Frequently Asked V3TT3 QUestions
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions....
Ahhhh, this is where w ecan give you some great information on how Corvette's operate from back in the day and to help make your time with V3TT3 simpler and more enjoyable.
Most people have never had the opportunity to drive a 50+ year old Corvette - they are very special and have some special needs and some things are totally different to modern day cars.
We have details on how to use the functions of V3TT3 below, these will be updated with the latest information and details and we will always add more information as needed.
If at anytime there are any issues or concerns, contact us immediately, we want your experience with V3TT3 to be memorable for the right reasons.
If you have a question that is not listed, just contact us and ask away!
Note: There is absolutely no smoking of anything allowed inside V3TT3, this includes Cigarretes, e-Cigarrettes, Vapes, big bold Cigars or anything else you stick in your mounth and light.
What are all the levers and buttons?
Glad you asked - it can be a little overwhelming the first time you get into V3TT3. Here is a snapshot of what you will be looking at. Some things are self-explanatory, but we will go into a little more detail in this FAQ.
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Unlock / Local the Vehicle
We have two keys, one is to unlock the car doors, the other is to start the car.
WHen locking the vehicle, ensure you have the keys in your pocket, as you need to close the lock on the inside of the door, then close the door. THis will lock it.
You are unable to lock the vehcle with the key, it all manual, nothing automated here.
How do i start the car
Safety First - Buckle Up!
Then insert the key into the key slot on the right hand side of the steering wheel column
Ensure the car is in Park and the handbreak is pulled up
TUrn the key to accessories - wait a second - let the ol' girl get prepared.
Very Cold EngineFully depress and release the accelerator pedal three times before cranking the engine. If it does not start wait 10 seconds, and repeat.
Cool EngineFully depress the accelerator pedal and slowly release. With your foot off the pedal, crank the engine. If it does not start - repeat the process.
Warm EngineDepress the accelerator pedal about halfway and crank the engine.
Oh No ... Flooded It?Can you smell gas and it just won't start, then wait 30 seconds, press the accelerator to the floor, hold it there, and crank the engine.
NEVER pump the gas pedal, otherwsie the carburetor will fill up with fuel and it will remian flooded, i.e too much fuel to burn.
Warming upLet the engine idle for at least 30 seconds before driving.
Then insert the key into the key slot on the right hand side of the steering wheel column
Ensure the car is in Park and the handbreak is pulled up
TUrn the key to accessories - wait a second - let the ol' girl get prepared.
Very Cold EngineFully depress and release the accelerator pedal three times before cranking the engine. If it does not start wait 10 seconds, and repeat.
Cool EngineFully depress the accelerator pedal and slowly release. With your foot off the pedal, crank the engine. If it does not start - repeat the process.
Warm EngineDepress the accelerator pedal about halfway and crank the engine.
Oh No ... Flooded It?Can you smell gas and it just won't start, then wait 30 seconds, press the accelerator to the floor, hold it there, and crank the engine.
NEVER pump the gas pedal, otherwsie the carburetor will fill up with fuel and it will remian flooded, i.e too much fuel to burn.
Warming upLet the engine idle for at least 30 seconds before driving.
Popping the lights
To get the lights to pop up / down - have a look in the top left hand corner of the dash, there is a pull out knob.
Pull it out 1/2 way = taillights, parking lights, side marker lamps, isuruments lights and rear compartment lights will turn on.
Pull it out all the way = the headlights will pop up and turn on
Push it all the way in = headlights pop down and all lights turn off.
Now, sometimes they can be a little slow, best bet is to get the engine revs up a little, as the pop up lights use a vacuum system.
Ta Da!
There is also courtesy lighting - sounds awesome huh!
The courtesy lights are beneath the outer ends of the dash panel and rear compartment, they will come on when the door is opened. They may also be lighted manually when you have the doors closed - by turning the headlight knob fully counter clockwise - past the slight resistance.
Now - this may be annoying to you and other cars on the road. The "High Beam" switch is located right next to the brake pedal. Generally you would rest your left foot in this position (see below), so just be mindful that the honking and waving you are getting from other drivers may be due them being blinded by the light, and not their desire to say hello!
The "red" high beam indicator light will be illuminated when your brights are being used.
Windscreen Wipers
The windshield wiper lever located in the top center of the instrument cluster opens the vacuum operated doors containing the wiper blades and simultaneously starts the electrical motor.
The wipers operate at two speeds - slow and fast.. yep, seriously.
Sliding the lever to the right operates the wipers without the washer.
To obtain "high speed" operation, move the lever all the way to the rght.
Depressing the lever will send a measured amount of water onto the windshield and will also cause the wipers to operate at low speed until manually turned off.
The wipers operate at two speeds - slow and fast.. yep, seriously.
Sliding the lever to the right operates the wipers without the washer.
To obtain "high speed" operation, move the lever all the way to the rght.
