Hi Fellas!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 617
Likes: 8
From: Morgan City LA
Hi Fellas!
i too finally got my first vette!! always loved the C3's they are my favorite generation. i got mine on ebay, she's a beaut but i guess like all cars 20+ years there's some issues. i'm hoping you guys can help me out with some question and any input would be greatly appreciated.
thanks in advance!
1. Steering wheel play: if i were to hold the wheel at the 12 oclock position i have about a inch of play to both sides. i was told there's an adjustment that can be made to take out the play or do you guys think it may be something else?
2. Headlights: one only comes up about half way. any suggestions?
3. Power antenna: how hard is it to replace?
sorry for the noob questions guys. i'm all
thanks in advance!
1. Steering wheel play: if i were to hold the wheel at the 12 oclock position i have about a inch of play to both sides. i was told there's an adjustment that can be made to take out the play or do you guys think it may be something else?
2. Headlights: one only comes up about half way. any suggestions?
3. Power antenna: how hard is it to replace?
sorry for the noob questions guys. i'm all
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Welcome to the forum. 
You'll fit in great here, I can already tell.
#1 - It could be one of two things. The steering column rag joint may be worn out and needs to be replaced. If it's in good shape, the steering box needs some work. I would advise against doing this yourself, as even some pros will do damage to the box by adjusting it when it really needs a rebuild.
PM this guy, as he will give you the best advise for handling an ailing steering gear box.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/priv...o=newpm&u=2241
#2 - You probably have a vacuum leak. There are two vacuum tubes that go in through the firewall to the headlight switch, and one should T to go to the manifold where it gets it's vacuum. Trace the rest up to the front, where it splits to the relays and tank. Check all of the vacuum tubes for cracks or loose connections. It's possible the relays need to be replaced, as they are vacuum instead of electric. You can test the vacuum actuators too, but we can walk you through that when you have searched for vacuum leaks.
#3 - Not hard. You can jack up the back, and get under the rear fender to access the antenna. what's the problem? Is it trying to work at all? May just be a bad fuse.
You'll fit in great here, I can already tell.#1 - It could be one of two things. The steering column rag joint may be worn out and needs to be replaced. If it's in good shape, the steering box needs some work. I would advise against doing this yourself, as even some pros will do damage to the box by adjusting it when it really needs a rebuild.
PM this guy, as he will give you the best advise for handling an ailing steering gear box.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/priv...o=newpm&u=2241
#2 - You probably have a vacuum leak. There are two vacuum tubes that go in through the firewall to the headlight switch, and one should T to go to the manifold where it gets it's vacuum. Trace the rest up to the front, where it splits to the relays and tank. Check all of the vacuum tubes for cracks or loose connections. It's possible the relays need to be replaced, as they are vacuum instead of electric. You can test the vacuum actuators too, but we can walk you through that when you have searched for vacuum leaks.
#3 - Not hard. You can jack up the back, and get under the rear fender to access the antenna. what's the problem? Is it trying to work at all? May just be a bad fuse.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 617
Likes: 8
From: Morgan City LA
Hi Durango! thanks for the quick reply!
i'll check out the vacum lines on that headlight. on the antenna it's stuck in the up position been like that since i bought it. i'll check the fuses but it's got a pretty good bend in it.
thanks for you help!
i'll check out the vacum lines on that headlight. on the antenna it's stuck in the up position been like that since i bought it. i'll check the fuses but it's got a pretty good bend in it.
thanks for you help!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Welcome to the forum!!! The steering play check everything-do nothing unless you know what your doing!!! If the antenna is bent just replace it from one of are vendors its easy just make sure the ground wire is making a good connection`
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
Congratulations on your first vette!
I agree with the previous comments.
Now that you have the vette you need the AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) which were used on the assembly line by the workers ( i got mine from Mid America for 16.99, and the Chassis Repair manual for your year. You can get these from all the vendors. Post some pics of the interior and engine bay!
Glenn
I agree with the previous comments.
Now that you have the vette you need the AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) which were used on the assembly line by the workers ( i got mine from Mid America for 16.99, and the Chassis Repair manual for your year. You can get these from all the vendors. Post some pics of the interior and engine bay!
Glenn
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Howdy!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
Congratulations on your Corvette and welcome to the Forum.
I don't understand why the steering box can't be PROPERLY (as in GENTLY) adjusted.
I did mine on my 68 several years ago with the nut on top of the steering box. If you torque the heck out of it you will do damage but if you loosen the nut and gently remove play from the stud and then hold it in that position as you tighten the nut , I don't know why that would damage anything. It removes the slop/play out of the steering. The local Benz dealer just did the same thing to my Benz a month ago and it took about an inch of play out of the steering wheel.
In any event, good luck with your new toy and post some pictures soon.
Kurt
I don't understand why the steering box can't be PROPERLY (as in GENTLY) adjusted.
I did mine on my 68 several years ago with the nut on top of the steering box. If you torque the heck out of it you will do damage but if you loosen the nut and gently remove play from the stud and then hold it in that position as you tighten the nut , I don't know why that would damage anything. It removes the slop/play out of the steering. The local Benz dealer just did the same thing to my Benz a month ago and it took about an inch of play out of the steering wheel.
In any event, good luck with your new toy and post some pictures soon.
Kurt