adding options not originally ordered to 72 Vette T top

[L88 crazy]

I have a 1972 Corvette T top. Is there any way that I can add factory options to it that weren't orginally ordered when the Corvette was brand new? I have manual windows now. Is it possible that I can swap them for power windows? What exactly is Astro ventilation? Can I also swap a standard steering column to a tilt steering column? Here is the big one though. CAN I ADD THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR WHERE THERE WASN'T ONE INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY OR DEALER? I have the mirror and needed hardware to do it, but what is involved in that. How do you match up the passenger side mirror to the drivers side mirror? Keep 'em rumbling!

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Of course you can add or delete anything you want, it's only a matter of cubic money.

For power windows you will need to replace a lot of the internal door mechanism, plus the inner door panels (expensive). You will need to add the wiring (time consuming) and change the centre console to accomodate the switches (expensive). Up to you if you think it's worth it.

Steering columns can be swapped, but again $$$$

Passenger side mirror was a dealer added option, not factory. If you don't have a template, use a set of measurements from your drivers side. I think there is two plugs that get installed in holes in the door, and the mounting plate gets attached by two screws.

Astro ventilation was fitted to non AC cars and consists of two levers on the centre console that open and close trap doors in the footwells. On coupes there is also a vacuum operated door beneath, and to the rear of the back window. The theory is that ram air will be forced through the cabin at speed, sort of a poor man's AC.

 

[Tom73]

It is your car and you can do what ever you want with it. For a driver it makes no difference. But for a car that will be judged you want to make only factory correct changes. You an add power windows and a tilt column but make sure you do it "factory correct". Since the passanger side mirror was not a factory option (dealer installed) you would not want to install one on a car to be judged.

Astroventilation was a flow through air system. Was only operational on non-A/C cars (but all said AstroVentilation on the side windows). Would take air in from the front and exhaust it out the rear deck vents. The rear vents were not operational on A/C equiped cars.

tom...

 

[RMS73]

http://users.erols.com/jerryp58/corvette/mirror/rightmirror.htm

The above address shows how one person installed the passenger side mirror. It is not hard, just need the template.
Roger

 

[gooney0]

Tom73,

Ahhh! That explains alot. I could not figure out how the vents in my 72 w/ A/C were supposed to work! I guess they're not supposed to work at all.

One less thing for me to fix.

-Gööney0

 

[AV8RSVT #1]

I to am thinking of installing pass side mirror on my "72". Hard choice to make.

 

[Robin7TFour]

has anyone put later style C-3 mirrors on an earlier vette?


robin

 

[Chas]

I installed the passenger side mirror...

had to for the wife....i got the kit from corvette central...bought two new chrome mirrors and it was very easy to install the new one....the kit comes with a template that you tape to the car and drill the 2 small holes....it comes with a rubber type anchor that pushes thru the hole , it has a flange that keeps it from falling into the door.....then you simply screw the plate to the door and attach the mirror....i replaced them both so they would look good...the boxes were genuine gm parts so i think i did it right...it was a dealer installed item at the time....easy fix for that nasty blind spot...much better...the only problem i had was that its not a fisheye mirror ....just a flat mirror...took a few trips and im ok with it. good luck pal.

ps...the pic of my vette is before i installed it...i can post pics if you would like to see it up close...let me know....no problem-o

 

[Erik S. Klein]

I'm not 100% sure but I think that GM made the same center console for the power window and manual window cars. I bought a replacement once for another 72 and had to cut out the holes for the switches before installation.

You might want to check yours to see if there are marks for the switch locations (inside to either side of the brake lever). If so, you can modify the console to accept the power window switches with a little cutting.

That'll save a few $$ on an expensive project!

Good luck!