Maybe someone can help me with this.

I recently replaced the dashboard harness in my 72 base model and when I went to start the car by turning the key to start I get nothing although the amp gage does show negative draw, I have replaced the switch with a new one previously.

I also have read on other sites about the elongated holes in the switch mounting plate to the column, when I attached it to the column I lined up the holes in the middle of the elongated holes. Should it be slid to the upper most position towards the top of the column? Could this be causing it not to fully connect when I turn the key to start?

I did check it mechanically before I attached it to the column.

When you refer to switch are you talking about where you put your key in or the actual switch at the bottom of the steering column that's activated by the rod when you turn your key to the start position?

The first thing I would check since you replaced the wiring harness would be the connections at the switch at the base of the steering column near the firewall.

1973 L-82 4 spd

The switch can certainly be out of adjustment. You would need to hold the key to "Start" and move the switch until it cranks for the adjustment, or use a multimeter to determine where in the adjustment voltage flows thru the switch. I would need to look at the wiring diagram to find which wire terminals to check, unless you have the diagram yourself. 

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks to all for your feedback. I have the fortune of a friend who was a Chevy service tech & manager for a local dealer from the late 60's to the 90's who had a lot of experience with the C3's, found the problem. It was the small connector  harness from the main harness to the clutch cutoff switch, one side was not making good contact. Car runs like a rocket THANK GOD.

Nice! Thanks for updating us!

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"