Commenced installing LED strip lights-speedo&tach
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 47
Likes: 24
From: Alexandria, VA
Yes, just short of turning the (non existent) dome light on (Convertible). The dimmer doesn't seem to work. Even on the tach/speedo. Different issue that I don't really mind. I'm not going to dim the lights, anyway. If I can get the controller working, I could do it with the controller, even. At least for the gauge cluster.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 1,390
I'd redo those with regular solder and heat shrink. I was thinking about trying those newfangled-combo-heat-shrink/solder-sleeves...... guess i don't have to now 
..... I recommend buying one of those little handheld butane torches too. I got one when I did a lot of lead soldering on 730 ECM project---- never use my soldering iron, nor gun, anymore. Works great on the heat shrink too.
..... I recommend buying one of those little handheld butane torches too. I got one when I did a lot of lead soldering on 730 ECM project---- never use my soldering iron, nor gun, anymore. Works great on the heat shrink too.They work as designed from household power. Also from the cigarette lighter plug.
I've tried three different 12vdc/USB units - all have the same result.
That's exactly how I did it, and the reasoning for doing it that way. I got the idea here. I used one of the gray gauge light wires and grounded it with the black gauge light wire. Perhaps the connections aren't good. I used some of the heat shrink/solder sleeves. Since, I've gotten a soldering iron. Might go back and switch it up, just in case.
I've tried three different 12vdc/USB units - all have the same result.
That's exactly how I did it, and the reasoning for doing it that way. I got the idea here. I used one of the gray gauge light wires and grounded it with the black gauge light wire. Perhaps the connections aren't good. I used some of the heat shrink/solder sleeves. Since, I've gotten a soldering iron. Might go back and switch it up, just in case.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 1,390
Did your dimmer work before you started this experiment? On my converitble that dimmer also dims the floor lamps and the rear area lamp. Are any of those working?
Yes, just short of turning the (non existent) dome light on (Convertible). The dimmer doesn't seem to work. Even on the tach/speedo. Different issue that I don't really mind. I'm not going to dim the lights, anyway. If I can get the controller working, I could do it with the controller, even. At least for the gauge cluster.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 47
Likes: 24
From: Alexandria, VA
I'll give the soldering a shot. And the hand torch. Thanks!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 1,390
ah, ok, I suspect that that your dimmer "resistor" is not working on your lightswitch. It makes sense now. You need to replace the light switch, or modify it so it applies full voltage to the dash and inside lamps..... probably worth replacing at this age.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 1,390
more detail in this pic from corvette central....
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-6...68%26count%3d9
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-6...68%26count%3d9
Last edited by carriljc; May 3, 2020 at 10:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 1,390
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 47
Likes: 24
From: Alexandria, VA
Okay, that makes sense. Sweet, I get to learn about the headlight switch. Thank you so much! I greatly appreciate the knowledge/troubleshooting.
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