feelin' a bit cocky here...

kdlp · 03-15-04, 07:42 PM

Back in September I began a winter project to rebuild the interior of a black '81 vette. This started out as an "update, cleanup project" but the more I got into it.... well the more I got into it.

Before it was over (Phase 1, that is), I had the dash board on the garage bench, gages/idiot lights out, wiring out all the way down through the console, a/c-heater controls in pieces and more disassembled pieces (and photographs, thank God for digital photos) than I could count. I know, because I lost some.

So now the dash is back in place (complete with gages, wiring, new dash bulbs - thanks Bud for the tip on the brighter bulbs - new power window and door lock switches and a new stereo head/amp/subwoofer, etc.) I hook up the battery expecting fuses to blow and all that happens is that the idiot lights come on... no blown fuses, no snap, crackle and pop. By the way, I'd love to get the guy/gal who decided to put the fuse box in a completely inaccessable place in a dark alley for about 10 minutes.... at least I would right after my back comes back to a normal angle.

So I figure, "let's throw a few switches." Power windows, both work.... power door locks, both work... a/c-heater controls, work... rear window defogger, no problem... mirrors, working... stereo, Oh my God that's LOUD... I can't believe it, IT ALL WORKS!!!! (I even got the remote power antenna to work!!) The amazing thing is that I'm the guy who used to build Heathkit stuff that would blow the neighbors breakers when they were plugged in!

What I'd like to do is go for a run, but the seats are waiting for the budget to allow new skins. Besides it's spitting snow and I don't have any insurance on the Vette right now.

Sorry about the long post but I had to rejoice AND thank a bunch of you regular posters who don't think twice about tossing your .02 in on tech questions. Many times just reading the Q's and A's, even when they aren't your problem, comes in handy down the line.

Thanks again,

kdlp

03-15-04, 07:53 PM

Congrats You deserve it, if you got that whole MESS (and I mean that in the nicest way) Back together AND IT ALL WORKS!!!!!

Have Fun!!!!!

LittleRedFlatBack · 03-15-04, 08:02 PM

Wow! Sounds like your project turned into quite an undertaking. Congrats on a job well done.

Yoda · 03-15-04, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdlp

..... . . . I hook up the battery expecting fuses to blow and all that happens is that the idiot lights come on... no blown fuses, no snap, crackle and pop. By the way, I'd love to get the guy/gal who decided to put the fuse box in a completely inaccessable place in a dark alley for about 10 minutes.... at least I would right after my back comes back to a normal angle...... .. .... I had to rejoice AND thank a bunch of you regular posters who don't think twice about tossing your .02 in on tech questions. Many times just reading the Q's and A's, even when they aren't your problem, comes in handy down the line.

Thanks again,

kdlp

It's ALWAYS Nice to hear when things go right

and it nice to get feedback on projects our members have completed. AND I would like to know where the line forms to take a shot at that guy/gal who decided to ......

Nice job kd

you'll be out

in no time

mauivette · 03-15-04, 10:39 PM

Way to go!!!!!!!!! " I love it when a plan comes together" (Geo. Peppard, the A Team)

Feltman · 03-16-04, 03:40 PM

What kind of Bulb was recommended?

kdlp · 03-16-04, 04:07 PM

Feltman,

Maybe Rare81 will chime in here...he's the guy who tipped me. Basically I changed out the 2 candlepower bulbs for 5 candlepower bulbs. Most parts books show the 2cp bulbs as part #194. I think Bud found the 5cp bulbs as part #2825, apparently my local parts store (NAPA) uses a different supplier. What I ended up with are Wagner Lighting 5 cp bulbs with part #175L. You'll need 2 boxes of 10 to change out all the old #194's.

The one negative about these bulbs is that they have about half the normal life of the #194 bulb. That isn't a problem for me since my Vette will be a summer only, once in a while driver. Oh, and there is another negative factor....price. They are about twice the cost of the #194 bulbs.

Also, if you have an old pair of needlenose pliers it will help a lot in getting the old bulbs out and the new ones in. Some of the bulbs are deeply recessed into the plastic molded gage bracket (speedo/tach/idiot lights). I dipped the tip of the needlenose pliers into a can of that liquid plastic that you'd use to put a plastic coat grip on your tools. It helps a bunch when you're trying to put those new bulbs down in a hole into a socket.

I will tell you that it does make a difference, the idiot lights jump right out at you instead of having that dull glow. And instead of running your headlight knob at full right twist, you can back it off about 1/3 of a turn.

kdlp

bossvette · 03-16-04, 04:22 PM

Hats off to you, the dash region is not my favotite place to work, I would rather change the engine then replace the bulbs. As a matter of fact I replaced my "pop-ups" with stationary lights rather then replace the light switch again