Corvette Parts Blog

Corvette Power Window Motor

In the 1968 to 1976 Corvette power window motor design, GM used the same motors as the 56-67 Corvette, but they flipped them around. What was a left hand motor in a 56-67 Corvette became a right hand motor in the 68-76 Corvette, and vice versa. However, the manufacturer of the motor never changed and neither did their part number, so when you look at the right hand motor (passenger side) in a 68-77 Corvette, the motor is stamped “LH” for left hand. It is a left hand for a 56-67, but not a 68-77. This often leads to confusion when a customer receives a new window motor that is correct, but they think it’s wrong. Of course you always need to be aware of how GM determined what is left and what is right, it was from sitting in the car; RH=passenger, LH=driver. Also, GM changed the electrical plug midyear 1976, so all motors produced by GM after the middle of 1976 had the new design plug. In 1978, the motor changed again, but it was only by adding a bracket to the back of the motor, the rest of the motor and the plug remained the same as the late 76. The motors that are supplied now will work in all applications, but if you are installing this motor in 56-76E (E=early) then you will also need a power window motor conversion harness so that the motor will plug into the earlier harness in your Corvette.

Here’s a project that’s fairly easy to do and only requires standard tools. The entire replacement of the power window motor should be completed in about 1.5 hours from start to finish.

Click here to read our Corvette Power Window Motor Replacement article.

C3, Conversion, Corvette Power Window Motor, Electrical, Harness, Motor, Power, Window

This Corvette Restoration Tip is brought to you by Zip Corvette and can be found in Zip’s free Corvette Parts & Accessories Catalogs – request one online today.

Most Corvette owners – or car owners in general – have no idea that the parts in their car have an expected service life. Did you know the service life of a Corvette’s wiring harness is only 10 years? That means the wiring in your Corvette was built to last 10 years, not the 40 or even 50 years many Corvettes have been on the road. Individual wires within a harness are made of copper strand housed in plastic.

Corvette Dash Harness

Over time, the plastic deteriorates and becomes brittle and cracked, allowing moisture to get into the wire. In turn, the copper corrodes. Ultimately, this process could end in disaster, i.e., corroded wires lead to short circuits – and short circuits have the potential to turn into electrical fires. With vintage Corvettes continuing to climb in both sentimental and monetary value, why gamble on the (usually unseen) condition of an old wiring harness? Cost-wise within the scope of a comprehensive restoration, the fractional expense of new wiring harnesses is your best money spent.

Zip’s Corvette wiring harnesses are correct reproductions featuring the same connectors, wire sizes and colors as the originals. Experience new found confidence in your Corvette’s electrical system with all-new harnesses from Zip Corvette!

Correct Reproduction, Corvette Wiring Harnesses, Electrical

Today’s Corvette technical question comes from a 1967 Corvette owner:

I own a 1967 Corvette convertible. When I turn on the radio, my dash lights go out immediately. FUSE BLOWN! I have checked most of the wiring for bare wires, but no luck to date. Would it be something in the radio itself? It is an original radio and it has never been touched. Thanks, I really miss those dash lights.

1963-1967 Corvette

Answer: With electrical issues, it can be very difficult to find the culprit. However, with the symptoms you described, I would lean towards a short in your Corvette’s radio. You have an interior light that is inside the radio on a midyear Corvette and I feel confident that you have a short in that circuit. The fact that the radio has not been rebuilt also makes me think the radio is the problem because it is 41 years old. The life span that GM put on the wiring in the car was originally 10 years, so I can’t imagine that it was much more or even less from the other components in the car. I think it would be best to have the radio restored. Then, you may want to consider replacing your Corvette’s wiring harness if that has not already been done.

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Corvette Dash Lights, Corvette Radio, Corvette Wiring Harnesses, Electrical

Another new Corvette Part at Zip. This one for the C6 owner.

New C6 Corvette LED Tail Light Kit now available from Zip Corvette. LED tail light kit is the perfect update for your C6 or Z06 Corvette providing you with brighter, longer lasting, and better looking tail lights. The kit is available in red or blacked-out versions and installs easily with no modifications required. Installation instructions and a three year warranty are included with purchase.

05-09 LED Tail Light Kit

C6, Corvette LED, Corvette Tail Light, Electrical, Lights