1972 Corvette Coupe. Got the car in May and did some running gear work, brakes, shocks etc. All lights came on when headlight switch was pulled except the dash lights. I replaced the main light switch as recommended, but still no dash lights. Decided to drive it and work on the dash lights over the winter (in Maine). All other lights worked for 2 months. Lost low beam then a few days later lost high beam. All the parking and running lights and taillights come on. Checked everything and found the upper fuse in the Voltage regulator was blown. Replaced it. Lower one is fine. Got high beams back but no low beams. Replaced the floor switch with a new GM floor switch. Still no low beam. Something caused the fuse to blow.

Any suggestions where to look next? The car sat for 15 years before I bought it getting only 800 miles. Checked everywhere for mice, squirrel, chipmunk signs and only found a little mouse poop under the driver seat. I am still thinking I have a chewed or loose wire somewhere but no clue where to start or how to check with a voltmeter. Did all the looking I can without taking stuff off. The rest of the car runs fine so I will do a little more driving and put it up for winter unless someone has some checks I can do without tearing the dash apart. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

If you read the Forum often enough, there will be a post about a new headlight switch that doesn’t work right out of the box. Did you run any electrical tests on the old switch?You could be correct about a bad wire or connection. I would get a factory wiring schematic for your YEAR Corvette and start testing. After fifty years the wiring is suspect and problems will jump up without warning. Good Hunting

 

You have a voltage regulator?

 

Need to answer this question by kansas123 before anything. Im looking at the 72 wiring diagram and you shouldnt have a regulator.

 

If your round headlights are halogen, then thats what blows the fuse. Its usually temporary though as its a heat fuse that resets when cold. Theres a relay diagram to fix it. Relays eliminate the draw on the fuse. Halogen too much juice for the inline fuse.

 

That seems odd, because I switched to halogen long-time ago and I haven't every had any trouble with my '72.

 

Mines 73, shouldnt be different. The halogens draw too much power and either shut off when the fuse heats up and pops, or they flash as the fuse opens and closes as it heats and cools. mine flashed. the cure is putting a relay in line so power comes from the horn relay instead of threw the fuse. Very simple mod and they even sell a kit if your an idiot. lol I think the fuse is inside the high beam switch on the floor.