Need some help installing gear indicator needle! (auto)

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Oct 2, 2010 | 10:37 PM

Vetteran'81

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From: Summerville SC

Need some help installing gear indicator needle! (auto)

Ok, this is probably a silly question, but I have been rebuilding my center console while working on some electrical issues. While I was at it, I replaced the bezel, and ordered a new needle for the gear indicator since the old one was broke when I got the car.

I installed it per the ASM, and reassemble everything, but now I can't see it at all. It's like the plate with the letters is above the needle and I can't see thru it. What am I missing here? The ASM is not real clear.

Oct 3, 2010 | 12:31 AM

0Willcox Corvette

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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15

I hope this picture helps you..

Oct 3, 2010 | 07:25 AM

Vetteran'81

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From: Summerville SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette

I hope this picture helps you..

It did, and I am starting to think that the old lense with the numbers is incorrect on mine. It appears black/opague. Is this possibly from an earlier model?

Also, should the edge of that needle be painted black before it goes in?

Thanks!

BTW, quick shipping on those last parts! (Including the needle!) The steering wheel looks GREAT.

Oct 3, 2010 | 09:43 AM

0Willcox Corvette

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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vetteran'81

Thank you!

The needle was actually white! We have them in the reflective red and I like the way they stand out in the plate, but white was the original color on your car.

Oct 4, 2010 | 09:23 AM

Vetteran'81

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From: Summerville SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette

Thank you!

The needle was actually white! We have them in the reflective red and I like the way they stand out in the plate, but white was the original color on your car.

To be more specific, the original had been colored black on the edge that engages the sliding rail, not the needle itself. Looks like they did it with a sharpie.

I am going to take it back apart today, and see what I can find. Something is amiss in there with the plate with the numbers. Not many C3's around here to compare it to.

Last edited by Vetteran'81; Oct 4, 2010 at 09:43 AM. Reason: kant spel

Oct 4, 2010 | 11:33 AM

randyredleg

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From: Avon, Indiana

I had mine apart Saturday and found the same problem. The needle is there but you cannot see it through the lens.

Oct 4, 2010 | 01:21 PM

Vetteran'81

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From: Summerville SC

Aha!

Ok, I think I am about to figure this one out. Randy, you might want to check and see if it is the same on yours. There was a decal stuck over the original lense, most likely because this tranny was swapped with a 700R4. My guess is the decal is the only one that really lines up with the 700R4 pattern/position. I think it came from this kit or something similar.

http://www.ecklers.com/corvette-shif...1977-1982.html

So, now I am staring at three different layouts. I may try the '82 lense. Probably will be off a bit, but not as much as the '81 lense.