this is my christmas day project... funny the more i work on my 1981 , the more i appreciate the late model friction snaps and interior fasteners on late model vehicle trim ! seems everything was so rube goldberg back then
Use a heated ice pick (heat the end with a lighter) . It will cauterize the hole real sweet. How did you figure out where to put the holes? Did you use the original as a template?
I am currently needing to replace mine in my 1981. How did you determine if your 1981 was early or late? They offer two different panels depending upon if your 1981 is early or late. Thank you
Determining whether your 1981 Corvette is an early or late model involves checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and examining specific features associated with each production period. In 1981, the Corvette underwent a mid-year model change, resulting in two distinct production runs: early and late. Here's how you can determine the model period of your 1981 Corvette: 1. **Check the VIN:** The tenth digit of the VIN represents the model year. For 1981 Corvettes, "B" stands for the early model (produced from October 1980 to April 1981), and "C" stands for the late model (produced from April 1981 to October 1981). - Example: If the tenth digit is a "B," it's an early model, and if it's a "C," it's a late model. 2. **Look for Exterior Features:** Early and late models might have slight differences in exterior features. For example, the early models often had a chrome air cleaner lid, while the late models had a black one. Additionally, late models may have a rear spoiler with two levels instead of one. 3. **Check the Hood Release Mechanism:** Early models typically had a hood release lever located near the driver's seat, while late models had a hood release cable located in the center console. 4. **Inspect the Crossfire Injection System:** The early models of 1981 Corvettes were equipped with a throttle body fuel injection system known as "Crossfire Injection." Late models, however, switched to a new "Tuned Port Injection" system. 5. **Verify Production Date:** The production date on the vehicle's build sheet or documentation can also help determine whether it is an early or late model. If the build date is before April 1981, it's likely an early model, and if it's after April 1981, it's likely a late model. 6. **Consult the Corvette Registry or Documentation:** The Corvette community and online resources, such as the Corvette Registry or enthusiast forums, may have information about the specific changes and features associated with early and late 1981 Corvettes. Always remember that individual cars may have undergone modifications or repairs over the years, so a combination of these methods can help provide a more accurate determination of whether your 1981 Corvette is an early or late model.
this is my christmas day project... funny the more i work on my 1981 , the more i appreciate the late model friction snaps and interior fasteners on late model vehicle trim ! seems everything was so rube goldberg back then
nice!
You did a good job 👍 just what I needed to see. Thank you for the vid
my pleasure
Your job supervisor is a cutie
HA! thanks! :)
Use a heated ice pick (heat the end with a lighter) . It will cauterize the hole real sweet.
How did you figure out where to put the holes? Did you use the original as a template?
I used my original as a template :)
I am currently needing to replace mine in my 1981. How did you determine if your 1981 was early or late? They offer two different panels depending upon if your 1981 is early or late. Thank you
Determining whether your 1981 Corvette is an early or late model involves checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and examining specific features associated with each production period. In 1981, the Corvette underwent a mid-year model change, resulting in two distinct production runs: early and late.
Here's how you can determine the model period of your 1981 Corvette:
1. **Check the VIN:**
The tenth digit of the VIN represents the model year. For 1981 Corvettes, "B" stands for the early model (produced from October 1980 to April 1981), and "C" stands for the late model (produced from April 1981 to October 1981).
- Example: If the tenth digit is a "B," it's an early model, and if it's a "C," it's a late model.
2. **Look for Exterior Features:**
Early and late models might have slight differences in exterior features. For example, the early models often had a chrome air cleaner lid, while the late models had a black one. Additionally, late models may have a rear spoiler with two levels instead of one.
3. **Check the Hood Release Mechanism:**
Early models typically had a hood release lever located near the driver's seat, while late models had a hood release cable located in the center console.
4. **Inspect the Crossfire Injection System:**
The early models of 1981 Corvettes were equipped with a throttle body fuel injection system known as "Crossfire Injection." Late models, however, switched to a new "Tuned Port Injection" system.
5. **Verify Production Date:**
The production date on the vehicle's build sheet or documentation can also help determine whether it is an early or late model. If the build date is before April 1981, it's likely an early model, and if it's after April 1981, it's likely a late model.
6. **Consult the Corvette Registry or Documentation:**
The Corvette community and online resources, such as the Corvette Registry or enthusiast forums, may have information about the specific changes and features associated with early and late 1981 Corvettes.
Always remember that individual cars may have undergone modifications or repairs over the years, so a combination of these methods can help provide a more accurate determination of whether your 1981 Corvette is an early or late model.