correct '77 steering wheel?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa Ontario
correct '77 steering wheel?
Hi Folks,
I've been looking for my first vette for a few years now and have stumbled upon one that interests me. However, I'd like some clarification on the correct steering wheel. I thought they were the 3 spoke wheel, but the pic below is the one on the car. I thought these wheels were used on the '76...maybe they spread to a few '77s as well? It's a Canadian car, if that makes a difference.
New carpet was installed, apparently the rest of the car is all original - although the hood emblem says L-82, the VIN says its an L-48. See below...any thoughts?
Thanks for any help.
I've been looking for my first vette for a few years now and have stumbled upon one that interests me. However, I'd like some clarification on the correct steering wheel. I thought they were the 3 spoke wheel, but the pic below is the one on the car. I thought these wheels were used on the '76...maybe they spread to a few '77s as well? It's a Canadian car, if that makes a difference.
New carpet was installed, apparently the rest of the car is all original - although the hood emblem says L-82, the VIN says its an L-48. See below...any thoughts?
Thanks for any help.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
That seems strange.. That's indeed a '76 steering wheel... Is the VIN definetely a '77 VIN and not a '76 VIN??
'76 VIN is from 1Z37L6S400001 - 1Z37L6S446558
'77 VIN is from 1Z37L7S400001 - 1Z37L7S449213
What's the suffix on the engine?
Here are the valid suffix's for the engine for '77:
CHD: 350ci, 180hp, (automatic transmission, California emissions)
CKD: 350ci, 180hp, (automatic transmission, high altitude use)
CKZ: 350ci, 180hp (manual transmission)
CLA: 350ci, 180hp (automatic transmission)
CLB: 350ci, 180hp (automatic transmission, high altitude use)
CLC: 350ci, 180hp (automatic transmission, California emissions)
CLD: 350ci, 210hp (manual transmission)
CLF: 350ci, 210hp (automatic transmission)
'76 VIN is from 1Z37L6S400001 - 1Z37L6S446558
'77 VIN is from 1Z37L7S400001 - 1Z37L7S449213
What's the suffix on the engine?
Here are the valid suffix's for the engine for '77:
CHD: 350ci, 180hp, (automatic transmission, California emissions)
CKD: 350ci, 180hp, (automatic transmission, high altitude use)
CKZ: 350ci, 180hp (manual transmission)
CLA: 350ci, 180hp (automatic transmission)
CLB: 350ci, 180hp (automatic transmission, high altitude use)
CLC: 350ci, 180hp (automatic transmission, California emissions)
CLD: 350ci, 210hp (manual transmission)
CLF: 350ci, 210hp (automatic transmission)
Last edited by GrandSportC3; Apr 25, 2008 at 09:19 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
that is the 76 vega wheel, also looks like the owner recovered the seat centers in a cloth also not a 77 option and the engine looks like it was repainted a shade off GM blue. Now that's not all bad but you better have someone who knows vette's take a look at this puppy for you. who knows what else Bubba has done and is not telling you.
If the car checks out OK by someone who knows vette's I would offer the seller a few grand less for the obvious. G/L
If the car checks out OK by someone who knows vette's I would offer the seller a few grand less for the obvious. G/L
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 46
From: RedSoxNation Cape Cod, MA
I looked at a bunch of 77's. I have seen them with both steering wheels in them. Late 77's had that wheel I think. Late 77's also had corporation blue motors. The seats are correct, I have seen alot of 77's that had the deluxe interior have the cloth inserts. (mine has them).
Hope this helps alittle
Jimbo
Hope this helps alittle
Jimbo
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
According to Corvette Black Book, the '77's built without Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column (RPO N37), came with the '76 style steering wheel. From the pic you provided, it doesn't appear that this car has the T & T option. Interestingly, less than 3000 came w/o the option so this is a rare car in that respect. Also, Black Book indicates that cloth seats were available. This looks like interior code 72C, red cloth. 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Yes, 77 w/ 72C cloth inserts w/o tilt/tele. I looked at a lot of new 77s at the time & didn't see any w/ the 4 spoke wheel.
