number3

can someone tell me what the difference is between the 65 c2 switch and all the others ? i want to replace mine on my 65 but no body has one , is there a replacement or substitute that will work ? thanks im replaceing the harness and want to update the switch as well

Pilot Dan

The 65 original switch had a provision for the bulb housing cast into the switch 1116660, 63-64 had a different casting where the bulb socket clipped on instead, Not sure about the difference in 66-67, maybe the pin configuration.

The aftermarket switches are generic and have an add on ring for the bulb. Originals are getting harder to find and 65 only NOS ones are quite pricey.

number3

so the 63-64 will work just wont have the bulb socket correct ?

Pilot Dan

Well the question is depending on which switch you use (aside from the bulb mounting), what the configuration of the terminals are on the back and will they match the cars wiring harness plug without doing major surgery. The generic ones claim to fit 63-65 from what I can tell. I never used one so can't verify that personally.

midstyle

Here's the terminals on a few 660's that I have.

number3

thats the exact switch that i have , ill need to look at a 63-64 and see if they match , thanks

Powershift

According to data I have seen, the "660" switch is for 1966 model (perhaps also very late 1965 models). The one supposedly for 1965 is "635" which is even more difficult to find. Perhaps switch has been replaced before??

The 660 are available if you search............and perhaps even from MIDSTYLE. But not cheap.

Larry

CorvetteMikeB

Corvette Central told me the 1966 Corvette switch will work for both the 1965 & 1966 Corvette. You just need to purchase both the new 1966 key tumbler with key & 1966 switch. You can get both for under hundred dollars.


Your ignition switch might still still be good, You might just need a new tumbler with key.

Mike Geary

The terminal configuration is the same, so no affect on harness/connector.

The change is in the tumbler engagement design which went from a "D bump" in 65 to a full width blade in 66.

The 660 switch is correct for 65.

Powershift

Mike:

Then what model year gets the "635" switch?? I got this number from a JohnZ post in the archives a few days back. Source on Ebay also says 635 is for 65............but I guess the change to 660 could of been a running change during the 65 model year.

Larry

number3

i searched on ebay for 65 chevy ign switch and a whole bunch came up some with the correct configuration and some not . apparently the grnd terminal on the switch that is in my car is not used only 4 out of the 5 terminals on the switch are used why they ever did this is a mystery to me. the new harness only uses 4 terminals also

Mike Geary

Hi Larry: so I checked the '65 AIM and the call-out for the 660 doesn't seem to have been rev'd in. Looks like it was there from the start of '65 production. I have a Nov '64 coupe with an old-looking 660 in it.
Now the 635....don't recall ever running into that p/n.

Mike

facelvega

Hi,
in my C2 from 67 I have installed the ignition switch as described by MIDSTYLE . The switch is working but the GRD cannot be connected because of the plastic adapter behind the switch.
Is it necessary to connect the Ground or is is only necessary for the switch type with an integrated bulb?

When I am installing the cluster a brown wire is connected to the switch but I still have another brown and strong wire with an plastic covered female connector and I do not find a plug to connect it. The connector has +12V only if ignition is switched on.

P.S. I restored my complete cluster and fixed the odometer, the panel lights did not work because of an oxidation of the resistor and the AM meter works offline (test with a 1.5V battery) but need to be fixed.
The restoration was extremely complicated and in spite of the removed seat and steering column I had to dislocate extremely to get under the dashboard. Thanks god my weight is only 72 kilogram.

68hemi

I just bought an NOS in the “box” 1116660 that is supposed to be correct for 1965 fo $185. just a week ago from the forum classifieds. It was a “just in case” purchase and it has the ground tab at the 3:00 position.

buns

facelvega, the ground terminal was not used.

The single brown wire is probably for the radio capacitor:

SoCalErv

Here is a picture side by side of the key switch looking from the rear as a reference.

midstyle

Good shot, SoCalErv; here's the internal view of a 660 ignition switch, showing the bakelite (?) matching female pattern to accept the '65 tumbler in your photo.

tuxedo

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