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I have a 1977 Corvette and I want to install this underhood light switch from Top Flight Automotive / Corvette America. I want the ability to easily turn lights on and off when the hood is open. Where do I install this exact switch at? Photos would be incredible.
Well, I have a 77 model as well. However, after owning it for over 30 years I've yet to find a disconnect plug or connector. When removing my hood I remove it from the hood. Unplug the little pin holders that clip the wire to the hood and lay it in the engine bay. I too got tired of taking the bulb out at car shows.
the unit you show looks plug and play. But that only works if you have a plug. If you can find one on your 77 let me know about it. On mine. I just went to a local electronics shop. Bought a small surface mount switch. Spliced It in on the hood a few inches from the bulb holder, held it in with 2 sided mounting tape. Perhaps tonight I can take a photo for you.
If I'm remembering correctly you have a early build 77?
On the early 77 there were NO Delphi/Aptiv plastic connectors near the hood lamp for a easy plug and play installation of the switch you are showing.
What I would do is purchase a small toggle or push button switch, snip the short ground loop wire at the hood light solder the new switch in there and switch the ground to light bulb.
Your early build hood light connector is an accessory connector plugged into the TAP connector.
Example of small waterproof push push button switch:
I made my own also from parts. Here's where I put it. The under hood light was part of the option called the "convenience group"
Not sure if the wiring will or wont be there. No biggie to power it though. Good luck.
I made my own also from parts. Here's where I put it. The under hood light was part of the option called the "convenience group"
Not sure if the wiring will or wont be there. No biggie to power it though. Good luck.
See what you got for the $22.00 ZX2 option,
There were other items included into the convenience group package.
The courtesy light delay timer, headlamp warning buzzer, vanity mirror on passengers side visor and low fuel warning light.
On the very early 77 built cars the low fuel warning light wasn't available yet so the package price was reduced to $18.00
On the trunk/engine compartment of my 88 Fiero there was no place to install any type of switch to turn off the courtesy light. I found an electronic timer from our Chinese friends on eBay for $ 5. The unit is so small (approx 3 X 1 inch) that after wiring it to the light, I shoved it
in the hole cutout for the recessed plastic lamp housing. I programmed the Adjustable timer to turn the light off after 4 minutes, perfect for car shows.
If you do install a switch on the +12vdc side wire, make sure it is after the hood lamp harness 16ga fusible link. It is its only protection.
If you're going to use the correct incandescent bulb it is a #93 and draws only 1.03amps but the new switch should exceed the max amp draw of the 16ga fusible link.
Just tossing that out there, most 12vdc small switches will be rated at or around 5 or 6amps maximum. That's why I suggested switching the ground wire.
Last edited by bmotojoe; Sep 26, 2020 at 10:14 AM.
My 1979 has the ZX2 option and so has the underhood light. It has a plastic connector, mentioned above, that allowed me to simply plug the underhood light switch (pictured above) directly into my electrical line. I then tucked it into the fender like shown by John 65.
The engine compartment light is more a liability than a feature without a switch to turn it on and off. With the switch, it comes in very handy.
Originally Posted by 1977VETTER
Wow... the underhood light was an option?
Yes, the underhood light and low fuel warning indicator were part of an extra cost option package starting in 1977, but became standard equipment late in the 1979 production run—along with A/C, tilt wheel, power windows and sport mirrors. All of these options proved increasingly popular in the preceding years.
See what you got for the $22.00 ZX2 option,
There were other items included into the convenience group package.
The courtesy light delay timer, headlamp warning buzzer, vanity mirror on passengers side visor and low fuel warning light.
On the very early 77 built cars the low fuel warning light wasn't available yet so the package price was reduced to $18.00
this is interesting, I have a Dec 1st build early 77. Bought it second hand in 1989. I have all of the above on my car, Except, the vanity mirror on the passengers visor. Can't imagine why someone would remove it and put in a factory sun visor without it. The car was 12 years old when I got it, so who knows? Stranger things have happened. And I'm really happy for the low fuel light and headlight warning beeper. These things were invented for people like me!
In the assembly manual UPC B01 to B12 Sheet 40 there were 2 ribbons of adhesive use to glue the mirror to the visor. I don't know if the color of the frame matched the interior color, mine is obviously black. I guess the above photo answered that....
What I find most interesting, If you look at the AIM on that sheet you will see the placement of the mirror is different depending if car had a AT or MT transmission.
Yes, that's what I was about to say. Starting sometime I think in '79 or '80, the visor mirror became a larger illuminated unit, and so had an electrical wire running from behind the glove box area up behind the windshield molding to the visor. I'm not sure how well that worked for the passenger.
Well then, perhaps it just fell off before I got the car over 30 years ago. Never seen any signs of glue. But then, P.O. may have done a great job of cleaning it.
C3 Corvette Underhood Light Switch - Easy Question
