Topic: New 1976 Vette owner!
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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Hey everyone! I am the proud new owner of a 1976 Corvette! This is my first Corvette, and my wife and I are really excited about having it.
Issue 4: The "interior" fan (vents and such) runs just fine at low and medium speeds, but will not run at high speed. At all.
I've got a few questions about it though. While it is in very nice physical and mechanical condition, there are a few issues with it. Right off the bat, i currently don't know a heck of a lot about cars (well, working on them, at least)
Issue 1: The right scroll wheel that control the temperature is frozen in place. You cannot move it at all!
Issue 1: The right scroll wheel that control the temperature is frozen in place. You cannot move it at all!
Issue 2: There is a little bit of an oil leak. It looks like maybe 2 or 3 drops per day on my garage floor.
Issue 3: The clock doesn't work!
Issue 4: The "interior" fan (vents and such) runs just fine at low and medium speeds, but will not run at high speed. At all.
Issue 5: I need 2 new mufflers. I am currently missing 1 of them. Where should I look to get new mufflers?
See? Not a whole lot wrong...just a few minor things here and there! If anyone can help, I'd greatly appreciate it!
Thanks!
Brian
Thanks!
Brian
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Sounds like you could just remove your center console and start addressing a lot of those little problems 
Reproduction parts are plentiful and any of the large Corvette parts catalogs (Corvette America, Mid-America, Corvette Central, etc.) have mufflers available for our cars. I just went with Magnaflow replacements from Corvette Central and am very happy with them 
Reproduction parts are plentiful and any of the large Corvette parts catalogs (Corvette America, Mid-America, Corvette Central, etc.) have mufflers available for our cars. I just went with Magnaflow replacements from Corvette Central and am very happy with them Hey Brian, Welcome to the shark tank. 1st the easy answers,
* Dont worry we all leak a little!
* Vents, what vents, you're only driving with the windows down and tops off anyway.
My 2 cents - Find a real good mechanic and have him go thru the car head to toe. Figure you'll need a complete tune up and every fluid changed including the rear, brakes, coolant, oil, etc. Dont be surprised if you need calipers, they all leak, dont be surprised if you need shocks too.
Get catalogs from Ecklers, Corvette America, Zip, Year One etc. We also have some sponcering businesses in this place who treat us real good.
Most important, drive it like you stole it! Wave at the other Vettes,
Welcome aboard! KeBo
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2431
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Congratulations on your purchase!
Clock? Who worries what time it is when you're driving your Vette?! At least that's what GM must have thought! I would say less than 10% of the C3's I've seen have working clocks. You can get replacements (analog or quartz) as easy as anything else or even have yours rebuilt.
I'm with the other two. Leaks? Yeah. Your other issues don't sound too significant - not trying to downplay them (I know how you feel - they mean a lot to you) - I just mean they don't seem too $ignificant. They shoyuld not cost much to take care of.
As far as the catalogs go, almost all of the big ones are free - Corvette America, Corvette Central, Ecklers, etc. Just go to their web sites and request one. If they ask, tell them the C3VR sent you!
We'd love to see pictures of your car! You'll find that this is the place to be for a new owner, someone who's owned one for ever or anyone inbetween. I'm a new owner (lifetime enthusiast) and still a trial member myself (need to sell a few things on e-bay to pay the membership so the wife doesn't see it!), but I feel at home here and will get permanent soon.
And yes, make sure you Save The Wave!! If you're not sure what that means, Google it.
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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Lifetime MemberIrving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
......WELCOME to the great world of owning a grumpy C3......
Not to worry, they all have their "moments", but I wouldn't give up my clunker for nothin'! 
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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
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
[QUOTE=greypoop-on]...but I wouldn't give up my clunker for nothin'![/QUOTE]
thas jest 'cause you couldn't give it away!!!
[QUOTE=IR1976] Hey everyone! I am the proud new owner of a 1976 Corvette! This is my first Corvette, and my wife and I are really excited about having it.
Welcome to Corvette ownership, Brian!!!
The leaks need to be identified, and then repaired in order of importance. If this is not something you can do yourself, ask around, and find a knowledgable shop to do this for you.
