1978 corvette when i shut the car off my head lights pop up. i can start the car and they go down and stay down. got any ideas

Two reasons for the brake light to be on. 1) Parking brake and 2) problem with pressure in the brake lines.
If the parking brake is off and the ignition is on but the brake light stays on, then there's a problem with the switch attached to the parking brake. It might be stuck or broken.
If the brake light goes on when you apply the brakes, there is an imbalance somewhere in the brake lines between front and back wheels. This light usually goes out when your foot is off the brake, but if it stays on, the switch in the brake lines near the master cylinder might be stuck or broken.

For all 1978 Corvettes, the location of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is stamped on a plate attached to the left front body hinge pillar.

buy a haynes manual at a partplace

check your fuses your light bolts and also check you wirring and connections

Wiper delay cycle had not completed when shut off.

Raise the headlights, either with the switch or manually by turning the knob on the headlight motor counter-clockwise.
Unplug the lights NOW to avoid an accidental closing on your fingers,
Remove the 3 philips screws holding the black plastic surrounding the headlights, and slide it forward, there is a small clip on the top that helps hold it to a corresponding clip at the top of the headlight,
Look inside the cavity and you can see the 5 nuts/bolts ( 6 on later years ) that need to be removed,
If you are on the driver's side you can now remove the whole assembly, on the passenger's side you must first unplug the headlight door control module.

why not just disable the motors while in up position?

Maybe this infromation can help you:
- 1997 - 2003: Headlamp Actuator Replacement Procedure

Good luck (remember rated this help).

Have you tried the switch on the dash that turns them on? Are door switches adjusted properly?