~Stingray

Hey guys,

I want to install cruise control on my 1980. I have done some searching for past threads, but most seem to be unhelpful. I found a few that hand links to units, but they led to sites that were either no long in service or the part was not longer available.

Some questions:

1.) Does anyone have a step by step or at least some images of installing a cruise control?
2.) would it better to get a vacuum system or electric?
3.) I am learning mechanics as I go so can a beginner do this?
4.) Any suggestions on places that sell recommend systems? I really don't want this to be a $250 project.

Any help would be great. I don't necessarily need state of the art. A push on, push off would be good enough for me. But if the resume and 1 mph increase/decrease button versions are only a $10 difference, then I opt for that.

Thanks.

7T1vette

Any good electronic cruise unit will cost you $250 (or more) to install by the time you are done. Cruise controls were standard in 1982 [if I recall correctly]. The system was contained in the ECM unit (same as that on the '84, I believe).

Assuming that you no longer have that hardware, you can replace the stock parts (at more trouble and likely higher cost), or you can install a Rostra unit (around $200 to purchase). The Rostra unit is essentially the same as the AudioVox unit that I bought 4 years ago for $90. But, Rostra bought them out and doubled the price tag.

It is a good unit and not difficult to install. If your ECM is still functional, it has an electronic VSS (vehicle speed) signal that can be fed directly to the Rostra unit. Other connections are: switched power, ground, brake apply signal (12vdc from brake light switch), vacuum, and installing a little switch panel to select cruise options. If your car still has the cruise lever in the turn signal lever, you could use it by figuring out which of the switch wires needs to be connected to the wires that are supposed to connect to the control panel.

Care to share what the condition of your ECM and cruise hardware might be? Maybe some of it can be used in the hookup.

~Stingray

I am not sure about the ECM, but I don't believe my car ever had cruise control.

Skip Burney

I have a rostra setup here but I haven`t installed it yet, I put one in my motorhome and it works like a champ

indydoug

Only about 3/4ths of 1980 'Vettes had cruise (30,821 out of 40,614 if I have my numbers right). So there is a 25% chance your car never had it. If you did you would have seen it by now, the column looks like this:



7T1vette seems to have confused your car for an '82, no ECM as the '80 was the last carb year with no computer controls.

My cruise does not work, and I still don't know what under the hood is part of the CC, or if it is even there any more. Another project for another day. Good luck on yours.

Easy Mike

When available, cruise was always optional on C3s.

7T1vette

He didn't say what year he had, but I did think it was an '82. '81 and earlier had the prior version vacuum/electric control head regulated by the speedometer cable. All those parts are readily available; about any GM car in the 1970's used the same control head and turn-signal switch system (levers were different, but switch and system were the same). The 1980 AIM will show all the hookup and parts for the C3 cruise system.

~Stingray

If it is possible, I would prefer to stay away from another vacuum system. I just don't know how the electric system would be able to tie in and be reliable.

7T1vette

The 'all-electric' cruise system will use vacuum, also....but only for apply to the throttle servo. There will be no vacuum into the 'control' system. And, I agree that will be more reliable.

~Stingray

Are there recommend places to buy these sets? Of course I could do a google search, but suggestions are always better than selecting one from a list that google created.

7T1vette

Amazon sells them from several sources. The 'well-known' suppliers will charge more, but the hardware is usually the same.