Help! What is this thang?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Help! What is this thang?
Hi all, I need help identifying this item mounted on the back of my tach. it is the thing that looks like an M80 firecracker. Inside the little hole where i am pointing looks like there might be a wire??? If so, where would that get connected to? By the way there is one of these mounted on the back of the center gauge console also and I have no idea what for or where to. Any idea where I can get a replacement? Is this vette specific or can I get it at a local parts store? Thanks in advance, Chet
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
It is a radio capacitor with the wire missing. There are a few under the dash in different locations. They are noise suppressers for the original radio. Check your aim for radio capacitors.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
That is a capacitor (condenser) that was used as a noise suppressor for the power to the radio. Without that (on the original system), you would hear ignition 'spike' noise in the radio output. If you have a modern radio, that suppression circuitry is built into it already. You don't need it for any other purpose.
I think that particular capacitor was meant to eliminate the turn signal 'clicks' from the audio.
I think that particular capacitor was meant to eliminate the turn signal 'clicks' from the audio.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Sep 25, 2011 at 09:18 AM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Thanks guys. Man... I just looked for them on several parts sites and are they ever expen$ive!. Guess I better bench test my radio before i go and buy them (found two under dash, 1st as shown in pic and the other on the back of the ammeter). If the radio doesnt work, I think I will re-install it anyway just to preserve the look. 
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I should have some used caps here if you need them. Send an email to Willcoxcustomerservice@willcoxcorvette.c om if you decide you need one.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
Thanks guys. Man... I just looked for them on several parts sites and are they ever expen$ive!. Guess I better bench test my radio before i go and buy them (found two under dash, 1st as shown in pic and the other on the back of the ammeter). If the radio doesnt work, I think I will re-install it anyway just to preserve the look.
Try Paragon or Lectric Limited, they are both selling them now.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
It's absurd to purchase new noise suppressing capacitors just so the [puny] stock radio system in a C3 wouldn't have a few 'pops & cracks' in the radio output. If you wanted to hear "clean" music in a Corvette, the first thing you would do is replace the radio and speakers with good ones...and that system wouldn't need better noise suppression.
