Varied Questions on Our '77

[Wendell Allen]

Door key - my car didn't come with one when I bought it. Is there a number somewhere, maybe on the door lock cylinder, that I can use to have one cut? If not, is there an alternative outside of buying a new set?

Alarm - Did my car have one from the factory? I have a horn inside the right front fenderwell, and an electrical switch on the drivers side door lock. However, there's not the ususal key activator anywhere on the body work, and absolutely non on the front fender like I'm used to seeing. Or is it activated by the electrical switch on the door lock cylinder?

Radio/AC control light - Mine comes on and goes off intermittently as I drive. And I can't figure out what's setting it off. What determines when this light is on and when it's off? Should it be on all the time, or is it tied to the dome light or courtesy lights?

Vapor canister hose - I have one that's just hanging loose in the engine compartment. But none of them off the canister are hooked to the carb (a Holley on an Edlebrock manifold). My suspision is that this hose should in fact be hooked to the carb to pull the extra fumes into the engine. Can anyone confirm this?

As Always, Thanks!
W

[Alan D.]

Re: Varied Questions on Our '77

Wendell,
You must have a later year model 1977. If there is a switch on the drivers door key lock cylinder there is no other key. When the door is locked with the key the alarm is actuated. As to the hoses going to and from the vapor cannister the best place to look for the documentation is in the assembly instruction manual (AIM).
If you do not have an AIM one can be purchased at the NCRS site. As to the door key a locksmith can probably make a key for you if you either bring the car to him or the lock cylinder. Once a key is made you can have keys duplicated with the correct stampings on them. Look in the Driveline for vendors.
Al Dieterle

[Mike Cobine]

Re: Varied Questions on Our '77

Door key - Older models were stamped witha key code under the cylinder and the key could be cut from that. Drop by your local locksmith and get a set of keys.

Vapor hose - There is usually a hose diagram in the engine compartment. In many GM products, it was on the air cleaner. The hoses will only match tot he original Quadrajet carb, and not to the Holley replacement. I believe most on the canister routed fumes back to the tank, not into the engine. You probably don't have any problems with them not connected unless you have to go in for emissions testing.

[Tom R.]

Re: Varied Questions on Our '77

Wendell:

You're enthusiasm is to be commended to understand your 77's original configuration but I'm afraid it sounds like Bubba's already gotten a hold of your Corvette. No 77 was delivered with an Edlebrook or Holley so it's no wonder the canister hose is dangling without a host! You'll probably find more that is out of whack.

As others have intimated...get a manual for 77 and understand how your 77 has been configured while making those things operational as they should...like door locks! And it probably is a late model...after some mid production date the alarm lock was integrated into the door lock.

My suggestion is to enjoy the car while studying and understanding what it is you have. At some point, it will come together for you what you will need to do...return it to its stock configuration or keep it as is. The AIM and NCRS 75-77 tech manual will help conduct your study and good luck.

BTW...Bob Beck may be the best authority on 77s.

[Al S.]

Re: Varied Questions on Our '77

Wendel,
I have an early production '77 and the alarm horn is behind the left rear wheel inner wheel well (splash guard). To my knowlege they didn't move the alarm horns to the right front fenderwell. Someone chime in me if I'm wrong.