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By way of introduction my name is David, I’m located in Melbourne, Australia and I’ve just purchased a 1977 Corvette.
Im not completely new to Corvettes as I had a 1972 4 speed about 20 years ago.
Yesterday I picked up a 77 from interstate and drove it back to Melbourne (about 400 miles)
I bought the car sight unseen but asked a lot of questions. Positives are it’s rust free and drove really nicely ran well, changed through all gears and is In overall pretty good condition.
Negatives are no blinkers, washers, wipers and depending on where I put my foot I could make some of the warning lights (like seat belt warning) come on. Interior fan stays on all the time when the car is running. All settings for heater / air con etc blows hot air (uncomfortable ride home) with hot air poring into the cabin with an outside temperature of 86 outside. The passenger side light pops up slower than the drivers side, cover missing from around the steering column adjustment lever and the engine bay is a bit untidy.
Before I started pulling the dash apart to chase wiring I thought I’d introduce myself and see if there is anything that someone might suggest as a few quick check items.
Welcome to the forum,
Few of us here have 1977 and yes, your heater fan is designed to run on low speed anytime the ignition is in the on or run position.
It's designed that way to keep cabin air circulating.
One issue at a time, you found the right place...
I would start by checking fuses and grounds. Climbing under a c3 dash is a real joy . I also have a 77, the only thin unique to a 77 is the steering column and the cruise control. Most parts are still available, and there are a ton of good technical references here and on wilcox website. Enjoy your new toy.
Already experiencing the joy of being under the wheel!
So far I’ve got the blinkers working but they don’t hold in position so something must be broken in there. Also the wipers working so I’m making progress.
No luck with the washers but there is power at the pump and nothing on the high beams and there no click so I think there’s something broken there too.
Also found a little metal rod under the steering wheel that has a plastic piece on the bottom at the steering wheel end that isn’t connected to anything and the metal rod has nothing on the end either.
Already experiencing the joy of being under the wheel!
So far I’ve got the blinkers working but they don’t hold in position so something must be broken in there. Also the wipers working so I’m making progress.
No luck with the washers but there is power at the pump and nothing on the high beams and there no click so I think there’s something broken there too.
Also found a little metal rod under the steering wheel that has a plastic piece on the bottom at the steering wheel end that isn’t connected to anything and the metal rod has nothing on the end either.
Any clue what they may have been?
cheers
Dave
If you have a T&T column the dimmer rod should look like this, a standard column rod is different.
Both are a 1 year only 1977 Corvette part and VERY hard to find.
Your washer pump yellow wire should have 12vdc when ignition is in either ACCY or ON position.
The Dark Blue wire at the pump is the ground from the wiper switch WASH contacts.
I have seen many of these wires break at the ring terminal at the switch, normally where the red X is.
The photo below is a 1977 Corvette Wiper Switch for a T&T column.
Here is a photo of a later Corvette dimmer rod end and where it presses on the actuator.
It is labeled actuator rod in the photo.
This should give you an idea of some of the parts involved.
The foot operated dimmer switch was used up until 1976.
77 was the first year for this, thus GM called it the "Smart Switch"... Wiper/Washer/Dimmer Actuator bla...bla...bla...
Last edited by bmotojoe; Feb 12, 2023 at 07:20 AM.
Yea, we do enjoy photos!
Your 77 is a mid year build, the alarm key is still in the fender and has cross flags.
Something to look for when ordering parts, electrical harnesses, T-top weather stripe and a few others.
There is a, I will call it the finger that is part of the "Smart Switch" that is in contact with the black plastic actuator.
The actuator is in contact with the dimmer rod.
When you pullback on the turn signal lever the finger changes positions, the switch just pivots some in the pivot bracket.
Photo on left is of the finger in the home or normal position.
Photo on right is finger pushing on actuator, rod, dimmer switch.
Check the heater valve in the rightside engine bay. they usually fail and the hot heater core air flows inside. Many folks in hotter climates put a manual shutoff valve inline the heater hoses because the vacuum valve sucks.
Also, check your rear spring in the suspension. it looks low. Maybe an easy fix, you can probably do adjustments by carefully tightening the nuts on the outer spring bolts.
Last edited by NONN37; Feb 13, 2023 at 03:02 AM.
Reason: i kent spel
I would recommend take on one issue at a time. Make up a list (which will continue to grow) And tackle the most important issues first. But one at a time.
Pick the issue that is bugging you the most, or is the most important for safety. Then start a new thread if necessary to ask questions about this one specific problem.
I've had a 77 for so long there is nothing I haven't rebuilt. I'm in the middle of a 77 column for another enthusiast here in Queensland. Waiting on parts at the moment.
My old wreak.
Thanks so much for the advice and friendly welcome and great looking car 4-vettes
I'm going to tackle the turn signals etc first and then go from there. I'm now waiting on the lock plate remover tool.
Took the air cleaner off last night to find hoses blanked off all over the place and the choke on the carb is no good. Some has glued on the little plastic cover that fits over the spring. More photos for viewing pleasure.
Yes I see someone has disconnected unneeded emissions stuff and EGR. But didn't bother removing said unwanted parts leaving behind a less than tidy engine compartment.
Mine, Also a 77.
None unused vacuum lines and no choke. (No Quadrajet). Among my many threads on here is my how to thread on fuel injection. (77 EFI Conversion) if your interested.
Thanks so much for the advice and friendly welcome and great looking car 4-vettes
I'm going to tackle the turn signals etc first and then go from there. I'm now waiting on the lock plate remover tool.
Took the air cleaner off last night to find hoses blanked off all over the place and the choke on the carb is no good. Some has glued on the little plastic cover that fits over the spring. More photos for viewing pleasure.
Here is a colored diagram with ledger in top right hand corner of the hose routing for your 77 L48 when needed.
I can tell you right now the vacuum advance hose connected to the EFE actuator is doing nothing...
A few tips; Line A in diagram above should be vacuum advance to manifold vacuum on back-saver
front of carburetor. Currently attached to EFE.
Slow pop-up for headlight. originally all self-lube plastic bits, but they get sticky eventually. Try spraying all the pivot points with the newer plastic-safe WD-40 type spray lube. if still sticky, check vacuum.
Place a bench at floor level outside the door to lie on while working under the dash.
Welcome David, You have definitely found the right spot to be for help fixing your car. There are a number of frequent posters that have '77's and enjoy helping others fix their cars.
1977 Corvette
. I also have a 77, the only thin unique to a 77 is the steering column and the cruise control. Most parts are still available, and there are a ton of good technical references here and on wilcox website. Enjoy your new toy.
