This weeks Corvette question comes from Ray who owns a 1972 C3 Corvette.
How do I remove the starter from my 1972 Corvette?
68-82 Corvette Starter Mount
The procedure for removing and installing the starter on a 1972 Corvette applies to all 1968-1982 Corvettes. It is not a difficult task to complete and only requires basic mechanical tools. To begin the removal first disconnect the battery cables (negative first) and raise the Corvette to an ideal working height. Next disconnect each wire at the solenoid terminals but be sure to reinstall the nuts after removing each wire as the thread sizes are different. If your Corvette has a big block, which included the starter solenoid shield you can now remove the front bracket upper bolt and remove the shield from the starter. For Corvettes equipped with the 350 engine you can now loosen the front bracket and remove the two mount bolts. You are now ready to remove the starter from the Corvette. After rotating the bracket away from your work space, lower the starter from the Corvette front first while holding it against the bellhousing.
Once you are ready to reinstall your Corvette’s Starter you can simply reverse the order of these instructions. Be sure to torque the mount bolts to 25-35 ft./lbs. first, followed by the starter brace bolt. Once correct operation of your Corvette’s starter is confirmed the removal and installation is complete.
C3 Corvette, Corvette Starter, Corvette Starter Installation, Corvette Starter Mount, Corvette Starter Solenoid
This week’s Corvette question comes from Mike who owns a 1993 C4 Corvette.
How do I adjust the windshield wipers on my 1993 Corvette?
C4 Corvette Windshield Wipers
Despite their notoriety as a high-performance car and their innovations in design and technology, the C4 Corvettes had their fair share of imperfections. One common problem is with the C4 Corvette Windshield Wipers. Although only a minor flaw, the wipers on many of these Corvettes are not properly adjusted to rest beneath the hood when turned off. When the wipers do not park correctly, they can scrape the black paint on the window trim, resulting in unsightly scratch marks on the trim and blemishing the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. Fortunately, this minor problem can be easily corrected. All you need is a ratchet, 10mm socket, a flat-blade screwdriver, and no more than 20 minutes of your time. This simple adjustment will allow your Corvette’s wipers to rest below the hood line and prevent your Corvette’s window trim from being scratched again.
C4 Corvette Wiper Access Plate
After opening the hood of your Corvette, look in the direction of the wipers where you will see the wiper transmission access plate. Remove the plate with a flat-blade screwdriver by carefully prying up on it. Not all C4 Corvettes have this plate, if you don’t simply remove the entire grill. Once the access plate or grill is removed you will have access to four retaining nuts. Loosen them with a 10mm socket but be sure not to remove them as reinstalling the nuts can be very difficult. Last, gently push the wiper arms towards the firewall. You will need to adjust both arms to avoid interference between them. Adjust the arms until they do not hit the windshield molding or they are below the hood line.
Once you have your Corvette’s windshield wipers adjusted properly you can tighten them down. Be sure not to over tighten or you could snap the stud on the linkage. Now check the adjustment. Close your Corvette’s hood and have someone spray water on the windshield while you operate the wipers. (Don’t operate the wipers without water on the windshield or you could permanently scratch the glass). Make sure the wipers are no longer hitting the windshield molding. Switch the wipers to high to check that they are not contacting each other or binding up. If they are contacting, then readjust them until they no longer contact each other. The same applies if they are still hitting your Corvette’s windshield molding. Once your adjustment is satisfactory, replace the access plate or grill and your job is done.
C4 Corvette Windshield Wiper Adjustment, C4 Corvette Windshield Wipers, Corvette Wiper Blades, Corvette Wipers
This weeks Corvette Question comes from Scott who owns a 1972 Corvette.
How do you remove the original radio from a 1972 Corvette?
The procedure for removing a 1972 Corvette Radio is the same for all 1968-1976 C3 Corvettes. You will need to start by removing your Corvette’s RH Side Dash Pad. There are seven phillips screws that hold the dash pad in place; two in the door jamb, three on top where it connects to the top dash pad and the final two are on the side of the gauge console. Once the RH dash pad is removed you will gain access to the radio and gauge console. Remove both radio side panels on the forward console, they sit under the radio and are held in with one screw. Once this is done, you will need to loosen the nuts on the bottom of the gauge console, they can be difficult to get to, but you should note that you will only have to loosen them not remove them. You can see these nuts by the radio side panels. After the nuts are loose, you can remove the two screws on the left side and then remove the upper screws that hold the wiper switch in place. Once all of the screws are removed, remove the radio knobs and the retaining nuts. The console will now pull out, but use caution because you still have wires and your oil line hooked up. If you can gain enough clearance to remove the radio leave these connected, if not then disconnect the wires and oil line and remove the console. The radio will now slide out so that you can disconnect the antenna cable and wiring harness.
1968-1982 Corvette Radio, C3 Corvette Radio, Corvette Center Gauge Console, Corvette Radio, Removing Corvette Radios
This weeks Corvette Question comes from Kris who owns a C4 Corvette.
