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Old Jul 19, 2004 | 10:14 PM
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I just bought a 75 convertible. Traded my 62 fuelie for it, in a round about sort of way . No, it wasn't an even swap. This is the first C3 I've owned since the mid 70's. Had a 71 LS5 and a 69 350/350, but that was almost 30 years ago. I've forgotten some of the fine points in that time.

Got a couple of issues with the 75:

The courtsey lights and the cigarette lighter, which I think are on the same circuit, only work with the ignition ON. I think they should work with the ignition OFF, as well. Where does this circuit get its power?

No free play in the clutch and if I adjust any free play at all, the clutch will barely release. PO had just had a clutch installed by some Corvette shop in Atlanta. (someone who ought to know you can't mix and match parts) Any ideas other than pull the transmission to check their handiwork?
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Old Jul 19, 2004 | 10:22 PM
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It's all good
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Old Jul 19, 2004 | 10:38 PM
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Congrats on the purchase. I have no real help to offer you, but if you don't mind me asking, what made you decide to change a '62 for a '75? It seems most people aspire to move from C3s to the older models. Not many heading the other way.
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Old Jul 19, 2004 | 10:39 PM
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COOL:thumb:
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Old Jul 19, 2004 | 10:57 PM
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I wanted more of an everyday driver and a car that was more highway friendly. I could use my 67 for an everyday driver, but between the side pipes and 3.70 rear gear it isn't a real good road car. Both the 67 and 75 drive very nicely, but I have to admit the 75 rides a little better and is perhaps more comfortable. Both are SB 4 speeds w/ AC, PS, PB, etc.

Besides, with the 75, I can build it like I want it and not worry too much about originality, leave it in parking lots unattended, etc.
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Old Jul 19, 2004 | 11:47 PM
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Welcome back to the C3 land! I know my courtesy lights work with the ignition off but its been so long since I tried the cig lighter I can't remember.
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Old Jul 19, 2004 | 11:51 PM
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I looked in the Service Manual for my 1975 and as far as the feed for the cig lighter and courtesy lights, it says this:

Circuit Number 140 Feed, Battery - Fused.

Sounds like your wiring has been jimmy-rigged. Need anything else?
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Old Jul 20, 2004 | 12:33 AM
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Yeah, I need a 75 wiring diagram. Haven't gotten around to ordering a service manual yet. On the 67 wiring diagram, the courtsey lights and lighter, all orange, terminate at a "body connector" and I can't figure out where it's actually getting the feed from. I'm sure the shark is very similar, since the general didn't spend a lot of time/money reinventing the wheel.
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Old Jul 20, 2004 | 01:29 AM
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I picked up my wiring diagram from www.lectriclimited.com Covers teh whole car on one large laminated sheet. Way better than any manual I have.
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Old Jul 20, 2004 | 09:21 AM
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Congrats on the C3 purchase
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Old Jul 20, 2004 | 09:38 AM
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Welcome to the crazy world of CF C3!

Couple things might be at issue with your clutch, either the stud and/or fork are worn significantly or you have a new clutch that requires a longer stud like a centerforce. My stud was worn and the PO looks like they had an ext welded to the fork/z-bar rod, might be a short term fix for you.
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Old Jul 20, 2004 | 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by 62fuelie
Yeah, I need a 75 wiring diagram. Haven't gotten around to ordering a service manual yet. On the 67 wiring diagram, the courtsey lights and lighter, all orange, terminate at a "body connector" and I can't figure out where it's actually getting the feed from. I'm sure the shark is very similar, since the general didn't spend a lot of time/money reinventing the wheel.
The wiring diagram isn't helpful in that respect. It just shows it all going to the body connector and then it just stops. It makes no mention of where that connector gets its power from. If you can read these better than I can, let me know where I need to look to find where it goes. The connector has a number (2989526). Is there somewhere that cross-references where this goes? Electrical is not my things and I think I'm going cross-eyed from following these wires!
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Old Jul 20, 2004 | 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted by 62fuelie
No free play in the clutch and if I adjust any free play at all, the clutch will barely release. PO had just had a clutch installed by some Corvette shop in Atlanta. (someone who ought to know you can't mix and match parts) Any ideas other than pull the transmission to check their handiwork?
That's the only way I know....my guess is they mixed different length thowout bearing with the wrong clutch fork...correct throwout bearing should be a short one...haven't a clue how to id the clutch fork, though there are different sizes.
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Old Jul 20, 2004 | 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by brystheguy
The wiring diagram isn't helpful in that respect. It just shows it all going to the body connector and then it just stops. It makes no mention of where that connector gets its power from. If you can read these better than I can, let me know where I need to look to find where it goes. The connector has a number (2989526). Is there somewhere that cross-references where this goes? Electrical is not my things and I think I'm going cross-eyed from following these wires!
look for another page that is on the motor side of the firewall. Most diagrams are split there. You will then find the same connector and same wire colors going on from there. You might try using a light colored (red,blue,green,etc.) pencil (remember them?) to trac the wire on the diagram.

PS, I seem to think the lighter gets it's power from the horn relay connection.
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Old Jul 20, 2004 | 12:51 PM
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I'm not sure whether the lighter and courtesy lights are on the same cirucit, but I am certain both should work with the ignition off.
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Old Jul 20, 2004 | 08:21 PM
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I might add here that the PO had replaced the bellhousing. It occurs to me that if the "new" bellhousing had a stud already installed, it's probably still there. The stud may well be the wrong length. In any event, it looks like I'm going to have to pull the tranny to correct the problem.
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