C2 Headlight switches.

[Keith M.]

Guys I need your help as usual. In terms of head light switches what does a 1995095 fit? What are the correct ones for 63,65,66 & 67? What are the judges looking for when they judged the cars or do they take this item in to account.Thanks Keith

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Headlight switches.

keith-----

The GM #1995095 is the 1963 Corvette headlight switch. It's only application that I can find is 1963 Corvette.

The 1964-66 Corvette headlight switch was GM #1995131. It was also used for 1965-66 passenger cars. It was discontinued in April, 1967 and replaced by GM #1995149.

The 1967 Corvette headlight switch was GM #1995149. It was also used for 1967 passenger cars. It was discontinued from SERVICE in February, 1969 and replaced for SERVICE by GM #1995164. The latter was discontinued in June, 1971 and replaced for SERVICE by GM #1995179. GM #1995179 remains available to this day for about 35 bucks GM list.

I don't know just how the replacement switches differ from their predecessors, but I'm confident there are some differences.

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Headlight switches.

their male/female connector's location in the bakelite portion of the seitch is where they differ. mike

[Wayne M.]

Here's the "131" for '64 65 66

Two NOS examples from my spares pile. Notice the porcelain 'jog' in the top edge. Newer switches I've seen have extra thickness in this area.

The following link is for a "122" (non-Corvette, IMO, in spite of what the eBay seller claims), where you can clearly see the two different thicknesses.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280198626491&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=018

Other feature that should be visible to judges is the "131" stamped on the metal bottom. Don't know if an equivalent stamping is also present on the 095, 149 or 164.

I notice that the '63-only "095" was still available in service in Jan 1970. Perhaps this is proof that it had a different prong arrangement and couldn't connect to latter year dash harnesses. Also, LIC shows a separate switch for '63 and one-size-fits-all for '64-67.

P.S. anyone know when the safety regs required parking lights to remain on when the headlights were on ?

[Dino L.]

Re: Here's the "131" for '64 65 66

Wayne, can you measure the resistance of that original headlamp dimmer. Min and max as the knob is rotated to its full stops.

[Jack H.]

Difference is...

the '095 headlight switch is INDEED a '63 only Corvette part. It replaced the '096 switch that was used in earlier straight-axle applications.

What's unique about the '095 is the configuration/geometry of its dimmer pot. The '095 has a rather large heat sink (resembles a giant star washer) for the pot's wiper assy to give improved heat dissipation in comparision to the '096 switch.

But, once the HL switch is mounted to the instrument cluster, it's almost impossible for judges to see/verify. In straight-axle cars, it's relatively easy for judges to look up behind the dash cluster and verify the '096 PN emboss on the HL switch backing plate + see some of the dimmer pot mechanical components....

[Joe L.]

Re: Difference is...

Jack------

The GM #1995095 was never superceded by any of the others. It was discontinued without supercession in July, 1981.

[Peter J.]

Re: Here's the "131" for '64 65 66

Wayne,
Here is a 1995149 with #149 stamped in to the base.

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: Here's the "131" for '64 65 66

As recall the 095 has a longer shaft leading to the knob. This is a result of the mechanism being larger than the other switches.

From a judging standpoint, hit the bottom button, pull the knob and shaft then measure the length of the shaft to determine if it's an 095 in a 63 car.

Harry

[Wayne M.]

Dino, Pete ..

Dino -- this thread has led me back to "Wiring Diagrams 101". I've removed my (original ?) 131 and identified colored wires leading to/from the headlight switch connector. Will report if I can get an ohm reading. What scale should I be using; R x 1000, 100, 10 ?

Pete -- thanks for confirmation that latter Delco switches also had the last 3 part # digits stamped on the metal frame.

[Verle R.]

Re: Dino, Pete ..

Wayne,

I believe the ohm readings should all be below 10 ohms.

Just went through a cleanup/rebuild of the switch in my 65. I suspect they will be similar resistance.

The terminals were the two nearest the rheostat on each side of the shaft.

Verle

[Keith M.]

Re: Here's the "131" for '64 65 66

Okay Guys, what is the 149 used for? Did miss something on the post and you guys have already told me. Thanks for the help. Keith

[Keith M.]

Re: Here's the "131" for '64 65 66

Wayne, thanks for taking the time out to post the picture. Thanks to all of you folks for responding to my question. As usually you guys are great. It is amazing how much knowledge is out there. Keith

[Keith M.]

Re: C2 Headlight switches.

Joe, Thanks for the hlep. I am going to print off your reply and put it in a paper file so "I can find it." One of these days I would like to meet you and disucuss how you got to have the inside track on the GM parts. You are a big help and you are very much appreciated for taking the time to share your knowledge. Keith

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Headlight switches.

keith-----

Actually, we've met. Many years ago we had a fairly long conversation at one of the Bloomington Gold restoration workshops way back when it was in Bloomington. It was at the Chevrolet dealership where some of the evening "hands-on" workshops were held. Of course, you probably only knew me as "Joe", and you've likely run into more than a few of those.