Re: 63-67 Power Window Switch
Stu, I heard you mention that you've done a little drag racing. During the 1960s, when Chevy Super Stock drag racers like Bill Jenkins were pushing assembly line steel bodied cars into the (first 10 second), and then 9 second pass range, NHRA realized that more stringent safety rules must be put into the rule book, and enforced. I was drag racing a big block Chevelle Super Sport in 1969/70.
I addition to roll cages being mandated for cars capable of 11 second passes, a rule was instituted that side windows must be rolled up during racing passes. The reason you notice that in the mid to late 1960s, NHRA car class numbers had to be applied with decals on glass side windows, was so tower employees could visible see if the side windows were rolled up, right before the christmas tree lights were activated. If the side windows weren't rolled up, the staging lights were turned off, until the side windows went up.
While tracking the previous owners of my "67 big block Corvette down, I have been told that the reason my car was ordered with power windows, and very few other options, was so the first owner could easily get the windows up, while drag racing on weekends. The rear wheel wells on my Corvette's body, still show the scars of "too wide" slicks rubbing the fender well openings, while the car launched off the starting line.
That's the reason a few guys ordered power windows, on 4 speed, posi rear end beasts. They weren't necessarily "wimps", in all cases.
Take care, Ridge.
Stu, I heard you mention that you've done a little drag racing. During the 1960s, when Chevy Super Stock drag racers like Bill Jenkins were pushing assembly line steel bodied cars into the (first 10 second), and then 9 second pass range, NHRA realized that more stringent safety rules must be put into the rule book, and enforced. I was drag racing a big block Chevelle Super Sport in 1969/70.
I addition to roll cages being mandated for cars capable of 11 second passes, a rule was instituted that side windows must be rolled up during racing passes. The reason you notice that in the mid to late 1960s, NHRA car class numbers had to be applied with decals on glass side windows, was so tower employees could visible see if the side windows were rolled up, right before the christmas tree lights were activated. If the side windows weren't rolled up, the staging lights were turned off, until the side windows went up.
While tracking the previous owners of my "67 big block Corvette down, I have been told that the reason my car was ordered with power windows, and very few other options, was so the first owner could easily get the windows up, while drag racing on weekends. The rear wheel wells on my Corvette's body, still show the scars of "too wide" slicks rubbing the fender well openings, while the car launched off the starting line.
That's the reason a few guys ordered power windows, on 4 speed, posi rear end beasts. They weren't necessarily "wimps", in all cases.
Take care, Ridge.
). Here's a couple of views of my late '65 switch. Checked it with my early '65 (in place in dash) and the toggle projection feels the same. Believe they are the originals.
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