Welcome to the C3 Corvette addiction, er, hobby.
Listen, you do need to purchase a shop manual and also suggest buying an assembly manual while you are at it - it will save you so much money. Don't be afraid of working on your classic car! Regarding this exact issue, I've not personally experienced it but it does sound likes fuse. So, Google the fuse schematic for an '82, print it off and check the appropriate fuse. If that doesn't locate the issue, there is a good chance that you're right - but, from what I've seen of the C3 light switch replacement video on YouTube - as well as the moderate cost of the switch (re-use the actual shaft) - I don't get the sense that it is that painful and it appears to be a satisfying DIY repair. But, dude, you had better get a manual. I found mine used on eBay for under $50 bucks. It has saved me at least hundred$.
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