8 Sept 2021 - Starter failure

The starter failed today.  The starter solenoid fell apart inside the starter.  Removed and replaced it.  While re-installing the positive battery, the terminal fell apart.  Replaced that and now The Merc is operational.  One problem I noticed after putting everything back together, was that I routed the starter cable a bit too close to the headers.  Before I get out of the garage, I will adjust that cable location.

Adjusted the starter motor positive cable so that it is further away from the header.

31 may 2021 - electric hide away headlight doors

Setup the DPDT relay and one actuator to verify proper wiring and function.  Testing/checkout worked, now I can look into proper installation of the relay, circuit breaker and actuator wiring.

Here is a wiring diagram for the hardware.

16 May 2021 - electric hide away headlight doors

 Here is an updated pic of the mounting adapter.  The spacing between the holes is now .17" and that allows the headlight door to be completely open and close

18 APR 2021 - electric hide away headlight doors

 Parts listing:

• waterproof terminal block
• 12 gauge wire, RED
• 12 gauge wire, BLACK
• DPDT 12VDC 20A relay with socket
• 15 amp automotive circuit breaker with protective cover
• ...
  

14 APR 2021 - electric hide away headlight doors

 The original tension springs for the headlight door were installed.  The lower headlight door lid will need two adjustable bumpers to allow for aligning the headlight door to the grille.

The linear actuator opens/closes the headlight door with ease.  The tension springs help with keeping the headlight door in place.  There is only one alignment adjuster on the door and its at the top of the headlight door.  With the current linear actuator setup, that adjuster doesnt do much.  So adjuster bumpers at the lower corners of the headlight door should resolve alignment issues.

14 APR 2021 - electric hide away headlight doors

 Made a mounting bracket from the 3/4" EMT tubing.  The piece is 1.55" in length. .92" in diameter.  The two holes are .37" and .26".  The .37" hole is the lower hole and that attaches to the headlight bucket factory mounting location of the vacuume motor.  The .26" hole is where a 3/4" roll pin is pressed through the tube to the linear actuator.

13 APR 2021 - electric hide away headlight doors

 I found, that EMT tubing/pipe is the diameter/size that I am looking for, that fits the end of the linear actuator.  I bought 3/4" size EMT pipe.