68 ignition switch and ext door lock questions

[JOHN MELVIN]

1. Ignition switch. Is the bezel, and switch itself (not the inner tumbler), 1968 Corvette only? No other GM models?

2. Ext door locks. Again, 1968 Corvette specific? No other GM application?

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 ignition switch and ext door lock questions

John------

The 1968 ignition switch assembly was GM #1116697. This was a Corvette-ONLY piece, not used on any other GM car or truck. It was discontinued in 1983.

The 1968 ignition switch retaining nut was GM #3937619. This was a Corvette-ONLY piece, not used on any other GM car or truck. It was discontinued in 1980.

The 1968 igntion switch bezel was GM #3919046. This was a Corvette-ONLY piece, not used on any other GM car or truck. It was discontinued in 1982.

The 1968 SERVICE door lock assemblies were GM #9716405, left side, and GM #9716404, right side. In PRODUCTION, GM #3932975 was used for both sides. All of these were Corvette-ONLY pieces, not used on any other GM car or truck. The SERVICE lock assemblies were discontinued in 1982 and 1981, respectively.

Ah, the exclusivity of some Corvette parts is a splendid thing, indeed, and sets Corvettes apart from the pack. Until, of course, one needs certain "exclusive" parts. Then, it's not so great.

[John D.]

Joe is the 68 ignition switch different

Joe:

Is the 68 corvette ignition switch assembly different (ie electrical connections than a newer GM switch??? I was wondering if that was the cause of a continual power drain thru my wiper motor?? Red wire always hot?

Thanks, John

[Joe L.]

Re: Joe is the 68 ignition switch different

John-----

The 1968 ignition switch is a dash-mounted type switch, like earlier Corvettes. 1969 and later use a totally different type of switch which is mounted on the lower steering column and activated by rods controlled by the lock cylinder. I'm sure that there are electrical "similarities" between the switches since they both perform the same function. But, the mechanical configuration of the switches is totally different.

1968 was the last use of the dash-mounted ignition switch on a Corvette until it returned with the 1997 model year and the introduction of the C5.

[Jim T.]

Re: Joe is the 68 ignition switch different

John I have a original owner 68 Corvette and the following is what I have experienced.
If the ignition was off and the wiper switch was accidently moved from off to on and then because you didn't know the switch had been turned on it would run down the battery on my 68. Even if you knew it was turned on and moved it back to off it would run down the battery.
The only solution I have had success with is if this was done was to start the car and cycle through the operation of the wipers and then turn the wiper switch to off. This would stop the drain on the battery.
This has always worked for me when the switch was accidently turned on when the car was not being running.
If you evaluate your car on this procedure I would like to know if this corrects your continual power drain.