C1 '59 Exact position courtesy lights

[Rob M.]

Hi,

Can anybody send me a picture or explenation of the exact location of the courtesy light lamp holder on the dashboard and what type of assembly is used (bolts, screws, philips head or not, nuts, etc). Was there originally one light fitting or two ? I would like to know the same information about the attachment of the door switches as well!

greetings,
Rob Musquetier.
The Netherlands

PS attached photo of switch in the door frame isn't mine (Unfortunatly I don't have power windows)...




The C1 1959 Corvette Restoration Project

[Ted S.]

Re: C1 '59 Exact position courtesy lights

Rob, The hole for the courtesy light is on the bottom of the dash centered under the mirror and I believe the hole is on all cars with or without the courtesy light. It's probably just covered with the dash pad. My '58 has a cover over the hole and the front edge is about 3 1/4" back from the center console and the back edge is about 5 3/4". There is only 1 bulb in the fixture and it is held in with phillips screws. Here's a photo courtesy of Paragon. Hopefully they won't mind if it helps them to sell some parts.

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 '59 Exact position courtesy lights

Thanks, I will have a look in my garage right away...

greetings,
Rob




The C1 1959 Corvette Restoration Project

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 '59 Exact position courtesy lights

Just had a look and indeed if the hole is covered by the dash pad. Should I make a hole in the pad just big enough to feed the housing through it and cover the cutted dash pad edge by the light housing ?

greetings,
Rob.




The C1 1959 Corvette Restoration Project

[Ted S.]

Re: C1 '59 Exact position courtesy lights

Do you have the courtesy light fixture? Can you feel the spot for the two screws? Just trying to make sure some one hasn't enlarged the hole at some point. The light mounts from the outside so you only cut a hole large enough for the rectangular piece that protrudes into the hole. If no one has messed with the cutout you can trim the dash pad the same as the opening in the fiberglass. I used an xacto knife and just followed the opening when I cut the one for my '60.

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 '59 Exact position courtesy lights

I feel a large oval hole behind the dash pad (to big for the light only) so I persume something covering this hole is missing ;-(




The C1 1959 Corvette Restoration Project

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 '59 Exact position courtesy lights

Can someone send me a picture of their '58-'60 mounted courtesy light ?

thanks,
Rob.

[Tim E.]

Re: C1 '59 Exact position courtesy lights

This tip may help when you're ready to actually cut the hole.

With a "post-it" type note, reach up inside the dash panel where you have already felt the shape of the courtesy light hole. With the note stuck in place over the hole, trace the shape of the hole with your finger which will transfer the exact shape to the note paper and create a template. Be sure to press your finger over the two mounting screw holes as well. Remove the note. Again from the inside of the dash, poke a straight pin thru the two mounting screw holes to locate your template and you're ready to carefully cut the opening.

Good luck and don't be nervous!

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 '59 Exact position courtesy lights

Tim,

My problem is that a piece of fiber is missing (I have a oval hole behind the dash pad) to indicate the precise location of the courtesy light hole. I don't know if someone is selling this piece of fiber...

A clear picture of the mounted courtesy light would be more than welcome !

greetings,
Rob.




The C1 '59 Restoration Project