Depressing the lever will send a measured amount of water onto the windshield and will also cause the wipers to operate at low speed until manually turned off.
How to put gas in
V3TT3 needs energy.
On V3TT3's back, on top of the rear deck, in between the silver luggage rack, there is a Corvette emblem. Lift this baby up.
Then pull the rubber matt out. The rubber matt ensures when you put the gas nozzle into the hole - easy tiger/tigeress insert slowly - the paint work will not be damaged.
Our V3TT3 takes premium gas ... and ONLY premium gas - think James Bond and Martini's... oh BTW: It's precisely made from “three measures of Gordon's [gin], one [part] of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake[en] very well until it's ice-cold” and then garnished by adding a large slice of lemon-peel.
Just be careful when filling, we beg you not to get gas on the paint work. Best bet is to grab some paper towlel and place under nozzle when removing to stop the drip.
Takes approx $60 to fill up, and she is thirsty.
Turning Signals
One thing that is the same as most cars, is the turning signal.
Not to be talking to you like a 2 year old ... but ... There is a lever to the left side of the steering column; Lift it up - activates a little blinking light that flashes on the right hand side of V3TT3. Press it down - activates a little blinking light that flashes on the left hand side of V3TT3 Don't say we didn't tell you!
Not to be talking to you like a 2 year old ... but ... There is a lever to the left side of the steering column; Lift it up - activates a little blinking light that flashes on the right hand side of V3TT3. Press it down - activates a little blinking light that flashes on the left hand side of V3TT3 Don't say we didn't tell you!
Power Steering
Yes! Otherwise it would be a total upper body gym workout for you.
GUAges
Our V3TT3 has a couple of guages that you may - or may not - not be familiar with;
Fuel Guage
If the red needle is on E = you better get some gas quickly
If the red needle is on F = you have plenty of gas
If the red needle is somewhere in between = you have gas
So.. let's crank out some Grade 6 maths...
If you have a full tank of gas, cruising around and getting 11 MPG (with a 0.52 MPG margin of error) and you have a 20Gallon tank installed, how many miles can you drive before you are calling for road side assitance??
= approx 220 Miles... not quiet as far as a Tesla Model 3 Performance but.... who cares!
Oil Pressure Guage
The oil pressure guage indicates the pressure at which oil is being delivered to the various parts of the engine requiring lubrication.
As a general guide 30 to 50 psi is normal - anything consistently outside of this could be an issue - just let us know if you have any concerns.
Ammeter
This indicates the rate at which the battery is being charged or dischaged. This should gernerally be at <zero> or slightly above.
Temperature Guage
Reading from this guage will be all over the place and will vary with all types of conditions, that said;
The "normal" operating temperature should be approx 210, but if it is a hot day and you are in stop/start traffic, it may get warmer.
It will take at least 10-15 minutes for the temperature to get upto normal operating temperature
If the engine ever gets close to the 250 mark, pull over and let us know.
CLock
The round dial with 3, 6, 9 & 12 on it.. yep, thats what we like to call a "clock" - it's like a sundial that runs off a battery - you can figure it out - or ignore it - your choice.
How fast am i driving
Speedometer, indicates your forward speed in MPH, (does not work in reverse) it is calibrated to 160MPH.. and no, you can't go that fast! The "Speedo" is set slightly under the actual speed you are doing, given how hard it is to keep an eye on it. So just know that if you are doing 60, you will be closer to 55.
Odometer registers total accumulated vehicle mileage and is useful in keeping track of lubrication and maintenace intervals.. WTF.. yes, we took this from the original manual.. we love the statement so much!
Odometer registers total accumulated vehicle mileage and is useful in keeping track of lubrication and maintenace intervals.. WTF.. yes, we took this from the original manual.. we love the statement so much!
Tacho / Revs
Tachometer indicates your engine speed in revolutions per minute. The "Tacho" reading is times 100, thus a reading of 32 would mean the pistons are completing 3,200 full revolutions inside the old school V8 every minute and is governed by how much acceleration you are using.
We ask that you do not deliberately (or accidentally) - try to get anywhere near the "red line" of V3TT3, she will not be happy. Give it a little rev every now and again to know you are driving a Classic Corvette, but we ask that you drive safe and sensibly at all times.
We ask that you do not deliberately (or accidentally) - try to get anywhere near the "red line" of V3TT3, she will not be happy. Give it a little rev every now and again to know you are driving a Classic Corvette, but we ask that you drive safe and sensibly at all times.
Heating / Cooling
Heating and Cooling
V3TT3's heater controls are of a thumb and wheel design and are located on the floor console.
The left hand control uses a vacuum to operate the Air and Defrost doors, while the right control uses a bowden cable to activate the temperature door.
What the heck does that all mean?? Let's keep it simple kids... Center leverPush to the Left = low fan speedPush to the Right = fast fan speed
Left thumb control select;Scroll the wheel to the top = Air will be a mostly to the floor and a little to your face/window vents.Scroll the wheel to the middle = Air will be split half/half between floor and face/window vents.Scorll the wheel to the bottom = Air will be a little to the floor and mostly to the face/window vents.