How do I replace the fuel pump & sending unit on my 1987 Corvette?
C4 Corvette Fuel Pump
Answer: Once you have troubleshooted your Corvette’s Fuel System and determined it is time to install a new fuel pump & sending unit on your Corvette you will first need to disconnect the negative battery cable and relieve the pressure in the fuel system. To relieve the fuel system pressure on a C4 Corvette you can simply remove the gas cap and let the car sit for 15 minutes. Once the pressure is relieved drain your Corvette’s fuel tank and remove the tank filler door attaching screws and bezel. Next, lift the fuel tank filler pipe housing and disconnect the drain hose from the nipple. Before disconnecting the fuel tank filler pipe housing, clean all fuel connections and surrounding areas to avoid contaminating the fuel system. Next disconnect the fuel hoses and EVAP hose from the fuel sender assembly. Plug or pinch the fuel feed and return hoses and remove the fuel sender electrical connector. To finish removal of your C4 Corvette’s fuel pump and sending unit remove the fuel sender assembly attaching screws, assembly, and gasket. You can re-install the old gasket but first check to see if your new C4 Corvette Sending Unit came with a new gasket. If it did then discard the gasket and thoroughly clean the gasket sealing surfaces. If you just purchased a new C4 Corvette Fuel Pump you will need to purchase a gasket separately or re-install the old gasket. Finally, cuts, nicks, swelling, or distortion is common on the fuel feed, fuel return and EVAP hoses so be sure to inspect these hoses before proceeding.
Once you are ready to install your new C4 Corvette Fuel Pump & Sending Unit begin by positioning the gasket on the fuel tank with the notch facing forward in the right hand corner of the tank. Carefully fold the strainer to allow it to fit through the opening in the tank. Next, install the fuel sender assembly into the fuel tank and re-connect the fuel sender electrical connector. Then connect the EVAP hose and tighten the hose clamps. Re-connect the fuel drain hose to the nipple on the filler pipe housing and place the housing around the filler pipe. Now you can re-install the filler door bezel, add fuel, and re-connect the negative battery cable. Before driving your Corvette away, be sure to turn the ignition switch on, off, then back on and check for any possible fuel leaks. If no leaks are recognized your Corvette fuel pump replacement was a success.
C4 Corvette, C4 Corvette Gas Tank, Corvette Fuel Hoses, Corvette Fuel Pump, Corvette Fuel System, Corvette Fuel System Pressure, Corvette Fuel System Sending Unit, Corvette Gas Door Assembly
This weeks Corvette Question comes from Greg who owns a 1987 Corvette.
How do I remove the battery from my 1987 Corvette?
Answer: It is not as easy as it should be. You have to start by removing the inner fender panel behind the front tire. Once you have removed this, open your driver side door and on the lower rocker panel you will see some very small torx screws, they are silver. You need to remove the first two closest to the front. Once these are removed, on the very bottom of the rocker molding almost directly under the front door jamb will be a 7mm bolt head. You need to remove this bolt and then you will be able to lower the front half of your Corvette’s rocker molding. Once you have done this, you will see two 10mm bolt heads. One is on the top of the battery side cover and one on the bottom. Remove both of them and then you will be able to remove the battery side cover. Once you have done this you can disconnect your Corvette’s battery cables (negative cable first). There is a bolt and retainer that holds the battery to the Corvette’s battery tray, you will need a 13mm socket and an extension to get it out. Once the retainer is off, you can remove your battery. This is also a good time to check your wiring that routes around the backside of the battery; these are all hot fuseable links. Just make sure they are in good shape with no visual damage. If there is noticeable damage now is the time to fix them. Once everything looks good you can install the new battery and just reverse the removal procedures.
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Battery, Battery Cables, Battery Tray, Rocker Molding
This weeks Corvette Question comes from Bobby who owns a 1981 Corvette.
How do I remove and reinstall a 1977-1982 Corvette sunvisor?
Corvette Sunvisors
Answer: Removal and installation of 1977-1982 Corvette Sunvisors is fairly simple and can be done with your basic hand tools (Note: the assistance of another person is recommended). Start by removing the Corvette’s T-Top Panel. Take a small screwdriver (jewelers type preferably) and lift the chrome access plug out of the header. Looking into the access hole you will see the threaded portion of the sunvisor rod that is being held to the roof of the Corvette by a tension spring and retainer. Take a small punch and tap the sunvisor pin down but be sure not to apply too much tension to the windshield (remember, this area is also supported by the windshield header which is part of your Corvette’s Birdcage). By lightly tapping the pin downwards the sunvisor and rod should fall into the Corvette. Make sure you keep your face away as the rod is under a lot of tension with the spring and retainer holding it to the roof. You will not be able to salvage the retainer as the star points will break off but you can order a new Corvette Sunvisor Mount Spring & Retainer Kit from Zip.
