Corvette C3 cockpit

Corvette C3 Cockpit

The C3 Corvette cockpit was designed to be driver-centric, and the dashboard and center console with gauges around it somewhat resemble an airplane cockpit.

The C3 Corvette's cockpit evolved over the manufacturing years, and even within a model year, there were small differences, such as variations in the tachometer red line to accommodate different engine changes. This article discusses these minor differences.

Corvette C3 cockpit — Corvette 1975 cockpit

Between 1968 and 1977, the cockpit had a rounded shape, which nowadays has a more classic look. In contrast, from 1978 to 1982, the dashboard gauges adopted a square design, reflecting the spirit of the '80s.

Corvette C3 Steering Wheels

1968 Steering Wheel

The 1968 model year Corvettes featured a 16-inch diameter steering wheel. This wheel had a simulated wood rim made from plastic, which was molded onto a brushed stainless-steel three-spoke center. The horn buttons were painted to match the interior. In terms of appearance and size, this steering wheel closely resembled the one used in the C2 generation.

1969 - 1975 Steering Wheels

In the 1969 model year, the size of the steering wheel changed to 15 inches in diameter, featuring a black textured vinyl trim and stainless-steel spokes. This wheel was used in all model years 1969 to 1975 Corvettes.

Corvette 1969 steering wheel — Corvette 1969 - 1975 steering wheel

1976 Steering Wheel

The 1976 Corvette used the same steering wheel as other GM models, similar to the Vega. It had four spokes and was 14 inches in diameter, with color matching the car’s interior.

1977 - 1982 Steering Wheels

The 1977 Corvette came with a new, leather-wrapped stainless steel three-spoke steering wheel when the car was ordered with the optional tilt-telescopic steering column. The few 1977-1979 model year cars that came without this option utilized the 1976 model year four-spoke steering wheel. The color was matched to the interior of the car as in the previous year.

Some early 1977 Corvettes featured an unpainted, brushed aluminum horn button. Chevrolet recalled them because the strong reflection from their surfaces posed a potential safety risk. Not everyone took up the trade-in offer, and these can still be found in 1977 Corvettes.

The 1978 horn button received a special anniversary emblem, while other year models had the traditional checkered flag emblem.

Corvette 1977 steering wheel — Corvette 1977 - 1982 steering wheel

All 1980-1982 model year Corvettes used the same style of steering wheel, with the only difference being black spokes instead of bright polished ones.

The 1982 Collector Edition stood out due to its unique horn button, which was covered in leather dyed to match the color of the interior.

Corvette 1982 steering wheel — Corvette 1982 Collectors Edition steering wheel

Corvette C3 Speedometers

1968 - 1974 Speedometers

The speedometers of the 1968-1974 models were almost identical, all featuring a maximum speed reading of 160 mph. Until 1972, the gauges had slightly greenish lettering against a black background; however, the lettering was switched to white thereafter.

Corvette C3 speedoometer — Corvette 1968 - 1974 speedometer

1975 - 1977 Speedometer

Kilometers per hour markings were added to the speedometers of the 1975-1977 models, while the overall appearance remained the same as in the previous models.

Corvette C3 speedometer — Corvette 1975 - 1977 speedometer

1978 - 1979 Speedometer

Along with the interior of the new Corvette model in 1978, the speedometer was also renewed. MPH markings were in white font, km/h in blue, and the maximum speed reading changed to 140 mph. Some late-production 1979 Corvettes used the 1980 speedometer.

1980 - 1982 Speedometer

During the energy crisis in the late '70s, a new federal law mandated a maximum speedometer reading of 85 mph, with 55 mph (national speed limit) required to be highlighted. On the 1982 speedometer, the speed markings had all 5 mph increments from 5 to 85.

This 85 mph speedometer, which included km/h readings in yellow, was used on Corvettes from the late 1979 model year to the 1982 model year. However, the law was changed in 1982 when it became apparent that the intended goals were not achieved.

Tachometers

The tachometer’s appearance remained relatively consistent throughout the Corvette C3 generation. From the model year 1978 onwards, the tachometer featured a small Corvette emblem corresponding to the model year, and the 1982 Corvettes also had the text "Cross Fire Injection". Furthermore, the 1980 L82 cars featured the L82 emblem on the tachometer.

The tachometer's redline, indicating the maximum number of revolutions per minute (RPM), varied depending on the engine and model year. Corvettes equipped with air conditioning (AC) also featured lower redlines to prevent undue stress on the drive belts from the pulleys. Here is a list of the different redlines by model year and engine code.

The Tachometer RPM Redlines

Year	Engine	Redline RPM
1968	base	5300
	L79	6000
	L36	5600
	L68	5600
	L71	6500
	L88	6500
1969	base	5300
	L46	6000
	L36	5600
	L68	5600
	L71	6500
	L88	6500
	L89	6500
1970	base	5300
	L46	6000
	LT1	6500
	LS5	5600
1971	base	5300
	LT1	6500
	LS5	5600
	LS6	6500
1972	base	5300
	LT1 with AC	5600
	LT1 w/o AC	6500
	LS5	5600
	LS6	6500
1973	L48	5300
	L82 with AC	5600
	L82 w/o AC	6000
	LS4	5600
1974	L48	5300
	L82 with AC	5600
	L82 w/o AC	6000
	LS4	5600
1975	L48	5300
	L82 with AC	5600
	L82 w/o AC	6000
1976	L48	5300
	L82 with AC	5600
	L82 w/o AC	6000
1977	L48	5300
	L82 with AC	5600
	L82 w/o AC	6000
1978	L48	5300
	L82 with AC	5300
	L82 w/o AC	5600
1979	L48	5300
	L82 with AC	5600
	L82 w/o AC	5600
1980	LG4	5300
	L48	5300
	L82	6000
1981	L81	5300
1982	L83	5300

Corvette C3 Center Console

1968 - 1976 Center Console

The design of the center console remained consistent from 1968 to 1976. It featured five distinct gauges: fuel, water temperature, clock, oil pressure, and battery (ammeter), with minor changes over the years.

Corvette center gauge console 1968 - 1976 — Center gauge console 1968 - 1976

Before 1974, the oil pressure gauge readings were 0, 35, and 70. However, starting in 1974, the readings changed to 0, 40, and 80. Correspondingly, the readings of the water temperature gauges also changed from 100, 210, and 250 degrees to 100, 200, and 280 degrees.

From 1975 onward, the phrase “only unleaded fuel” is written beneath the fuel gauge needle.

Today, very few original Corvette C3 clocks are still in operation, and frequently, they have been replaced by quartz movement clocks.

1977 - 1982 Center Console

In 1977, the center console was renewed, and it became all plastic with molded with fake Allen screw heads molded into the face. At the same time, the ammeter was replaced with a voltmeter, and the positions of the water temperature gauge and fuel gauge were swapped.

Corvette center gauge console 1977 - 1982 — Center gauge console 1977 - 1982

The gauges of the 1977 model differ from the newer ones in that they used a red needle, whereas the color changed to white in later models.

If a 1978-1982 Corvette was equipped with the optional radio that included a clock, the clock gauge was replaced with an oil temperature gauge.

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Corvette C3 Cockpit / Gauges 1968 - 1982