The left hand control uses a vacuum to operate the Air and Defrost doors, while the right control uses a bowden cable to activate the temperature door.
What the heck does that all mean?? Let's keep it simple kids... Center leverPush to the Left = low fan speedPush to the Right = fast fan speed
Left thumb control select;Scroll the wheel to the top = Air will be a mostly to the floor and a little to your face/window vents.Scroll the wheel to the middle = Air will be split half/half between floor and face/window vents.Scorll the wheel to the bottom = Air will be a little to the floor and mostly to the face/window vents.
TEMPERATURE control
Heat is controlled and regulated by the right hand side thumb wheel on the centre floor console.
If you scroll the wheel to "C", which is Cold, you get cold air.. and you know what... if you move it to "H", you will get .... ... you got it, Hot air - move it to the most suitable position that makes you comfortable.
Now for the fun part!!
Four-Season Air Conditioner Operation (this is really what the dudettes/dudes at Chevy called it) We suggest just leaving toggle switches to "Norm" - but feel free to have a play - you can't hurt it.
Now, you may be wondering "How do I turn it off".. well folks, you don't.
As soon as you put that key into the ignition and turn it, air will start blowing - softly at first...
If you are intersted in our suggestion..... keep it on slow and low, and scroll the wheel to the top (air going to floor). That said there is a small air shut off valve next to the face outlets on the left and right side of the dash, pull it out to open the vent doors, or push them in to close the vent doors.
Now, that shut of valve we just mentioned, believe it or not, those same dudettes and dudes at Chevy called this amazing, next-generation technology... "Astro Ventilation" - it's even written on the drivers door glass!
Now for the fun part!!
Four-Season Air Conditioner Operation (this is really what the dudettes/dudes at Chevy called it) We suggest just leaving toggle switches to "Norm" - but feel free to have a play - you can't hurt it.
Now, you may be wondering "How do I turn it off".. well folks, you don't.
As soon as you put that key into the ignition and turn it, air will start blowing - softly at first...
If you are intersted in our suggestion..... keep it on slow and low, and scroll the wheel to the top (air going to floor). That said there is a small air shut off valve next to the face outlets on the left and right side of the dash, pull it out to open the vent doors, or push them in to close the vent doors.
Now, that shut of valve we just mentioned, believe it or not, those same dudettes and dudes at Chevy called this amazing, next-generation technology... "Astro Ventilation" - it's even written on the drivers door glass!
Roof Panels / T-Tops
The removable roof panels are attached at four points. Two latches located fore and aft in the outer edge of the panels and two bayonet type recievers in the center strut.
To remove the panels, release the latches by pulling down on the handles.
Then lift the outer edge and pull the panel sideways until the locking studs are free of the retainers in the center strut.
This is where you need to be careful and just take your time..... Place the protective covers over the panels one at a time, and like handling a new born baby, store them carefully in the rear stowage compartment against the side and secure them with the retaining straps.
When re-installing the roof panels, be sure all attaching parts are secure.
To remove the panels, release the latches by pulling down on the handles.
Then lift the outer edge and pull the panel sideways until the locking studs are free of the retainers in the center strut.
This is where you need to be careful and just take your time..... Place the protective covers over the panels one at a time, and like handling a new born baby, store them carefully in the rear stowage compartment against the side and secure them with the retaining straps.
When re-installing the roof panels, be sure all attaching parts are secure.
Cleaning / Washing
This folks, is extremely important - you only get once shot at this...
V3TT3 is NOT to enter any automated car wash or be washed with a brush of any sort. V3TT3 needs to be hand washed to ensure the custom paint is not damaged in any way.
You have a couple of options here;
1) Take her to a hand car wash and have some other hands touch her OR;
2) Park her in your driveway and give her a hand wash with some nice bubbles - neighourhood kids (or mom/dad next door) will love it OR;
3) We will clean her when returned - though if she is covered in grime, and simply filthy dirty, there may be a fee associated.
If at anytime you want to clean off a small amount of dirt/grime or god forbid some bird crap, just use a soft cloth and some water and please remove any rubbish when returning her to us.
popping the hood
Well... you know it will happen.. as soon as you park it somewhere in public, out front of your Man Cave or She Shed, this is the next natural progression, "Popping the Hood".
Now, she is getting on in life, and is not as shiny as she was off the showroom floor, but if you want to have a look at the parts that make her, then feel free to "Pop that Hood" and check her out.
There is a hood release handle located beneath the instrument panel to the left of the steering column. Push the release handle to release the hood lock and then raise the hood manually until it locks into the open position.
When closing the hood, lift the hood panel slightly forward to release it, then lower it to about 3 inches high - drop it like a stone, then push down on the left and right corners to secure it.