new onwer of 1980 corvette

[twk1946]

Just bought car about 2 weeks ago. Speedometer doesn't work. Power windows work sometime. Interior and dash lights not working. Car has play in the steering and wonders side to side at higher speeds. I knew I would have to fix several things, hope not too expsenive. Any help appreciated.

 

[6880 Mike]

...Speedometer doesn't work....

Check speedo cable and cables on cruise control.

...Power windows work sometime...

Could be dirty or old switches.

...Interior and dash lights not working...

Fuse

...Car has play in the steering...

Adjust the lash.

...wonders side to side at higher speeds...

Have the alignment checked.

 

[twk1946]

thanks, I'll let you know what I find

 

[Luigi]

Wierd, I just purchased an 80 just about two weeks ago and I have all the same issues, I have fixed some, but none the less wierd coinendence.

 

[bill81vette]

These cars are about 30 years old!
If these are the only issues you are having with them, you are doing very good!!!!!!

 

[Rex S]

Just did a 73 and now working on a 77. Check all the controll arm bushings, idler arm, ball joints and tie rod ends for play. If those are tight (but I'll bet they are worn out) check the trailing arm bushings. Bad trailing arm bushings will make the car "rear steer" and no amount of aligning willcorrect it.

 

[twk1946]

Wierd, I just purchased an 80 just about two weeks ago and I have all the same issues, I have fixed some, but none the less wierd coinendence.

What did you fix so far, any difficulty?

 

[twk1946]

Just did a 73 and now working on a 77. Check all the controll arm bushings, idler arm, ball joints and tie rod ends for play. If those are tight (but I'll bet they are worn out) check the trailing arm bushings. Bad trailing arm bushings will make the car "rear steer" and no amount of aligning willcorrect it.

thanks, I'll let you know how it turns out

 

[Luigi]

The lights were a combination of a few things. Fuse and burnt out bulbs.

The windows required taking the panels off around the center console, or in my case, I just didn’t have any. But I unplugged the switch and cleaned the contacts and sprayed it down with contact cleaner. That solved my issues

The steering is an issue I’m still working on... I had the alignment done, that did help some, the car still has a lot of play and will pull to what ever side I most recently turned to. I was actually going to post about that and ask for solutions, my next step unless otherwise advised is to replace the ball joints and see what that does. Any advice would be appricated on this matter...

Last I found the speedo cable while I was changing out the u joints and drive shaft, it was broken and needs replacing, I’m confident that will fix the problem.

 

[6880 Mike]

Adjusting the lash on the steering box will take some of the slop out. Steering response will improve and will give you time to R&R the rest of the system. No sense standing back and throwing money at it until you know what you're aiming for.

 

[LordVader]

Hey its great to have a few more 1980's corvettes here! I have had my 80 fo over six months now. During the first 3 months I had to do a lot with the car, new trailing arms and wheel bearings, new Rear end, new shocks on the rear, new leaf spring, new windshield wiper motor, new water pump. but the new rear end and spring and all really improve the handling of the car.

Seemed like since the car had been sitting awhile before I bought it, once i got it and started driving her all the things wore out at same time. Now that I got all that done she has been very reliable.

Mike.

 

[twk1946]

update

Just bought car about 2 weeks ago. Speedometer doesn't work. Power windows work sometime. Interior and dash lights not working. Car has play in the steering and wonders side to side at higher speeds. I knew I would have to fix several things, hope not too expsenive. Any help appreciated.

Power windows fixed(switches) lights fixed, replaced front control bushings and idler arm, great improvement, still a little play, what's next?

Speedo cable ok, speedometer still not working, what do I check next?

thanks

 

[6880 Mike]

...Speedo cable ok, speedometer still not working, what do I check next?...

Speedo cable and drive gear on the tranny. If you have the optional cruise control, you want to check the cables on the transducer.

 

[oceangal]

Welcome to the c3 club!

I wish I could tell you these are the only things you have to fix...I know better now!!

 

[moe]

speedometer

Just bought car about 2 weeks ago. Speedometer doesn't work. Power windows work sometime. Interior and dash lights not working. Car has play in the steering and wonders side to side at higher speeds. I knew I would have to fix several things, hope not too expsenive. Any help appreciated.

i have an 80 also ,my speedometer stopped after i got off highway , if your cables are not broken and you have cruise its a good chance its the transducer ,it has 2 wheels in side ,1 big metal one and one small plastic one each is for a cable ,my big one popped out so the 2 wheels wer,nt makeing contact ,if thats the case hold the housing tight put your 2 thumbs on metal wheel and push it towards plastic wheel until it pops back into place . moe