I think I hate her....
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
Dont forget high blood preasure
Kevin, man you have a great car that is a blast to drive when you get her done!!! Just be patient and enjoy working on it. If you dont enjoy working on it you will be unhappy alot since that is most of the quality time you will spend with your vette... When I start to feel like I hate mine I just take a break for a good long time, and when I go in the garage and look at her after that long break I forget what I was even mad about
I couldn't have said it better. I think most of us are either in the same boat or started out the same way. My car has one thing to fix after another. One by one I'm getting it done and the feeling of accomplishment keeps getting better. When I get frustrated or tired, I just put everything down and come back another day.
During the breaks, I plan my next project or re-evaluate the one I'm working on. There have been many times when I just couldn't get something worked out no matter how long I worked on to return a few days later after thinking about and I get it all done in 10 mins.
Keep the faith brother and good luck!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Thanks for the moral support, guys. And yes, today IS a new day. Gonna go to town on that POS, yank out all of the dash and center panel pieces, and see if I can't find where that wire is cut/grounding. I swear, I'll replace every darn one if I have to...
I guess it was just the heat that got to me. And the deadline. I am getting married on Oct. 6. I want her ready for that, and be able to drive some of my friends around in it legally, as I have not seen some of them in years, and I have been telling them all about how awesome this car is.
Time to put on more sun block, and go sweat my but off some more.
I guess it was just the heat that got to me. And the deadline. I am getting married on Oct. 6. I want her ready for that, and be able to drive some of my friends around in it legally, as I have not seen some of them in years, and I have been telling them all about how awesome this car is.
Time to put on more sun block, and go sweat my but off some more.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Oh, and I don't mind working on the car, I just wish a new more of what I was doing. I have a haynes manual, but that thing is not much help to me, more often than not. I swear, those things are made for people who pretty much already know what they are doing. I need a C3 shop book for dummies, lol.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
Oh, and I don't mind working on the car, I just wish a new more of what I was doing. I have a haynes manual, but that thing is not much help to me, more often than not. I swear, those things are made for people who pretty much already know what they are doing. I need a C3 shop book for dummies, lol.
I don't know how much experience you have with C3's but if you start disassembling the dash without any knowledge you will most likely be in for a few unpleasant surprises.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
Hey, your doing a great job. When I fix something it take two times for me to get it right. These cars can be a money pit but the feeing of doing it yourself it great.
Take a break and then continue.
Take a break and then continue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Ahhh, quitcherbichin! At least you got to drive yours around the block, been near 3 yrs for me! And a few months to Go! LOL
OK< before you start yankin wires, here are a couple diagrams that might help a bit. The Haynes manual sux, order the GM service manual for your year, its WAY better
The rebuild kit for the PS pump is only about $10 and its an easy job, just dirty and the only special tool is the pulley puller
Blower circuit
Brakes
For some reason I can't find the window circuit, I'll dig it up tonight
OK< before you start yankin wires, here are a couple diagrams that might help a bit. The Haynes manual sux, order the GM service manual for your year, its WAY better
The rebuild kit for the PS pump is only about $10 and its an easy job, just dirty and the only special tool is the pulley puller
Blower circuit
Brakes
For some reason I can't find the window circuit, I'll dig it up tonight
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 15
From: Confusion
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,801
Likes: 0
From: Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the women TX
Ahhh, quitcherbichin! At least you got to drive yours around the block, been near 3 yrs for me! And a few months to Go! LOL
OK< before you start yankin wires, here are a couple diagrams that might help a bit. The Haynes manual sux, order the GM service manual for your year, its WAY better
The rebuild kit for the PS pump is only about $10 and its an easy job, just dirty and the only special tool is the pulley puller
Blower circuit
For some reason I can't find the window circuit, I'll dig it up tonight
OK< before you start yankin wires, here are a couple diagrams that might help a bit. The Haynes manual sux, order the GM service manual for your year, its WAY better
The rebuild kit for the PS pump is only about $10 and its an easy job, just dirty and the only special tool is the pulley puller
Blower circuit
For some reason I can't find the window circuit, I'll dig it up tonight
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 2
From: Sherwood Park AB
I hear you... They way I see it is that it will be that much more enjoyable once you drive it.
The reverse lights may be the switch (rod) on the tranny is not hooked up. The turn signal not blinking could be a burnt out bulb or flasher.
I bought mine out of province, had to have it inspected. It failed due to leaks, power locks, etc. I ended up fixing or replacing almost everything, except for the clutch and paintjob. I took it to the race track and burnt out the clutch... it is 3/4 stripped in my garage. I have driven it 150 km since I started to take it apart.
The reverse lights may be the switch (rod) on the tranny is not hooked up. The turn signal not blinking could be a burnt out bulb or flasher.
