1977-1982 C3 Corvette Console Removal

Just know beforehand that the removal of the center console, shift plate, and parking brake/armrest cover on 1977 thru 1982 Corvettes will be an involved process, and one that will also require the removal of the seats.
There will be no special tools required. A Phillips screwdriver, and maybe a couple of wrenches or sockets to remove the seats, and that's pretty much it. Lots of elbow grease, on the other hand, is a must-have.
Start by removing the seats followed by the console side covers (they are carpeted), from that point forward you will need to free up the console shifter plate and also disconnect whatever electronic switches may be attached to it, such as the rear window defogger, power window switches, cigarette lighter, etc.
And keep in mind that chances are if someone has worked on the car, you may encounter questionable hardware along with broken tabs or parts. Plastic trim becomes brittle with age.
Then again, you may be removing the console to repair or replace parts anyway, so this is the time to take care of as many failed components as possible.
Taking the center console apart is no small task, so make the most of this opportunity.
Thank you for watching! 🙂👍🏻
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DISCLAIMER: Even though I like to wrench on Corvettes and most of my videos are of a how-to nature, I am not responsible nor liable should you decide to follow my musings on the subject.
The repairs and other work I do are for my own benefit and entertainment, and even though my videos may appear to give technical how-to advice, that's not my intention.
Working on a vehicle is inherently dangerous. If you're not confident, qualified, or lack the tools to do the job correctly and safely, hire a licensed mechanic.

[@timewiththedurbins]

It always amazes me how tough it is working on a C3 Corvette. Everything fits so tight. ON my 71 after removing the dash and center console, none of the wiring wanted to fit back correctly, and there is an amazing amount of wire behind the dash. Owning a C3 makes it worth it. At least that's what I keep telling myself. LOL Quality video as always. Keep up the good work.

[@76vette]

Thanks, Mark. It is challenging for sure, and what really upsets me is finding broken original components that have to be replaced with expensive items of lower quality. I thought about removing the complete dashboard, but decided against it for the exact reasons you describe. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@mikestone7692]

Nice start…

[@brianwilson415]

Very helpful video thank you my Corvette friend!

[@ajmaresca2165]

I have been reviewing some of your previous videos for the second time. You are and have been providing us with great content and great reference material if and when we need to tackle these projects ourselves. Thank you for doing so.

[@76vette]

That’s very kind. Thank you! 😊👍🏻

[@thomashabermann1759]

Hi , sometimes it is very remarkable to see your Videos right at time👍🏻... I'm just now redoing my middle consoles and radio on my 81.. 😎, so your Vid will support - Thank you and i'm shure that you will be succesful in the usual way🙂👍🏻

[@76vette]

Hi Thomas. It’s great when things happen just at the right time, and glad the timeliness of my video about removing the console proved helpful. More videos coming soon, so stay tuned. And thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@jeuscardenas8686]

Thanks for the video. I have been wanting to replace my center console and this help a lot.

[@76vette]

Glad to hear the video will be helpful. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@brianwilson415]

Hello there was your temp cable connected to the hot and cold lever of the hvac panel? It looked like yours was not connected to the hot cold lever. Getting ready to attempt myself. Thank you Brian

[@76vette]

It’s been a while since I rebuilt and reinstalled the hvac panel, but mine was broken to start with, so it wasn’t working anyway. I think it is now, although I need to have the ac system serviced and recharged, but the cable now actuates the blend door so it should be ok.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great video! I just went through this process a few weeks ago to replace the left power window switch in my 79, the shift lever connection was a real pain on the automatic shifter, the 4 speed sure looks easier! I still wish they would've kept the 68-76 console and dash design up to 82! The only thing I like about the newer C3 interior design is the clamshell seats.

[@76vette]

Thank you, Mitch! The “newer” console is starting to grow on me, but it’s a lot more complicated than the 68-76 design, IMO. The clamshell seats are amazingly comfortable 😊👍🏻

[@inell6]

Two things. I noticed your rear window heater or defrost switch is missing. Are you planning on replacing it? Two. On my 79 the tan plastic vacuum connector (with 5 hoses) has two star push nuts that hold it down on the 2 black prongs. Make sense?

[@76vette]

It was broken but it was there, so I fixed it: kzbin.infoUgkxxfObZ8yCfEXkKFbm-iKSGVer1yJkaVUL?si=CMiYr1EIVk2M6EZ4 I also posted a video about restoring the HVAC panel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYq1h2iil7uledEsi=qlVVlUamghC1KIop Not sure if that will answer your question. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@inell6]

@@76vette The JB plastic weld works great on some of those broken plastic parts and tabs! Is your rear window defrost still working?

[@76vette]

@@inell6 No

[@anthonycammaroto7013]

I see ur making progress 👍 My window switch’s were not working on the 75 . I just lightly sanded the contacts and now they work great…

[@76vette]

The repro window switches literally fell apart. They were not staked and they failed. But I repaired them and now they work fine. I’ll have a video of the repair process. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@anthonycammaroto7013]

👍

[@kenmcdonaldii3887]

I am wanting to replace my center console panels on my 1981 as the previous owner did not remove all of the (3) screws and bent/broke the actual panels. Online, I have two choices for the panel replacement of a 1981 “early” or “late”. Do you know how you tell if a 1981 is early or late? My sequence number is 426306 which tells me that it was built in St. Louis prior to production being moved to Bowling Green. Maybe St. Louis = early and Bowling Green = late? Any thoughts or comments is greatly appreciated. Thank you

[@76vette]

From the Corvette Forum… www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-general/3944059-1981-what-distinguishes-early-or-late.html “I've never been able to determine when the console side panels changed, but I've always assumed that it was with the beginning of Bowling Green production. The difference in the panels, is the way their cut at the front. The earlier panels are cut off flatter at the front, where they meet the dash, while the later ones are cut more on a "V" or point.” I hope this helps. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@kenmcdonaldii3887]

@@76vette thanks. Not knowing which ones to buy I decided to buy 1/8 in. x 2 ft. x 4 ft. Tempered Hardboard at Home Depot for $6.99. My plan is to trace the existing ones, cut them out and apply the Dark Blue carpet. Wish me luck!

[@76vette]

@@kenmcdonaldii3887 Great idea and it should work just fine. Good luck 😊👍🏻

[@200hit]

Nice content... I'm curious, Does your climate controls have a back lighting for the night? I'm not able to find a bulb for my climate controls

[@76vette]

No. It’s a solid faceplate without provisions for back-lighting. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@200hit]

@@76vette Good to know. Thanks. I guess it was an oversight of the engineers. Muscle memory for at night...lol

[@ishmeriev]

Climate control lightning is on the top of all central control gauges. ;)

[@michaelriley3110]

I am so excited for you to be working on the 81, especially since mine is just like it except a year newer 😉 world of difference between the 81 and your 76 huh?

[@76vette]

I’ll know more once I start driving it. Lol 😆

[@michaelriley3110]

I’m sure you have a big project list before you’re driving it regularly. Can’t wait for the next video