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Hello everyone, I was just wondering about the function of something in my new 1979.
I've circled it in the picture. It makes a noise like something is engaging, but the text is worn out and I am not sure what it does. Is it the direction of air intake (outside vs inside circulation)?
When you push the button forward you should hear a click and the green pilot light should glow. The pilot light means that the rear defog is/should be operating.
Pull the switch back (with the light on) and you should hear a click and the light should go out.
Just as in modern cars operation is timed. After about 10 minutes of operation it automatically shuts off.
The general layout and operation of the controls in your new baby was pretty much the standard of ALL U.S. built cars for decades.
It was quite convenient that every car you got into--be it a Cadillac a Dodge an AMC or a Ford had both standard items and accessories that operated in the same manner. Any control location or general operation change deemed "more convenient" was rapidly adopted by everyone. A great example of this is the change of headlight bright-dim operation. For many years the switch was operated by the left foot. Some automaker added it to the blinker switch and that became the standard very quickly.
The general layout and operation of the controls in your new baby was pretty much the standard of ALL U.S. built cars for decades.
It was quite convenient that every car you got into--be it a Cadillac a Dodge an AMC or a Ford had both standard items and accessories that operated in the same manner. Any control location or general operation change deemed "more convenient" was rapidly adopted by everyone. A great example of this is the change of headlight bright-dim operation. For many years the switch was operated by the left foot. Some automaker added it to the blinker switch and that became the standard very quickly.
Very interesting! Can't believe that was the standard. I am still getting used to the window roll downs being in the console, especially since I have the auto locks on the doors that look like they would be window roll down of today (and they don't really work...I have to use the push **** single door lock that is oddly located in the handle of the door instead of near the window). I just thought the placement was a weird Corvette/sporty car thing!
Thanks for the fun fact
The center console power window switch position was common but not universal in coupes (two-door) cars. In general the "sportier" the car the more likely they would be in the center console. In luxury coupes the power window switches were usually in the door armrests. Nearly every sedan (4-door) car of the era had a master (all windows) switch in the door armrest plus a "lockout" button to prevent the rest of the window switches from operating. Both power window and door lock controls on the door panels themselves was very uncommon.
BTW, your interior looks exceptional!
There's more surface rust on engine compartment components than I expected to see but most everything looks stock.
I do suggest reinstalling the plastic intake piece the seller gave you as it is the most important part of the excellent cold air intake system. You'll likely need to buy the flexible piece (similar to the one you see on the side) that connects it to the snorkel.
You are missing the radio interference shield that covered the distributor but that is a VERY commonly removed item as it is only needed with the AM band and it is somewhat a pain to remove/replace during common maintenance (think "tune-up").
The fact that your door locks don't function is another reason I HIGHLY suspect that your CTSY fuse is removed.
The center console power window switch position was common but not universal in coupes (two-door) cars. In general the "sportier" the car the more likely they would be in the center console. In luxury coupes the power window switches were usually in the door armrests. Nearly every sedan (4-door) car of the era had a master (all windows) switch in the door armrest plus a "lockout" button to prevent the rest of the window switches from operating. Both power window and door lock controls on the door panels themselves was very uncommon.
BTW, your interior looks exceptional!
There's more surface rust on engine compartment components than I expected to see but most everything looks stock.
I do suggest reinstalling the plastic intake piece the seller gave you as it is the most important part of the excellent cold air intake system. You'll likely need to buy the flexible piece (similar to the one you see on the side) that connects it to the snorkel.
You are missing the radio interference shield that covered the distributor but that is a VERY commonly removed item as it is only needed with the AM band and it is somewhat a pain to remove/replace during common maintenance (think "tune-up").
The fact that your door locks don't function is another reason I HIGHLY suspect that your CTSY fuse is removed.
Thank you! I am so happy with the condition of the interior and it is so nice to hear affirmation from seasoned corvette lovers.
I will have to take a look at the plastic covering but I am pretty sure it had the flex-y piece attached still.
Is the amount of surface rust on the engine a sign of a problem? The only other rust seems to be on the exhaust system, which I managed to use as a talking down point on the price. I was relieved to see no rust on the birdcage, though there is damage to the rubber seals on the doors and T-top panels. I hope my seller was honest with me about keeping the car out of the rain.
The distributor was actually the one thing that is not original that I was told of, in terms of parts. He must have removed the cover on it - he gave me a box of things so perhaps it was included.
I am most excited to tell you that I looked through the fuses and sure enough, one was blown. I replaced it and it fixed several things - the interior ceiling light, the light on the floor, and the horn of the car (unless I wasn't pressing hard enough previously, I thought it didn't work). Unfortunately the clock and auto door locks still don't work.
Mine works but is a heck of a battery drain when I activate it (can see it on my gauge). Prob. some addt'l wiring issue with it that I'll need to fix at some point. Until then, I'll prob. never use it ever on this car anyways. Not like I'm driving in snow/ice w/ it, heck it hasn't seen rain in 12 years.
Silly question about 1979 interior controls
