77-82 Corvette A/C & Heater Panel Restoration

Rebuilding my 1981 Corvette's AC/Temp console panel was an involved process, even though I had a total of FOUR used assemblies to take parts from and, hopefully, end up with a working part.
In the end, I was able to do just that thanks to a lot of improvisation and creativity, and I believe the repairs I did will last for decades to come.
I won't explain every single step I had to take to get the job done. Instead, I will let the video do the talking, and I hope you will find enough value in it if you're in the process of rebuilding, repairing, or replacing yours.
But the job is not 100% finished. I still need to reinstall the assembly in the console so I can reassemble the car's interior.
That will put me several steps closer to completing the whole project and being able to test drive the Corvette and, eventually, list it for sale.
I hope you enjoy the video and please leave me a comment to share your thoughts and/or ideas.
Thank you for watching! 🙂👍🏻
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CONTENTS
0:00 Intro to AC/Temp Control Panel Rebuild
5:01 The HVAC Panel Lens
7:02 The HVAC Heater Control Electrical Switch
8:12 Attaching the Heater Control Switch to the Base
9:27 HVAC Assembly Differences
10:56 Installing the Vacuum Switch
13:15 One of the Levers will NOT Work
16:15 Installing the Lever's Clamp (FAIL)
17:37 Drastic Times Call for Drastic Measures
20:54 The HVAC Assembly Rebuild is DONE!
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CORVETTE PRODUCTS (sponsored)
- 76 Vette Assembly Manual: amzn.to/2GBuHrd
- 68-82 Corvette Manual: amzn.to/3devEEW
- How to Restore Corvette: amzn.to/35B6L0R
- 68-82 Vette Resto Guide: amzn.to/2QvvIG
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DISCLAIMER: Even though I like to wrench on my 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.
I am a self-taught DIYer. If videos appear to give technical how-to advice, that is not my intention.
Working on a vehicle can be dangerous. If you're not confident, qualified, or lack the tools to do the job correctly and safely, hire a mechanic.
#c3corvette #carairconditioning #hvac

[@davidmcmenamin9701]

Well done. Your attention to detail is admired.

[@76vette]

Thank you! 😊👍🏻

[@danorourke5184]

I was holding my breath when you were gripping it tight and were installing the clamp that holds the levers on I was thinking you were going to break the fragile old plastic! Glad to see it didn’t break, great job your videos are always very informative. Thanks

[@76vette]

Sometimes you just have to take a chance. Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@bradwiebelhaus7065]

Well done.

[@76vette]

Thank you! 😊👍🏻

[@user-rj9ki9ub1m]

Excellent detail and camera work

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great rebuild! Looks new! Great information! I had a 85 GMC S-15 truck and had to rework the heater and air controls on it back years ago, this unit reminds me alot of it, now I'll have to look one up and see how similar they actually are, may be some parts that will interchange. 👍

[@76vette]

Thank you! 😊👍🏻 Yes, some GM parts are interchangeable and they help you avoid the “Corvette tax.” Lol 😆

[@eduardoperez7797]

Have a 79 and its a big difference from the ones you have no fan emblem by hi and low and not many of the lettering im going to have to look into it thanks

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@eduardoperez7797]

@@76vette thanks for your informative videos appreciate it

[@76vette]

@@eduardoperez7797 Thank you for watching, subscribing, and taking the time to comment. I appreciate you! 😊👍🏻

[@brianwilson415]

Great video once again! I purchased a new one for my 80 are the cables tuff to get on the new one? Brian

[@76vette]

Thank you! 😊👍🏻 Not really, but you want to ensure they are routed properly to avoid undue stress on the control panel’s frame. That’s the weak spot. Some of those parts should’ve been made out of metal, IMO.