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Topic: 1974 Corvette Light Problems

in Forum: C3 Electrical

1974 Corvette Light Problems

Posted: 6/25/09 5:17am Message 1 of 7
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Lancaster, SC - USA
Joined: 6/17/2009
Posts: 5
Vette(s): 1974 L82 Coupe
1974 Corvette with all original wiring harness.  Never been spliced. 

Work-Headlights, Turn Signals

Not Work-Tail Lights, Side Marker Lights, Emergency Flashers, Stop Lights, Back Up Lights, Interior Lights, Gauge Lights


I have verified with a multimeter that all fuses are good.  I have cleaned the grounds at the rear harness, battery, and frame on drivers side.  I have also recently replaced the headlight switch that I thought would take care of the tail lights, interior lights, and side markers.  Can I get a suggestion on which service manual is better for electrical troubleshooting?  Also can any one direct me towards any grounds or fusible links that I missed?  Any assistance is greatly appreciated.



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1974 Corvette Light Problems

Posted: 6/25/09 6:33am Message 2 of 7
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
There are several fuse-links on it. There's a couple down by the starter, one(or two) across the top of the firewall, around the wiper motor, and two or three on the driver side fender, just behind where the inner fender panel drops down, in the area of the alarm key switch.
You may also have an issue with the firewall pass-thru connector, which is what the fuse box bolts up to...those get corrosion a lot, and can create some pretty weird 'lectrical maladies....

The best manual you can have is the factory service manual. You can usually find them on e-bay for around $40 or so, maybe less. Most of the Corvette parts vendors also sell them, but those may be the more generic "shop manual" that covers several year models.
I can e-mail you the wiring diagram...



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1974 Corvette Light Problems

Posted: 6/27/09 5:41pm Message 3 of 7
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Lancaster, SC - USA
Joined: 6/17/2009
Posts: 5
Vette(s): 1974 L82 Coupe
I have the service manual on order.  I have found that it seems like nothing on the left side of the fuse box is operational.  I pulled the bulk head connectors and did not notice any excessive corrosion, but cleaned them any way.  Can someone outline the troubleshooting steps for the tail lights while I wait on my manual to arrive?  Any assistance is greatly appreciated.


1974 Corvette Light Problems

Posted: 6/27/09 6:42pm Message 4 of 7
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Lanoka Harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/21/2006
Posts: 828
Vette(s): 1975 metallic blue coupe with t-tops,L48, t/t steering, black leather interior. 1990 L98, white/red leather interior, auto,a/c
could it be the fuse box is bad? i would take a test light and check each side of the fuses. one side will always have power. if the test light doesn't light up on either side it might be a connection in the box is broke. sometimes electrical problems are the hardest ones to solve.


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1974 Corvette Light Problems

Posted: 7/4/09 11:54am Message 5 of 7
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Lancaster, SC - USA
Joined: 6/17/2009
Posts: 5
Vette(s): 1974 L82 Coupe
I have found that the connector for the red wire carrying 12 volts into the fuse box has broken off of the buss bar.  I have had no luck in finding any parts for the fuse box.  Can any one suggest where I might locate a new buss bar or fuse panel?  I really don't want to replace the harness yet or Bubba things up with the use of an alligator clip or something.  Thanks.


1974 Corvette Light Problems

Posted: 7/4/09 3:09pm Message 6 of 7
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Oklahoma City, OK - USA
Joined: 4/1/2007
Posts: 432
Vette(s): 1972 LS5 Convertible,Auto.Targa Blue with Black Interior.
I have found that "Lectric Limited" has just about every electrical part that I have needed for my 72. The web site is pretty good also. I replaced every harness on my 72 along with a few other things. I have had no problems with these guy's.


1974 Corvette Light Problems

Posted: 10/8/09 8:17pm Message 7 of 7
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Joined: 1/26/2007
Posts: 26
Vette(s): 1973 Coupe -black/red motion stripe, 427 big block,aluminum heads,solid roller cam, 500HP Nitrous plate, QA1 coilovers, 4" drop, 18's 275 F 335 R Racing seats w/ 5 pt. harness. REAL STREET
[QUOTE=ahegler]I have found that the connector for the red wire carrying 12 volts into the fuse box has broken off of the buss bar.  I have had no luck in finding any parts for the fuse box.  Can any one suggest where I might locate a new buss bar or fuse panel?  I really don't want to replace the harness yet or Bubba things up with the use of an alligator clip or something.  Thanks. [/QUOTE]
I am having same symptoms on my 73 and wondered how you fixed it?


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