80 Corvette Wiper Switch Replacement

[Dave K.]

The windshield wiper switch on my 80 Corvette is located in the left dashboard area above the headlight switch and to the left of the speedo/tach instrument cluster. The GM service manual only shows a sketch of the switch but offers no instructions on how to access it or replace it. I assume that the left corner of the dashboard must be loosened and pulled forward to access the switch? Does the speedo/tach instrument cluster also need to be pulled forward? Does anyone have experience replacing this switch?

Regards,
Dave Kitch

[Mark P.]

Re: 80 Corvette Wiper Switch Replacement *NM*

[Mark P.]

Re: 80 Corvette Wiper Switch Replacement *NM*

[Mark P.]

Re: 80 Corvette Wiper Switch Replacement

I have found a post on my harddisk on this subject. It was originally posted by fauxrs on the corvetteforum.com. I have never tried this because I have a '69 where you definitely need to move the dash.

So here it is:

To my surprise and Joy, it took no more than 20 mins. to accomplish and that included installing the plunger twice, once under the dash to test the lights and make sure the vaccuum lines were hooked up correctly, and once again in its normal position. Heres the skinny on how to do this, if you are getting ready. In this case it only applies to my 78 or those other c3's that are put together the same. I assume there may be slight differences among them.

1> Remove duct from drivers side knee vent. Additional clearance can be had by removing the vent itself. It appeas to be held in with two small screws one on either l/r side

2> Take out your new switch and take a look at the bottom, next to the vacc. connectors. You will see a small spring loaded button. Reach up under the dash and feel around on the bottom of the installed switch and try to find the same button on your old one.

3> This button is the release for the Light selector shaft, push it in and hold it there while pulling on the light knob.(the knob must be all the way out in the 'on' position first. If you get it just right, the whole shaft will come out. You must do this before the switch can be removed.

4>The switch itself is retained only by a threaded device through which the shaft was just removed. Turn this to the left until it comes out. Remove this item and the metal trim piece. The switch is now free to be pulled down below the dash. note: BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN DOING THIS SO AS NOT TO ACCIDENTLY DISSCONECT THE VACCUUM LINES....Like I did

5> remove the vaccuum lines one by one and connect to the new switch in the same location.

6> disconnect electrical connector from old switch. Clean it up as you see fit, but the grease applied to it serves a purpose, dont remove it all.

7> Plug into new switch.

8> At this point I put the selector shaft back in to test to make sure the switch worked and the vacc. connections were correct.. If you do this, you will have to push on the little button on the bottom to remove it again before you install.9>Reinstallation is the reverse of removal and really represents the majority of the time involved in this. You must hold the new switch in place from the rear. While you install the trim bezel and threaded nut in from the front, once you get the threaded nut started you are home free. Tighten it up, put the selecot shaft in and you are done. Dont forget to reinstall the duct work. So anyway, this just proves, there are things that can be done under the dash of a shark that doesnt require the stature of Billy Barty or the flexibility of Grand master Yogi.

[Mark P.]

Re: 80 Corvette Wiper Switch Replacement

I have found a post on my harddisk on this subject. It was originally posted by fauxrs on the corvetteforum.com. I have never tried this because I have a '69 where you definitely need to move the dash.

So here it is:

To my surprise and Joy, it took no more than 20 mins. to accomplish and that included installing the plunger twice, once under the dash to test the lights and make sure the vaccuum lines were hooked up correctly, and once again in its normal position. Heres the skinny on how to do this, if you are getting ready. In this case it only applies to my 78 or those other c3's that are put together the same. I assume there may be slight differences among them.

1> Remove duct from drivers side knee vent. Additional clearance can be had by removing the vent itself. It appeas to be held in with two small screws one on either l/r side

2> Take out your new switch and take a look at the bottom, next to the vacc. connectors. You will see a small spring loaded button. Reach up under the dash and feel around on the bottom of the installed switch and try to find the same button on your old one.

3> This button is the release for the Light selector shaft, push it in and hold it there while pulling on the light knob.(the knob must be all the way out in the 'on' position first. If you get it just right, the whole shaft will come out. You must do this before the switch can be removed.

4>The switch itself is retained only by a threaded device through which the shaft was just removed. Turn this to the left until it comes out. Remove this item and the metal trim piece. The switch is now free to be pulled down below the dash. note: BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN DOING THIS SO AS NOT TO ACCIDENTLY DISSCONECT THE VACCUUM LINES....Like I did

5> remove the vaccuum lines one by one and connect to the new switch in the same location.

6> disconnect electrical connector from old switch. Clean it up as you see fit, but the grease applied to it serves a purpose, dont remove it all.

7> Plug into new switch.

8> At this point I put the selector shaft back in to test to make sure the switch worked and the vacc. connections were correct.. If you do this, you will have to push on the little button on the bottom to remove it again before you install.9>Reinstallation is the reverse of removal and really represents the majority of the time involved in this. You must hold the new switch in place from the rear. While you install the trim bezel and threaded nut in from the front, once you get the threaded nut started you are home free. Tighten it up, put the selecot shaft in and you are done. Dont forget to reinstall the duct work. So anyway, this just proves, there are things that can be done under the dash of a shark that doesnt require the stature of Billy Barty or the flexibility of Grand master Yogi.

[Dave K.]

Re: 80 Corvette Wiper Switch Replacement

Mark,

These are instructions for replacing the head light switch. I'm looking for the same but for wiper switch.

Dave Kitch

[Dave K.]

Re: 80 Corvette Wiper Switch Replacement

Mark,

These are instructions for replacing the head light switch. I'm looking for the same but for wiper switch.

Dave Kitch

[Mark P.]

Re: 80 Corvette Wiper Switch Replacement

Ooops, I should have read your post more carefully....
Sorry, I have no tips for the wiper switch available. Except you might need to lower the steering column in order to move the dash forward. At least this is true for my '69. But since the dash in your '80 is completely different, you need to wait for someone more knowledgeable in that matter.

[Mark P.]

Re: 80 Corvette Wiper Switch Replacement

Ooops, I should have read your post more carefully....
Sorry, I have no tips for the wiper switch available. Except you might need to lower the steering column in order to move the dash forward. At least this is true for my '69. But since the dash in your '80 is completely different, you need to wait for someone more knowledgeable in that matter.