The temp thumbwheel being "frozen" or stuck is most likely the cable itself. The wheel portion on the console control panel really doesn't have anything that would cause it to do this, but the cable that is attatched to it can get corroded if the car has been sitting for a long time. You may be able to remove the cable and soak it down with penetrating oil(Zep45, WD-40, etc.), and get it freed up. Otherwise, it will need to be replaced, and it is available at most of the Corvette parts suppliers. Try Bairs, a major sponsor of C3VR!
The clock may need repair, or it may just have a bad fuse. Check those fuses first. There are several places that can repair your clock, or you can simply replace it.
The fan motor not blowing on "high" is more than likely the relay, as was stated earlier. Very common problem. There are other things that could cause this problem aslo, but the relay is the most common suspect.
Mufflers? What's that?
Welcome to the Shark Tank, Brian!
thas jest 'cause you couldn't give it away!!!
[QUOTE=IR1976] Hey everyone! I am the proud new owner of a 1976 Corvette! This is my first Corvette, and my wife and I are really excited about having it.
I've got a few questions about it though. While it is in very nice physical and mechanical condition, there are a few issues with it. Right off the bat, i currently don't know a heck of a lot about cars (well, working on them, at least)Issue 1: The right scroll wheel that control the temperature is frozen in place. You cannot move it at all!
Issue 2: There is a little bit of an oil leak. It looks like maybe 2 or 3 drops per day on my garage floor.
Issue 3: The clock doesn't work!
Issue 4: The "interior" fan (vents and such) runs just fine at low and medium speeds, but will not run at high speed. At all.
Issue 5: I need 2 new mufflers. I am currently missing 1 of them. Where should I look to get new mufflers?
See? Not a whole lot wrong...just a few minor things here and there! If anyone can help, I'd greatly appreciate it!Thanks!Brian
[/QUOTE]
Welcome to Corvette ownership, Brian!!!
The leaks need to be identified, and then repaired in order of importance. If this is not something you can do yourself, ask around, and find a knowledgable shop to do this for you.
The temp thumbwheel being "frozen" or stuck is most likely the cable itself. The wheel portion on the console control panel really doesn't have anything that would cause it to do this, but the cable that is attatched to it can get corroded if the car has been sitting for a long time. You may be able to remove the cable and soak it down with penetrating oil(Zep45, WD-40, etc.), and get it freed up. Otherwise, it will need to be replaced, and it is available at most of the Corvette parts suppliers. Try Bairs, a major sponsor of C3VR!
The clock may need repair, or it may just have a bad fuse. Check those fuses first. There are several places that can repair your clock, or you can simply replace it.
The fan motor not blowing on "high" is more than likely the relay, as was stated earlier. Very common problem. There are other things that could cause this problem aslo, but the relay is the most common suspect.
Mufflers? What's that?
Welcome to the Shark Tank, Brian!
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"
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5189
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe, 1989 Coupe, 2001 Roadster Present: 1967 Stingray Roadster, 1976 Stingray Coupe, 1989 Roadster..
Hmmn, ya don't work on cars but ya bought a 76 vette.... That's about ta change some don't ya think? Either that or ya work for Corporate America.
Guys (& Micki) above are steerin ya in the right direction. My only added advise would be to fix the hafta things 1st then do the others as ya can or want too. One thing about it you will always have a fix it, update it, change list of some sort. But, then thats typical of owning a classic vehicle. GOOD LUCK & ENJOY!
Guys (& Micki) above are steerin ya in the right direction. My only added advise would be to fix the hafta things 1st then do the others as ya can or want too. One thing about it you will always have a fix it, update it, change list of some sort. But, then thats typical of owning a classic vehicle. GOOD LUCK & ENJOY!
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5189
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe, 1989 Coupe, 2001 Roadster Present: 1967 Stingray Roadster, 1976 Stingray Coupe, 1989 Roadster..
Ps. we wanna see Pics Tuxblacray 2006-11-03 03:00:30
Lifetime MemberIrving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple] [QUOTE=greypoop-on]...but I wouldn't give up my clunker for nothin'[/QUOTE]
thas jest 'cause you couldn't give it away!!! ![/QUOTE]
........
........and who's car made it to TN (and back to TX) without breaking down or the engine drinkin' oil??????? My clunker went by you so fast it blew your bumpers clean off yer old red car.......what a piece of cake!
fixed quote box
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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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