77 turn signal flasher

[Steve Junkersfeld]

While working under the dash in my 77, I noticed that there is a .47 micro farad, 100 Volt DC capacitor connected across the terminals of the turn signal flasher (the turn signals work fine). This device is not shown in the AIM, and the installation is, obviously, not factory - however, the terminals have been carefully connected under the cardboard insulator on the flasher. Is this possibly a dealer modification? Does anyone have any idea what the capacitor would accomplish (electronics is not my forte)? Thanks Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: 77 turn signal flasher

Steve-----

This is a radio interference suppression capacitor. All Corvettes originally equipped with radios were fitted with one. I can't say that the one that you have is an original piece, but I fully expect that it is. The originals do look a little "funky", but that's how they were.

[Steve Junkersfeld]

Re: 77 turn signal flasher

Joe, Thanks so much for the response. Funky doesn't begin to describe this, but the two blades of the capacitor are bent to go under the cardboard on the flasher and insert into the two pole connector - so who knows. Without this capacitor then, I would have the telltale click - click - click in the speaker when the flasher hits? Thanks again, Steve

[Jack H.]

Re: 77 turn signal flasher

Component is NOT as state: not original nor in the AIM. Turn to section on optional radio (in the back) and look 'er up. You'll find the capacitor, it's fische paper insulator and the staple holding the insulator to the cap's contact legs is properly called out.

This component is judged aggressively on mid-year Corvettes. Then, the three pieces came as a single assy. Later, in Shark era, the three components would be called out separately. Convertible cars were subject to the elements and the fische paper insulator was prone to deteriorating. By listing the parts separately, service folks could order just what they needed to repair vs. buying a whole blood capacitor assy.

In my experience, Shark judges don't concentrate on looking for this item to the extent mid-year judges do. So, if you're still convinced this is NOT a factory original item and you want it out of your car, any MY owner will gladly fork over $30-50 for yours!

Last, yes, the purpose of the cap on the flasher was to absorb switching transients and thwart 'click, click, click' noise in the car's radio. It's a long copper run from the flasher to the rear lamps and that can look like a reasonable broadcast antenna. Corvette mounted the antenna on the rear of the car, presumedly to get it away from the RF 'trash' of the engine compartment. But there were other 'problems' unique to a fiberglass body (no steel body to act as a Gaussian shield) and the turn signal flasher capacitor addressed this....