With the old sunvisor now out and a new
Corvette Sunvisor ready to go in simply reverse the procedures above. However, to lock the tension spring back into the access hole; place a small socket over the retainer and gently tap it down onto the sunvisor spring and rod. It is best to have another person push up on the sunvisor while you are securing the retainer and spring to the roof. Once the spring and retainer are in position reinstall the access plug, place the T-Top Panel back on the Corvette and enjoy.
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Birdcage, Mount Spring, Retainer, Sunvisors, T-Top Panel
This week’s Corvette Question comes from Tammy who owns a 1979 Corvette.
How do I install the wiper motor on a 1979 Corvette?
Corvette Wiper Motor & Arms
Answer: When the windshield wiper motor on your Shark quits, it’s a fairly simple matter to replace it. It takes well under an hour and no special skills are required. Once you have an understanding of the procedure, mounting any C3 Corvette wiper motor will be easy and quick to do. Follow along as we show you how:
As with any work you are performing; don’t forget to disconnect the negative cable from the battery, just to be on the safe side.
Step 1
1. If you have an aftermarket 1973-1982 Corvette Windshield Wiper Compartment Cover installed in your car, the first thing you’ll have to do is remove it so you can gain access to the wiper compartment. If you don’t have one of these covers installed, proceed directly to step 2.
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Corvette Washer Jar, Corvette Washer Pump, Corvette Wiper Arms, Corvette Wiper Motor, Corvette Wiper Motor Install
This week’s Corvette Question comes from Anthony who owns a 1977 Corvette.
How do I adjust the T-Tops on my 1977 Corvette?
1968-1977 Corvette T-Top Latches
Answer: There are multiple adjustments points on the 1968-1977 Corvette T-Tops. All of the outer latches and center locks have adjustment points. To get your Corvette’s T-Tops to fit correctly, first loosen the latches and center locks. Next, fit the T-Tops to your Corvette, moving and sliding the T-Tops into the desired position. They should be flush from side to side and between 1/8″ to 1/4″ high at the rear roof. The glass roof panels were designed to fit from 1/8″ to 1/4″ higher than the rear roof so do not attempt to make the panels flush at the rear. Once you have them placed correctly, sit in your Corvette and begin to tighten the adjustment points. Both the latches and center locks have vertical adjustments in them as well. Your T-Top can be pulled down tighter by turning the adjustable bolt in the outer latches. When adjusting the bolt take notice of the clearance from the roof panel to the windshield header; there should be a minimum of 1/16″ gap. You want the rubber weatherstrip at the front of the T-Top to compress so that there are no leaks but you do not want it to be so tight that the T-Top actually lays on top of the windshield header molding. For the last adjustment simply add or delete shims to the center locks until the desired fit is achieved. For additional information read our Finishing Touches & Details technical article at CorvetteMagazine.com.
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Corvette Latches, Corvette Locks, Corvette T-Top Adjustment, Corvette T-Tops
This week’s Corvette Question comes from a 2000 Corvette owner.
How do you close the automatic headlights on a C5 Corvette?
C5 Corvette Headlight
Answer: If your automatic lights are on and you would like to close them you have to go into your options menu. To do this you must use the buttons located on the side of the instrument panel. There is a button labeled options, it is button number 4. When you push it, the screen below your gauges will ask you a set of several different questions. Examples of these questions include: do you want your Corvette Headlights to open automatically depending on the light outside? Do you want the alarm to activate automatically when you leave your Corvette? Do you want the horn to chirp when you arm and disarm? You use the reset button to select which question you want and the options button to go to the next option. Simply choose for the automatic lights to be turned off while on this screen and they should close. If you choose to close them in the menu and they are still up, then obviously the headlight switch on the turn signal lever is on.
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C5, Corvette Automatic Lights, Corvette Gauges, Corvette Headlights
Today’s Corvette technical question comes from a 1970 Corvette owner.
How do you remove the wiper arms from a 1970 Corvette?
Answer: Original Corvette Wiper Arms are pressed on to a shaft, often referred to as a transmission that projects through the cowl of any 1956-1982 Corvette. The fit is very tight and over time the wiper arms can really become “stuck” to these transmissions. Removal is not difficult, if you have the correct tool. Many Corvette owners have found themselves on the short end of a nasty paint scratch while trying to remove the arms from the transmission with a common screwdriver. The process can
Wiper Arm Removal Tool
be done, but is not worth the risk just because you want to save a few dollars by not purchasing a Corvette wiper arm removal tool. With this tool your wiper arm removal will be quick and easy without risking damage to your Corvette. The tool simply hooks on to the bottom of the wiper arm elbow, grab in one hand the wiper arm and tool handle, squeeze together and pull straight up. The tool creates the correct alignment of the elbow in order to bypass an inner spring clip. Once correct alignment is received, the arm pulls off with ease.
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Wiper Arm Removal Tool, Wiper Arms
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