Interior almost done, so happy
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Syracuse New York
Interior done!, so happy
I'm replacing the interior in my 78 4-spd. In October 2010 I put a new dash in w/ speakers, tach,speedo, etc. After installing it none of my dash lights worked or my tail/brake lights. So, fast forward to July 2011 (because I have not had any time or patience to work on it), I spent ~$40 dollars on a new headlight switch and "presto", problem solved, very happy!! The reverse lights still don't work but I'm hoping that's just a switch also. Roger (CF member) has been extremely helpful and I'll try to post some before/after pics when I get a chance. Hopefully, it won't take 8-9 months like my last project. I just wanted to share my experience to give some hope to others that it's not always an expensive fix required for these vehicles!
Last edited by VetteProject; Oct 6, 2011 at 01:57 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 431
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From: Willoughby Hills OH
Yes please post some pics. I got a 78 4-speed also. I may be re-doing my dash soon (next couple years) and there is fading and cracks in the upper corners from sun exposure.
Did you put stock speakers back in or did you do any speaker upgrades?
Did you put stock speakers back in or did you do any speaker upgrades?
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Syracuse New York
I'll post some new pics when I get the chance. You can see in my profile the old pics with the cracked dash, etc.
I put new speakers in (same as originals) in the dash. While it was apart I ran wires to the back of the car and installed new (same as original) speakers with brackets as the car did not have them.
I put new speakers in (same as originals) in the dash. While it was apart I ran wires to the back of the car and installed new (same as original) speakers with brackets as the car did not have them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 945
Likes: 10
From: Winston Salem NC
I had a similar problem after switching the hoses on the headlight switch. I could not turn on the interior lights. I pushed the connector dimly onto the switch and they worked. That cable is just long enough to plug in and no longer.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
Good luck with the back up lights. I bought everything to get my back up lights working and have never been able to get them adjusted correctly. The lights come on and stay on constantly. BTW, a new light switch also fixed my non functioning dash lights.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Syracuse New York
This was my first attempt ever doing something like this, it's not perfect but far better than it was. About 98% of what you see is new/dyed and I have some other pics of moulding, storage area, etc. if interested. Interior done: now on to brakes, then exhaust, then paint (long way away)
Last edited by VetteProject; Oct 5, 2011 at 09:55 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 155
When the tailights aren't ground properly crazy stuff happens.
I had the back lights acting just like you describe.
When I went back and made sure the tailights / housings were properly grounded the goofy stuff stopped and they work perfectly now.
Might be worth the try.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Syracuse New York
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 80
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From: Syracuse New York
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 80
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From: Syracuse New York
I bought the car in Nov 2009. So basically 2yrs to look like it does now however; we have winters here that last ~5 months and I don't do anything on it during that time (too cold). So I would estimate over a years time working off and on, including some light engine work also.