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Topic: Some Proposed Changes

in Forum: C3 General Discussion


Some Proposed Changes

Posted: 5/11/10 2:37am Message 1 of 14
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Indianapolis, 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

I've talked about some changes I would like to make to my car, but after significant thought and bank account consideration, I've realized that whatever I do, I need to take a phased approach.

Phase 1 - If it's Broke, Fix it.  There are a number of things that either don't work, or don't work as they should on the car (plus a few cosmetic items).  But as always, I would like some advice/suggestions. 
 
My tach has not worked consistently for some time.  The shop I've been speaking with is strongly suggesting converting it to electric instead of mechanical.  Any downside to that?  I do have a replacement tach I bought on e-bay, so if I went this route, I would keep the original and have the replacement modified.  Thoughts on if anything else would need modified if I went this route?
 
Radio - this one is a bit of a struggle - I have the hidden stereo in the back, but it's hard to reach and takes up too much room - it can't go with on a trip or I loose the little bit of luggage space we have.  So I'm really thinking of taking the conversion route.  They rip the guts out of my stereo, replace them with modern components and add an iPod input.  This would also allow me to add modern speakers.  I do not have a replacement radio (can't get one on e-bay for less than $100 and the conversion itself is already $$$), so I would be having it done on the original.  I know, many of you are cringing.  However, I just can't say enough about how important music is to me - especially while driving.  I need my tunes
 
Leaks - he claims he can take care of the leaks that I've been getting in the luggage compartment when I go on trips and it rains.  This is pretty important to me
 
Carpet - I figured while the dash is apart for the speedo (slight problem), tach, radio and clock (I have a replacement unit), I thought it would be a good time to do the carpet.  However, I'm not sure if this would be something I could easily do myself later and save the labor cost for the shop to take care of it.  The stock carpet is not in bad shape, but it has it's spots and I would like to get the heat underlayment to cool off the cabin.  Plus, the whole, "while we're there" thing.
 
Looking forward to comments and ideas
 
Thanks



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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Some Proposed Changes

Posted: 5/11/10 5:11am Message 2 of 14
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Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2480
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
I agree, if it needs attention,work on it. MOST of the fixes are something you can do yourself. (if i can,you can).  The tach could be the gear/cable. Start with easy stuff first. BOTH of mine were finicky. Turned out they needed lubracation and a new cable.  Radio is a unit I got on E-BAY and replaced myself. Leaks are weather stripping, you can do them. Carpet, pull the seats out, buy the pre-formed pieces from who ever you deal with and fit it in. A little time, patience and sharp tools will save you LOTS of needed cash for trips and fun.  GO FOR IT.  You CAN do it.   Mark


Some Proposed Changes

Posted: 5/11/10 5:04pm Message 3 of 14
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Indianapolis, 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
I have replaced the speedo once already - by myself.  I can't bring myself to do it again.


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Some Proposed Changes

Posted: 5/11/10 5:31pm Message 4 of 14
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Bloomfield Hills, MI - USA
Joined: 6/29/2008
Posts: 199
Vette(s): 1975 Corvette coupe, 4 speed manual, 383 ci 9.5:1,Edelbrock dual plane Air Gap intake, Alum Heads,Comp Cam, roller Rockers, PS,PB,Tilt
On the radio, ground out some of the metal to fit a Panasonic radio . I epoxyed in the bezel and the radio slips in and out with easy

I then added some body filler to round out the new countours and spray painted the instrument bezel

if you want I can send you photos

the radio plays MP3 CDs and has an iPhone conection for music jp75vette2010-05-11 18:01:12


Some Proposed Changes

Posted: 5/11/10 6:40pm Message 5 of 14
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Irving, 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.
Marshall, you are always gonna have a leak somewhere in a vette, that's just they way it is.....silly manchild!LOL
 
greypoupon692010-05-11 18:42:37


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Some Proposed Changes

Posted: 5/11/10 7:09pm Message 6 of 14
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North Charleston, SC - USA
Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176
Vette(s): 1975 L48 AT AC T-top
I am with you on the imprtance of music. My 75 factory radio is on the blink. I am thinking seriously about sending it somewhere to get modern components as well as an Ipod input. That would be awesome.
 
Scott



Some Proposed Changes

Posted: 5/12/10 1:56am Message 7 of 14
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Indianapolis, 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
I really like the idea of keeping the "factory" look in the radio and other components.  Mick, I know - there are two kinds of Corvettes.  Those that leak and those that don't leak...............................yet
 
Any thoughts or warnings about changing the tach from mechanical to electronic?



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Some Proposed Changes

Posted: 5/12/10 7:37am Message 8 of 14
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I changed the carpet in mine myself.  It was a bit of a pain, but I got it done.  Just make sure you have enough adhesive when you start.  LOL  I had to go back for more right in the middle of the project.  I used a new box cutter to trim it to fit.  I think Joel gave me the suggestion of placing it in the sun for a bit in order to "soften" it up a bit.  That made it much easier to "mold" it into where it needed to go. 
 
Where are you considering having your radio converted?  I didn't know that was possible.  I have the original in mine but it has never worked.  I do like the stock look but like you, need my tunes.  The sound in the '06 is awesome and I know I'll never come close to it in the '72, but I'd like to try.   
 



Some Proposed Changes

Posted: 5/12/10 8:58am Message 9 of 14
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Easley, SC - USA
Joined: 4/14/2008
Posts: 39
Vette(s): Yellow 1980, L48,Auto, Matching Numbers, Everything factory original...for now.

When  I bought my corvette the PO had replaced the factory unit with a newer unit but had not changed out the factory speakers so the receiver did not last long with the incorrect speaker impedience.

I ordered a radio made by Custom Autosound that fits in the factory opening but is entirely digital.  I has an IPod interface option available and has an auxilliary input available.
 



Some Proposed Changes

Posted: 5/12/10 11:24am Message 10 of 14
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Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Marshall, Other that that are you planning to keep it stock?


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