Instead of adding, it's better to remove the L-82 emblems.
Instead of adding, it's better to remove the L-82 emblems.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa Ontario
Thanks for the quick replies! So it looks like this is a pretty bare-bones vette. The only options I think it has are power windows, rear window defoger and luggage rack.
Now the thing that concerns me most (tell me if I'm wrong) - apparently the frame near the drivers door needed some welding. I was told that it was done by a certified welder and that it would pass a safety no problem, the only thing needed was 2 rear tires. I've got a bunch of pics of the underside of the car, not entirely sure what I should be looking for.
Also has new calipers, pads and rotors as well as a new master cylinder. New dual exhaust, power steering ram and oil pan.
That's the low down. He's asking $8900 Cdn. but open to offers.
Now the thing that concerns me most (tell me if I'm wrong) - apparently the frame near the drivers door needed some welding. I was told that it was done by a certified welder and that it would pass a safety no problem, the only thing needed was 2 rear tires. I've got a bunch of pics of the underside of the car, not entirely sure what I should be looking for.
Also has new calipers, pads and rotors as well as a new master cylinder. New dual exhaust, power steering ram and oil pan.
That's the low down. He's asking $8900 Cdn. but open to offers.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 3
From: Halifax, NS, Canada
I had a new '77 with the Vega wheel and the cloth inserts.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 46
From: RedSoxNation Cape Cod, MA
If you dont mind me asking, how much are they looking for the car? Hows the body? Original paint?
Just trying to get an idea of if its going to be worth it for you.
I hunted for a long time for my 77. I could have spent more for a nicer car, but got mine for a steal
good luck
Jimbo
Just trying to get an idea of if its going to be worth it for you.
I hunted for a long time for my 77. I could have spent more for a nicer car, but got mine for a steal
good luck
Jimbo
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 665
From: Northeast
According to Corvette Black Book, the '77's built without Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column (RPO N37), came with the '76 style steering wheel. From the pic you provided, it doesn't appear that this car has the T & T option. Interestingly, less than 3000 came w/o the option so this is a rare car in that respect. Also, Black Book indicates that cloth seats were available. This looks like interior code 72C, red cloth.
78 also came with the 4 spoke if no tilt/telescopic steering column.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa Ontario
If you dont mind me asking, how much are they looking for the car? Hows the body? Original paint?
Just trying to get an idea of if its going to be worth it for you.
I hunted for a long time for my 77. I could have spent more for a nicer car, but got mine for a steal
good luck
Jimbo
Just trying to get an idea of if its going to be worth it for you.
I hunted for a long time for my 77. I could have spent more for a nicer car, but got mine for a steal
good luck
Jimbo
Can I ask what you paid for yours and what kind of condition it was in/repairs it needed?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 46
From: RedSoxNation Cape Cod, MA
Mine is not a show winner but I got it for $4500. Its a driver, needs interior work and some odds and ends. Thats what I am working on now, redoing the seats, carpets and doorpanels. Not a big job, but time consumeing and you always find little stuff to fix on the way.
I will be into it at around $5500 when all said and done for a real nice driver. Paints not perfect, but looks good from 10ft.
Thats not a bad price for a turn key car that doesnt neet much...tires are easy and cheap.
Jimbo
I will be into it at around $5500 when all said and done for a real nice driver. Paints not perfect, but looks good from 10ft.
Thats not a bad price for a turn key car that doesnt neet much...tires are easy and cheap.
Jimbo
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa Ontario
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 3
From: belle plaine ks
vega wheel
Can that "vega" wheel be swapped out for a regular wheel? I have one that is disintegrating. Feels real sticky. I've been told that is what the plastics in it do when the wheel is falling apart. Anybody know?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25