I bought mine out of province, had to have it inspected. It failed due to leaks, power locks, etc. I ended up fixing or replacing almost everything, except for the clutch and paintjob. I took it to the race track and burnt out the clutch... it is 3/4 stripped in my garage. I have driven it 150 km since I started to take it apart.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 0
From: Green Bay Wi
Its all good dude. Welcome to the world of the 30 year old corvette.
I know that does not help but I assure you we all feel your PAIN. We are or have been or will be were you are. knee deep in nickel and dime.
when i got my vette('70 t-top), 2 hours after getting her off the trailer, on my way to my buddies house(he owns a '69 convert) to show off my new ride, 2 blocks from his house I blew the clutch. 
how embarrassing is that, to have to call him up now and tow me to his shop?
You fix her and move on. Working on them is 1/2 the fun...
We are only here to help. wipe those wrenches off have a few cold brewskis.. take the night off... this is suppose to be fun...
Welcome to the world of the 30 year old corvette. I know that does not help but I assure you we all feel your PAIN. We are or have been or will be were you are. knee deep in nickel and dime. when i got my vette('70 t-top), 2 hours after getting her off the trailer, on my way to my buddies house(he owns a '69 convert) to show off my new ride, 2 blocks from his house I blew the clutch. how embarrassing is that, to have to call him up now and tow me to his shop? You fix her and move on. Working on them is 1/2 the fun...
We are only here to help. wipe those wrenches off have a few cold brewskis.. take the night off... this is suppose to be fun...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Eh, I'm not sure why I said motor...I was more than likely getting ahead of myself and thinking of the windows....but yes, I know it's a pump.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Thanks for the diagram, and I have ordered the GM shop manual, I found one on amazon for 17 bucks, plus shipping. Should be here sometime in the next 2 days or so. And yes, the Haynes books sucks big ones, though it DOES have all the electrical diagrams. However, it assumes that I know how to read them. No matter, though, as, more than likely, after yanking out some of the interior pieces, I'm just going to replace every darn wire in there, they all seem pretty bad, and spliced in multiple places. Brings a smile to my face to know that someone else, at least, suffered with her as I will.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Hey, off hand, do you guys know of any....er....cheap places, to get stuff for C3s? The two places I have been ordering from mostly are Summit Racing, and Ecklers. Summit has most of the stuff I have needed, up to this point, with one exception...the parking brake rebuild kit. For the other stuff, like wiring harnesses, I have only been able to find them ar eckler's. And they are kinda pricey, I think.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Lake Wylie SC
Check out willcoxcorvette.com. They're significantly less that Ecklers. There's also a discount for forum members.
Advance Auto Parts also carries a lot of the standard parts like the heater core, window motors, etc.
Advance Auto Parts also carries a lot of the standard parts like the heater core, window motors, etc.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Hang in there withthe wiring...On my 3rd C4 and I pray I never have to get behind the dash, literally miles of wiring. Sometimes I miss the simplicity of the ol 73. Love/hate describes it well. Keep at it, best part is once its all sorted out you can drive with confidence knowing its not going to let you down. 
At least thats what I keep telling myself. Im a compulsive liar, ya know lol.
Yah, right.
At least thats what I keep telling myself. Im a compulsive liar, ya know lol.
Yah, right.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
After replacing window switches about once a year, I installed relays for the windows. Pain in the butt, but worth it if it saves me taking the seats out a couple more times. I've struggled with the wiring on my '82 for quite awhile.
You'll get there......eventually
You'll get there......eventually
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,209
Likes: 12
From: Montgomery Alabama
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Before you tear into the dash, you might want to check the wiring in the console. It is much easier to get to, and I found a few bare wires in mine.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Well, I got my windows to work. The problem was nothing more than an exposed wire, pretty much right behind the center cluster on the dash.
As for the heater, though. The white flag is up. 2 hellish days later, I surrender. I think for this one, I'm going to have to take her to a pro to get that wire tracked and whacked. I checked everything up to the point that it goes up into the engine bay, at which point, I can't seem to find a way to gain access to it. Hopefully, taking this to a shop won't cost me more than......1,000.........sigh. Time to turn off the AC, kill the cable, and eat ramen for a month or tow, lol.
As for the heater, though. The white flag is up. 2 hellish days later, I surrender. I think for this one, I'm going to have to take her to a pro to get that wire tracked and whacked. I checked everything up to the point that it goes up into the engine bay, at which point, I can't seem to find a way to gain access to it. Hopefully, taking this to a shop won't cost me more than......1,000.........sigh. Time to turn off the AC, kill the cable, and eat ramen for a month or tow, lol.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
If you have power there but not at the controls take the relay apart and inspect it.
They are prone to corrosion.
The relay can be bought at a local parts store for very little $$