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Topic: Got a couple of ?? on my 81

in Forum: C3 General Discussion


Got a couple of ?? on my 81

Posted: 4/14/08 9:28am Message 11 of 20
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
Everyone has answered your switch question.  It either is tucked up there somewhere or has been removed.  It is missing, it shouldn't be a big deal to replace it other than the cramped space for getting the vacuum lines figured out and re-routed.  But if one headlight works, the problem is downstream of the switches.  There was just a good post about troubleshooting them.  We advise replacing the vacuum hoses with a new kit, since they always are getting pretty dry.  That usually solves the problem, and is maintenance that should be performed anyway.  If you still have a problem, check the vacuum relays and actuators.  You can re-route a vacuum line to go directly to each side of each actuator to test if they work.

Have fun
Larry



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Got a couple of ?? on my 81

Posted: 4/14/08 4:58pm Message 12 of 20
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Savannah, GA - USA
Joined: 1/20/2005
Posts: 936
Vette(s): 1982CE,32,000 and counting. (fast!!) 1981 Vette, black on black. ZZ4 (quick!!)
 ok, the headlight that won't come up, won't budge when you try and help it. Coule the vacume lines be crossed?[QUOTE=VetteSpecialties]Everyone has answered your switch question.  It either is tucked up there somewhere or has been removed.  It is missing, it shouldn't be a big deal to replace it other than the cramped space for getting the vacuum lines figured out and re-routed.  But if one headlight works, the problem is downstream of the switches.  There was just a good post about troubleshooting them.  We advise replacing the vacuum hoses with a new kit, since they always are getting pretty dry.  That usually solves the problem, and is maintenance that should be performed anyway.  If you still have a problem, check the vacuum relays and actuators.  You can re-route a vacuum line to go directly to each side of each actuator to test if they work.

Have fun
Larry
[/QUOTE]


Got a couple of ?? on my 81

Posted: 4/15/08 5:06am Message 13 of 20
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Tecumseh, MI - USA
Joined: 9/14/2003
Posts: 221
Vette(s): 1980 all org. with 18000 act. miles dk claret with matching interior..Eagle alloys ..loaded..excellent cond.
[QUOTE=zgator][QUOTE=maintenance4]Remove the  screws holding the cover under the column and you will see the vaccum switch. Two small screws hold the switch to the cover. Hope this helps...[/QUOTE] Are you talking about the overide or something else? If it is what do I do with the vacume switch?Embarrassed[/QUOTE] The reason you can't find the vaccum switch is because the pull-down stem is probably broken off as was mine. Replace the switch and get yourself a vaccum diagram to trace back to your headlights...


Got a couple of ?? on my 81

Posted: 4/15/08 5:21am Message 14 of 20
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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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
Michael, I set ya some headlight troubleshooting info(MS Word doc) via e-mail. Hope it helps.


Joel Adams
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Got a couple of ?? on my 81

Posted: 4/15/08 5:40am Message 15 of 20
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Garner, NC - USA
Joined: 4/16/2007
Posts: 100
Vette(s): 1982 , L98-350ci, T-Tops, Bright Metallic Blue with Dark Blue Interior
Hi Adam!
Would you mind sending me that doc as well?  I would greatly appreciate it!
JSGarner



Got a couple of ?? on my 81

Posted: 4/15/08 6:35am Message 16 of 20
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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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
Done


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"

Got a couple of ?? on my 81

Posted: 4/15/08 6:42am Message 17 of 20
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Garner, NC - USA
Joined: 4/16/2007
Posts: 100
Vette(s): 1982 , L98-350ci, T-Tops, Bright Metallic Blue with Dark Blue Interior
Tongue
Got it!
 
You are DA Man!
 
Thanks!
JSGarner



Got a couple of ?? on my 81

Posted: 4/15/08 8:03am Message 18 of 20
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Savannah, GA - USA
Joined: 1/20/2005
Posts: 936
Vette(s): 1982CE,32,000 and counting. (fast!!) 1981 Vette, black on black. ZZ4 (quick!!)
Thanks Adam!!! Got it!!


Got a couple of ?? on my 81

Posted: 4/15/08 11:30am Message 19 of 20
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I think the overide switch under the dash is just a release vacuum switch  for headlights. I can't say that I knew there was an overide switch for the tail lights, I learn something every day. Gene




Got a couple of ?? on my 81

Posted: 4/15/08 12:27pm Message 20 of 20
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Savannah, GA - USA
Joined: 1/20/2005
Posts: 936
Vette(s): 1982CE,32,000 and counting. (fast!!) 1981 Vette, black on black. ZZ4 (quick!!)
[QUOTE=gs77vet]

I think the overide switch under the dash is just a release vacuum switch  for headlights. I can't say that I knew there was an overide switch for the tail lights, I learn something every day. Gene

[/QUOTE] No it was a two part question. You are right about the overide switch. The tailight ? was about the smoke colored lenses that covered my rear lights. They weren't screwed in and I wasn't sure how they came off. I figured it out and ripped them out. I don't like them and have never bought any so I didn't know how they were installed, they were so dark that I couldn't see behind them so I had my wife turn on the lights and that only made matters worse. All I got was glare.LOLLOL


in Forum: C3 General Discussion


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