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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 02:40 PM
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Default First time 1970 owner

I just bot the 1970 convertible. Was amazed at the 3" clearance where the exhaust passes under the rear axle. I hear a knocking in that area when i add or decrease presure on the accelerator when driving it. Wonder what that is? Also wonder why the vacuum system raises the headlights, most of the time but not the wiper door? The previous owner also put in a 2-way switch next to the original wiper switch for hi and lo speed wiping-why not just fix the original switch? It looks like a minor rehab for the car all around since it has been sitting for a while but runs. Any thoughts for a first time owner on any of this as well as a good mechanic here in the FtWorth area? Best place to go to for parts like radio, antenna/motor, switches, spare tire, touch up paint, etc.? Looking forward to this new 'labor of love'

Ken
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 03:31 PM
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Welcome Ken,
Vacuum problems are just a matter of troubleshooting. You can visit the wilcox website for tips, or buy the system diagram and guide from doc rebuild.
Sounds like bubba got to the wiper switch...hopefully its just a new switch to fix it.
1970 did not have a power antenna.
Original radio or aftermarket?
most of the vendors on the left side of the page have everything you need.
Touch up paint is probably not a good idea...if the paint is original its faded, if it has been resprayed you dont know the exact color, is it basecoat/clearcoat?

Post pictures.
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 11:51 PM
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364946,

I'm partial to 70's! The second Corvette I owned was and still is a 70!

I can help you on the wiper and vacuum problems but you'll need to inspect the help and repair pages on this system and then post what you see.

On the exhaust, is there a bracket on the back of the tranny? There should be one and this is what keeps the system centered on the car. It also will keep you from a hitting the crossmember when you hit the throttle.

You don't need to buy the diagram, I should have one on the site and if not I can post one for you. Start with these:

http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=218

http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...elp.php?hID=95

I'll be out of town and won't be online as often starting tomorrow. But Dwnnchs is very smart with the vacuum system and the wiper schematic I posted. I'm sure between him and me checking back in a few days we can get you going.

Willcox Inc.
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 07:57 AM
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Ken,

Welcome to the Forum and congrats on your 70 Vert. You know we need to see some pics.

Rickman
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 08:18 AM
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Another happy C3 owner....welcome to the family
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 08:30 AM
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Just got my '70 vert in March and love it. Could you do me a favor and take some pics from the back under the car? I would like to see how low your exhaust is, mine seems very low, I scrape the road if I take a bump or dip too fast.
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by 364946
I just bot the 1970 convertible. Was amazed at the 3" clearance where the exhaust passes under the rear axle. I hear a knocking in that area when i add or decrease presure on the accelerator when driving it. Wonder what that is? Also wonder why the vacuum system raises the headlights, most of the time but not the wiper door? The previous owner also put in a 2-way switch next to the original wiper switch for hi and lo speed wiping-why not just fix the original switch? It looks like a minor rehab for the car all around since it has been sitting for a while but runs. Any thoughts for a first time owner on any of this as well as a good mechanic here in the FtWorth area? Best place to go to for parts like radio, antenna/motor, switches, spare tire, touch up paint, etc.? Looking forward to this new 'labor of love'

Ken
Congrats ! Im on my second 1970 . The first was a base engine (350/300 h.p) convertible , and my second is a built Big Block (468/540 h.p.) numbers matching Coupe. What you can do ,temporarily, on the suspected exhaust system vibration, is wedge a small block of wood in the area where the clearance is tight , then take it for a ride and see if the knocking noise goes away ; hopefully its not something more serious as in the rear differential .
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 08:43 AM
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and the fun begins!!
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 09:29 AM
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You can now be like the rest of us and keep all your money in the garage!
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 09:30 AM
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Welcome from another '70 owner.

http://www.1970corvetteregistry.org/
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 11:12 AM
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RE: knocking when accelerating, I had a lot of trouble getting my right side exhaust pipe placed so that it would not hit one of the spring mounting bolts.

You didn't say whether this was a small block or big block but there are 2 sizes of exhaust pipes, 2" and 2.5". Obviously the 2.5" pipes ride a little closer to the spring so you have to work with the bends in both the pipe and the muffler to get them both placed just right.

cc

BTW welcome to the family.
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by bradc6
Welcome from another '70 owner.

http://www.1970corvetteregistry.org/
Another '70 onwer here too so welcome! Check out the '70 registry above. Neat site!
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Old Jun 16, 2009 | 11:43 AM
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Welcome from another '70 owner as well ... have a question ... just ask!
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Old Jun 16, 2009 | 01:21 PM
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Welcome, You are gonna love that vette.
I never knew there were so many rich people in the world.
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Old Jun 16, 2009 | 02:26 PM
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Welcome from yet another 70 owner! You'll love it!
Good advice above. That exhaust bracket that bolts to the rear of the tranny is missing on mine, bought one and need to install, and the exhaust does at times bump the underside making a clunking sound.
Get the AIM-Assembly Instruction Manual and the chassis repair manuals for the 70. Worth their weight in gold. The AIM was used by the assembly line workers.
Post some pics!
Good luck with it!
Glenn
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Old Jun 16, 2009 | 02:39 PM
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Originally Posted by 70Yellowbird
Welcome from another '70 owner as well ... have a question ... just ask!
Great to see so many 70's
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Old Jun 16, 2009 | 02:48 PM
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Originally Posted by My70
Great to see so many 70's
A few things that I really like about the 1970 model, is that it had been out a couple of years which gave GM time to work out some of the gremlins ; plus I like the rear fender flares to stop stones from making a mess , last year for high(er) compression ratio, and tall seat backs are comfy. Plus of course the rear pop-out window which gets a good breeze going thru just like a convertible when the windows are rolled down. Can you say >>> ??!
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Old Jun 16, 2009 | 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Flying Low
Welcome, You are gonna love that vette.
I never knew there were so many rich people in the world.
You mean before they bought the corvette, right????
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Old Jun 16, 2009 | 05:24 PM
  #19  
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yes welcome to the world of '70 owners.. don't forget to register

http://www.1970corvetteregistry.org/
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Old Jun 16, 2009 | 08:37 PM
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Welcome.
Us "70'" guys need to stick together.
It's good to have a "common thread" since the
70' seems to be a different animal than the 69' and 71'.

I have found things about my car that are not in the
70' Assembly Manual. A lot of pages were written in early
69' and apparently do not apply to my car, built in late May of 1970.

Rudy
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