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Old Mar 5, 2008 | 08:59 AM
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Default Engine Compartment Questions

Started cleaning up my engine compartment tonight and need some help.
- Radiator support haa a corner basically rusted out. Anyone with suggestions on best place to get a replacement?
- I used Semi Flat for the engine bay and do not think I like. What have others used: semi gloss, gloss?
- How can I tell if my headlight door actuators need rebuilt (I assume they do)? Is there some way to open and check out. Figure this is the time to do it since rad. support is out.
- Found two rubber items that look like bullets in the firewall. What are they for?
- Is there any way to get the rubber grommets for the wiring harness and the vacuum lines out, or do I want to?
- Should I replace my vacuum can(?) while the engine is out. Looks like it could be tough with engine in.
- Power steering has one hose that is a red rubber hose, is this correct?
My AIM is in shipping so some of these answers may be on the way. Thanks for your help.
scott
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Old Mar 5, 2008 | 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by foooz
- Radiator support haa a corner basically rusted out. Anyone with suggestions on best place to get a replacement?

Coffman Corvette, they are the guys that make most of the replacements, super high quality, good price, 888-774-0220

- I used Semi Flat for the engine bay and do not think I like. What have others used: semi gloss, gloss?

I use gloss black, cheapest (usually Krylon), starts out a little too glossy but after age/wear looks right.

Steve
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Old Mar 5, 2008 | 12:41 PM
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1) Firewall paint. I used Eastwood's chassis paint for the frame and other parts like the firewall. NCRS people probably have a more exactiing paint recommendation.

2) Headlight actuators. Just use a vacuum source and see if they work. A Mity-Vac (?) is an inexpensive hand helt vacuum source. I think you can get seal kits to redo the seals.

3) rubber bullets? I think these are the ends of rubber carpet plugs. For instance the passengers carpet has three of them.

4) rubber grommets. These things are probably rock hard with age, making them tough to pry out. Dr Rebuild has new replacements. The vacuum hoses have to be pulled completely through, making it difficult to replace the hoses without removing the instrument panel. I think the grommet holes have slits for the tach and speedo cables, so you can install these cables without undoing the ends at the tach/speedo.

5) Vacuum Can. This is the big can underneath the Master Cylinder and behind the wheel well. This is a difficult thing to remove on the 68 and 69. The 70 and up has removeable louvers that make access much easier. Don't know where you get a new one.

6) Red PS Hose. The correct hoses are black.
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Old Mar 5, 2008 | 12:47 PM
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For your vacuum canister, if you dont have to keep it for emissions you can get rid of it. but i replaced mine on my 75 and have a brand new extra one. Let me know if you want to replace it. i got it from year one for around 70 bucks. $20 + shipping
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Old Mar 5, 2008 | 01:36 PM
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I'd keep the cannister, if it is still hooked up. It does no harm and can clear out some fumes that are undesirable.

Boy, that "rubber bullet" question stumped me...but the answer above is probably correct. There are 3 rubber carpet plugs on each side that hold the front end of the carpet onto the firewall. Don't cut them off [unless you already have, of course]; they're a pain to re-install.
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Old Mar 5, 2008 | 01:55 PM
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Default Actuator seals....

I have two complete sets of actuator seals

(fronts/backs) to rebuild both your actuators...

still in the packages!

$30 bucks and YOU pay actual shipping costs.

Let me know if you still need them.

Dave
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Old Mar 5, 2008 | 02:19 PM
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Default comment on paint..

Several years ago I had read that John Deere Black was very close to the original engine compartment paint color and luster. I used it and was very happy. My paint guy even commented that it looked stock.

My .02
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Old Mar 6, 2008 | 12:26 AM
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75vettehelp and A72coupedt - pm sent.

All others thanks for the help. I am not restoring to NCRS standards so the recommendations helped. I am going to shoot the gloss tonight and see if I like it.

scott
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Old Mar 6, 2008 | 12:37 AM
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Originally Posted by 69monzacpe
Several years ago I had read that John Deere Black was very close to the original engine compartment paint color and luster. I used it and was very happy. My paint guy even commented that it looked stock.

My .02
Where do you get John Deere paint? can you order it? I dont have a JD store close.
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Old Mar 6, 2008 | 12:40 AM
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Originally Posted by 7T1vette
I'd keep the cannister, if it is still hooked up. It does no harm and can clear out some fumes that are undesirable.

Boy, that "rubber bullet" question stumped me...but the answer above is probably correct. There are 3 rubber carpet plugs on each side that hold the front end of the carpet onto the firewall. Don't cut them off [unless you already have, of course]; they're a pain to re-install.
I was just under my dash removing the heater core this weekend and at the same time removed the old inner firewall cover. Its got jute on one side and a soft sheet facing into the interior. It is held in place by 3 plastic grommets that push through the firewall into the engine compartment - these i think are the rubber bullets.
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Old Mar 6, 2008 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by DJordan442
Where do you get John Deere paint? can you order it? I dont have a JD store close.
We have a store nearby. Here's a link to their website. It's called "blitz black". Scroll up to the grid that gives all the colors, PN TY25631.

https://jdparts.deere.com/partsmkt/d...gh-temperature
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 12:04 AM
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Back to the vacuum hose question . I rummaged through the Doc's website and for the life of me can not figure out which kits I need. 1975 coupe, 350ci, auto, with ac. I am wanting to replace essentially all vacuum hoses on the car (wipers, headlight, heater/ac controls, others(?)). Can someone tell me which kits I need to order? I will be getting the catalog with the order, maybe it will help me figure this type item out in the future. Thanks for help.
scott
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 08:48 AM
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From the catalogue:

-Dr Rebuild's Corvette 73-79 Head Lamp Vacuum Hose Kit
ALL kits include RED, BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW and WHITE narrow striped hoses with RAISED RIBS, plus T PIPE connectors and detailed FULL COLOR INSTRUCTION and a FULL COLOR SCHEMATIC. Our full color schematic was produced by Dr Rebuild and he looked under the hood of many Corvettes. COMPARE to Zip
SELECT STRAIGHT or MOLDED HOSE KITS. Molded hoses have one or both ends formed into a tight 90 degree bend i.e. they are vulcanized to a permanent shape. These 90 degree bends ensure that a hose will not kink and collapse on a tight bend as original. Straight hoses are an economical alternative. COMPARE to Zip
- MODEL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PART #


Price
73-79 STRAIGHT KIT has 16 hoses, 3 T-pipes, 36 feet of hose.

2777309


49.00
73-76 MOLDED KIT has 16 hoses with 3 molded for the actuators & intake, 3 T-pipes, 36 feet of hose.

2777410


65.00


Looks like 2777410 will give you what you need.
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 09:58 AM
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Thanks so much.
scott
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 10:18 AM
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Last question. What does the hot water shut off valve look like? For 75's there are two kits depending on whether this valve is involved. I did not see anything that looked like a valve but am not sure. My door tag says my car was built in 01/75 which would lead me to believe early 75 no valve installed.
scott
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