Does the knurled ring around your horn feature a small lever or protrusion? I have the original '76 owner's manual which mentions and shows the lever, but the ring on my wheel doesn't have one. I inspected it to see if it broke or wore off. Nada. However, it spins freely suggesting that, maybe, something's disconnected or broken inside.

Just trying to figure out if I have another project to free up the telescope feature if the column is capable of it.

Thanks. And apologies for the thread-swerve. I should probably post this in Tech/Perf.

Dan G>

 

I like the rope effect (kinda nautical.) But could it be that the 'marlinspike' contributes to that wheel's higher price?

Even still, this proves your point; I didn't know the wheel was used on so many high performance GM offerings.

Dan G>

 

Great photograph. Great Corvette.

 

I tried to find a reference for the optional removable window but no success. It this aftermarket and how does it work?

 

It was standard equipment on the 1968 thru 1972 models. It was discontinued in 1973. It was never an option on the 1973 thru 1977 models.

However, the removable rear window was " interchangeable" with the fixed rear window and some people have replaced their fixed rear window on the 1973-1977 models with a pop out rear window assembly from an earlier 68-72 model.

It requires finding a 68-72 rear window assembly, latches, mounting plate and a new rear window gasket, ( for the 68-72 year models).

All the mounting holes are still present from the earlier tooling.

Pretty straight forward swap. Can be done in a few hours time.

 

The "one year only" 1976 T&T steering wheel had an integral hub molded into it. So even though the actual steering column was the same as 1969-1975, the steering wheel required a unique horn cap, emblem, retainer, telescope lock lever, upper horn contact, extension, etc.

Since the steering column itself was the same, the old steering wheel can be easily adapted as long as you have the required hub, extension, horn, and telescope lock parts listed above.

In fact, the leather wrapped 1977-1982 T&T steering wheel can also be adapted to the 1976 T&T column. Again, you are required to obtain a new hub, extension, telescope lock, and horn parts.

So finding the correct attaching parts may be a pain, but the steering wheels can be adapted.

I ordered a brand new 1976 Vette. When the 1977s came out, the first thing I did was upgrade to the new leather wrapped steering wheel. Working in the Product Engineering section at Saginaw Steering Gear Division, GMC it was very easy to obtain all the correct attaching parts from my engineering friends in the steering column area.
Jim

 

Also requires new interior halo panels, unless you want to cut your existing ones.

 

Thank you so much for that info! It certainly answers my question: I'll need to investigate my steering column to find out why the lever (ring) is dysfunctional. The exploded drawings are invaluable, as well as your actual GM working experience.

Dan G>

 

Thanks.

 

I am a bit late to the party but I got a few thoughts. My 1976 was my first ever Corvette. I really didn't know much about the uniqueness of this year or others although I repaired many bodies and paint jobs.

My list is:

- Last year for Stingray
- Last year for the 'pedistal' mirror
- Same gauge cluster since 1968 and never seen since
- First year for aluminum rims
- 'Vegavette' steering wheel
- Mid year change up on a/c
- Steel floor pans to reduce heat

Just a few items that made it one of a kind or a new beginning to the next model.

When I brought it home for the first time on the car trailer our small boys had a bit of a hard time telling what it was (lots of pieces) but when I said it was a Corvette they asked if it was a 'Stingray'...

That made my day.

 

Yep, mine is TT.

 

What is a pedistal mirror and what about AC mid year change up?

 

I have a 76. There is no lever the ring just turns. Left to unlock the telescopic part, right to lock it.If it just spins somethings wrong. They all had tilt telescopics I believe.

 

The T&T steering column was still an option in 1976. The T&T column became the only available column sometime during the 1979 model year. As far as I know, a tilt and telescoping steering column has been the only available steering column ever since.
Jim

 

I sold my 76 vette . took off the Vega wheel and added a few things. Sold in the mid $20's. That was enough value for me to get my 69.
http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/ta...deshow/my%2076

 

Sorry, spelling mistake, 'pedestal' mirror meaning the mirror on the door(s) with the long chrome piece before the mirror head. 77 went to 'sport' mirrors.

Mid year a/c change... Long a/c compressor early, short a/c compressor later.

Forgot about the electric defrost on the back glass.

 

no it doesnt. When I turn it and it stops the damn horn blows though

 

As I suspected. Added to the project list, and thanks!

Dan G>

 

Well, that pretty much shoots to hell my theory you have to wait 'till 2025 to get that kind of money. At least for a car as near perfect as yours was.

Dan G>

 

Low on power, no convertible option, Steering wheel from a Vega and they made a ton of them. For me, this was an invitation to build the car I want without having to worry about keeping it factory correct. A mint 76 will never be a $100,000 car. Probably no where near it, and I'm okay with that. My lowly 76 still gets plenty of compliments.

Before:

New Paint:

New Exhaust: