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I have a 71 which has the origional alarm option. My question is how do you arm/disarm it? I can't find any good information from internet searches. Thanks.
There is an alarm keyed switch (uses oval head key) at the rear of the car just above the corvette letters. Turn the key to the right and remove...the alarm is armed. Open a door hood etc and a horn will sound. Turn the key to the left to silence. The alarm horn is located drivers side rear tucked up under the rear fender. The alarm relay & flasher are located in the passenger side storage compartment.
You can remove the alarm key switch and take it to a real Locksmith where they can make you a key. The switch is held on by a clip and two wires are attached to the end of the barrel. Look in vendor catalogs or AIM for detailed pictures.
IT MAY BE THAT YOUR SWITCH IS LOCATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER ABOVE THE SIDE VENT, I THINK THEY MOVED IT TO THE REAR IN '72. SOMEONE ELSE WILL COME ALONG AND CONFIRM THIS OR CORRECT ME ON IT.
Last edited by kansas123; Mar 4, 2022 at 09:00 PM.
Location and style, somewhat depends on the build date, year.
My March 71, as does my 72 have it in the rear like yours and the 72's. The style of mine is the same as the 72's. Looks like a door lock. Cost is $80 to 100. 70 late to 77 or so.
There is also a B&S key for the alarms, don't remember the dates. They have a "button" center and are a lot cheaper to replace. 68 to 70 early I think. Cost is $29 to 39.
Zip Corvette parts had the best selection. The alarm became standard in 72.
The key switch is hold on the rear body by a “Retainer Clip” you will have to feel with way the opening is facing. I used a smal plastic trim tool to remove it from the key switch. It is the same Clip that is used to hold the door locks on. Google for better pictures. Here is one from a supplier catalog. I am sure one of the vendors has a picture showing the key switch attached. You should not have to remove anything on the rear fascia of the car. Once the clip is removed GENTLY pull it out and you can then disconnect the wires. It doesn’t matter which terminal the wires go to.
The clips are horse shoe shaped, use your finger to find the ridge that you will pull to release it from the key switch.
Sorry, the one I need is for a 69 and is held on with a nut. The replacements have what looks like a thin stainless steal washer with them, which mine doesn't have. So I was wondering where the washer goes, inside or outside. Can anyone that has a 68-70 with the factory alarm switch installed, post a picture of theirs?
Thanks PJO.
The alarm switch seems to have been removed before. Probably when it was painted before me. That plate (which shows up in my AIM) is missing. I'm assuming that is what helps keeping the switch from rotating if turning the key too far.The new switch I recieved has a thin SS washer and no plate (https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...ey-switch.aspx).
Thought that it was supposed to go on the outside which would make it look more like a door lock. Looking thru the forum, it seems there is no consensus for what direction the switch is clocked. ie. key horizontal, vertical, which direction to turn on. Maybe it's spelled out in a judging manual? I only want to put it in once.
Thanks
When the alarm is disarmed the key slot is vertical with the teeth of the key facing down, When it is armed you turn the key clockwise then it will be horizontal.I owned a 1969 brand new and remember it well. There is no washer under the switch from the outside of the rear panel.
Thanks Ralph,
That's the way I installed it. I put the supplied washer on the inside against the back of the fiberglass. Turns out the washer was not stainless steel. The plate with the double D hole in it was not on the car..Had to add a block (spacer) on the hood to get the hood switch to work. The rt. door works correctly, but opening the left door does not trigger the alarm. Just wiggled the left switch and the alarm went off. Needs a little cleaning or replaced and all will be good. I love it when a plan comes together!
Thanks All.
Sorry that was for a 68L-69. Here is the arming cylinder and clip for a 1971 p/n 374169 notice the different cylinder outside cover from 68-69 and later design.
Agreed but it is the only option as p/n 3990870 is almost none existent so for service is the 374169. But you still can find the Escutcheon p/n 3897449
