits flush into cut out space. I have no idea if orginal tops are similar/same!