SwampeastMike

Looking at photos, I've found another difference in '79 production.

The power door lock switch position moved.

Earlier production (and '78s) have the power lock switches to the rear of the inside door handle. Later production (and '80s) have the switches ahead of the handle.

I've never liked the position of the lock buttons in my '79 (late production) as you have to lean way forward to reach the lock button.

Any idea why they changed position? Especially from a position that seems more convenient? Is, perhaps, the more rearward position too easy to operate inadvertently?

0Willcox Corvette

I'll be honest Mike, I never head of this difference. Is the change documented?

I once owned a very early 79 car but I'm not sure if I have any pictures of the interior left. The car was sold a long time ago.

Difference's that I'm aware of include (and I'm sure I'll miss some)...

Wiper switch bezel on early was metal
Three rear door compartments
Turn signal lever (angel)
Antenna bezel

Hum... I guess I'm getting old, for now that's all I can think of.

Willcox

SwampeastMike

I'd never heard of it either.

This is the thread that brought it to my attention. Look at the 3rd page where you see the interior photos.

I was getting ready to tell the new owner that the door lock switch was both in the wrong position and installed sideways but before pressing "post" I decided to make certain. I did some Google image searches to find the change in switch position I mentioned. Also ALL '78 interior photos had the switch aft of the door release and ALL '80 interior photos had it fore.

Strange about the wiper switch bezel as my late production (#49225) '79 is metal. It also has three rear storage compartments but I figured that was because my relatively rare green interior was discontinued in '80.

SwampeastMike

This is not the only oddity I've discovered for my rare green cloth interior.

The car certainly has the "convenience group" option yet there is no lighted vanity mirror on the passenger side. The electrical connector is there but it's just a plain mirror attached to the visor.

0Willcox Corvette

I do remember my car had the same package but my visor had a rectangular mirror (in color) on the passenger side only and it wasn't a vanity mirror it was just a stick on mirror.

My car was black with red leather interior.... I'll see if I can dig up some pictures of it.. I'll set a search on this computer and tomorrow hopefully I'll find some.

My car also had the L-82 engine and HD cooling without the spoiler package. The ABS front spoiler had an extension pop riveted onto it and so I ordered an extra one since I liked to find those curbs. Lucky for me I never installed it, because we kept getting people ask for this extension so I had the original GM NOS extension here to us for a pattern that we now make in reproduction.

Ernie

0Willcox Corvette

That is odd... most late to mid cars have the plastic wiper bezel.

SwampeastMike

Sounds similar to mine as it is an L-82 with HD cooling minus the spoilers (the only "missing" option I can find). I've never seen the assembly line installed spring-operated door in the fan shroud but I've never really looked for it nor do I know where it should be.

I have a plastic extension attached to the front lower fascia but it is bolted to the fascia. The extension does though appear too good-looking for '79 yet all attachment points seem original.

BKarol

Look at the NCRS judging manual for 78/79.

"As late as serial number 53202 three compartments were still being used; by serial number 53677 two door were installed.

Power door lock cars on a 1978 are located below and slightly aft of the door handle, below and forward of the door handle on 1979's. Some early 1979's may employ the aft location (this has been observed through April production)."

Bikespace

I have a late 1979. Going through the checklist, I have:

Wiper switch bezel on early was metal: Yup
Three rear door compartments: Yup
Turn signal lever (angel): Dunno, cruise control (feels like it will break every time I use the turn signal)
Antenna bezel: Dunno, PO had it replaced

The most frustrating difference: Early 1979 Oyster White interior is a continuation of the 1978, especially noticeable with the carpet. Mine has the early/1978 style. Oyster White is favorite, though.

EDIT: Turns out, I may have had the later Oyster after all. We pulled out some of the carpet, and discovered that it had been replaced when the car was partially restored 12 years ago. The replacement carpet is the 1978 style (brownish). However, the seat backs have the later 1979 style (grayish).

It also has the aft-mounted door lock switches.

0Willcox Corvette

The fan shroud didn't have a spring... it was the exact same shroud used on the standard car but it had an area of it cut out... and then re-attached with two hinges and a weight added to the cut out flapper.

This is the extension we make.. it's 1979 only.. but people buy it for the added air flow it created for other 73-78 cars. It was held in place by pop rivets.

C3 4ME

My 79, serial #15xxx has the door locks mounted exactly like Bikespace shows above. I also HAD an angled turn signal lever, until it broke and I had to settle for the straight repro and I have 3 compartments in the back. I also have a metal wiper switch bezel. I'm not familiar with the antenna bezel differences, so I can't comment on what mine has. I also like how the early door lock switches are vertical as opposed to horizontal on the later ones. I think it's more intuitive since the lock buttons slide forward and aft.

SwampeastMike

Strange differences. Mine is late (49225) production with bent turn signal/cruise and 85 mph speedo.

Plain_white_t_tops

I have an early 79, Jan 79 manufacture date on the door decal #17xxx. Mine has plastic wiper bezel, straight signal arm, door lock positioned back, non light vanity mirror, and three storage compartments.

C3Highway

According to my observations of '79 production, the power door lock switch was moved to the forward location at about sequence number 33,000. I prefer it forward as its easier to activate the switch with the hand closest to the door.

michaelroy

I have an early 79 Oct. 78. (I think) .
My fuse box looks nothing like the one in the AIM.
Anyone else see this difference. Cant imagine anyone swapped the things out.?????

Priya

Very interesting. On my 79 the power door lock switch is ahead of the inside door handle. I was going to buy 78 pace car door panels for it but when with 81 silver ones instead. Makes me wonder if I had bought the pace car door panels would my power lock switch wires have stretched far enough to go in the rearward position.

C3Highway

What does your fuse box look like?

C3Highway

I'm not sure, but in my view everything worked out for the best for you.

interpon

Nov 78 build l82 here..
oyster leather still 78 color..
aluminum power antenna from 78 with no Wiring disconnects inside car.
rear locks behind handle
3 compartments
No lighted pass visor

so far...

Cmurray79

My 79 is in the early 30,000s, maybe 32,xxx. Door locks are closer to the footwell infront of the door handle. I have 3 compartments in the back. dunno about wipers. still learning something new every day