ignition switch light?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
ignition switch light?
My new dash wiring harness came with wires and bulb socket for an ignition switch light. Unfortunately my 68 convert has no place to install a light for the ignition switch. When did lighted switches start? I put a bulb in the extra bulb socket to illuminate the wiring in back of the dash. 
RA
RA
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi ra,
They weren't lit, even later.
Remember after 68 the ignition switch moved to the steering column and the driver just stabbed at it with the key.
This is why typically the painted area around the switch was scratched.
I'm not sure if it was ever lit.
Regards,
Alan
They weren't lit, even later.
Remember after 68 the ignition switch moved to the steering column and the driver just stabbed at it with the key.
This is why typically the painted area around the switch was scratched.
I'm not sure if it was ever lit.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
light
Hmmm. The harness came from Lectric Limited, and it was pretty accurate, so I thought later production models had a hole somewhere for it. At least on the dash you can see the target for the key. All of my RX-7s had a small light for the ignition key, but also had a large (2 inch) metal trim circle around the key hole to prevent scratches.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi RA,
I may have missed something…. but a light at the ignition key is a new one for me!
I just reread the instructions for Operations Section of Flight Judging and while various interior and dash lights are listed I don't see anything about a light at the ignition switch?!?
We need AvalonJohn!
Regards,
Alan
I may have missed something…. but a light at the ignition key is a new one for me!
I just reread the instructions for Operations Section of Flight Judging and while various interior and dash lights are listed I don't see anything about a light at the ignition switch?!?
We need AvalonJohn!
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
light
Hi RA,
I may have missed something…. but a light at the ignition key is a new one for me!
I just reread the instructions for Operations Section of Flight Judging and while various interior and dash lights are listed I don't see anything about a light at the ignition switch?!?
We need AvalonJohn!
Regards,
Alan
I may have missed something…. but a light at the ignition key is a new one for me!
I just reread the instructions for Operations Section of Flight Judging and while various interior and dash lights are listed I don't see anything about a light at the ignition switch?!?
We need AvalonJohn!
Regards,
Alan
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 136
Likes: 17
From: mackinaw IL
Alan- I would not have known what it was, but the very detailed wiring diagram from Lectric Limited shows it as a light socket for the ignition switch. wire colors match the diagram. I put a bulb in it just so the hot wire would not touch anything in the dash and short out. I'll post the diagram when I get home.
Dean
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
light
I had an ahah! moment when I read your reply, cause I still have the old switch and thought I would look at it to see if it had a light socket. But- remembered why I changed the switch in the first place a few months ago. The PO installed a generic switch that looked like it was for a lawn mower. I doubt if it was a lighted switch. RA
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 504
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
Gentlemen, original 68 ignition switches do have a light as CDL49's above photos show.
The light is to illuminate the key way slot at night, so that you can insert your key into the switch. It is not that bright, of course. I am guessing here, but since everything on a 67 was carried over to the 68's, I bet that they also had an illuminated ignition switch. Lou.
The light is to illuminate the key way slot at night, so that you can insert your key into the switch. It is not that bright, of course. I am guessing here, but since everything on a 67 was carried over to the 68's, I bet that they also had an illuminated ignition switch. Lou.
Last edited by loup68; Jan 18, 2016 at 07:17 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 504
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
After the original GM replacement ( service part ) switches were discontinued, all of the 68 reproduction ignition switches that I have seen do not have the light receptacle. Lou.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 74
From: Palatine, Peoples Republic of Illinois
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I remember that from several GM products back in the '60's. I always thought it was cool! All you could see was a little glow inside the key hole.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I've been looking for a picture of the original switch that I have and got side tracked today... you guys nailed it though.
The original switch 1116697 (as mentioned above) had a socket pocket made into it. Why.. I have no idea but at the time most switches prior had them... It didn't light up though since there really isn't any way for the light to escape from behind the switch.
The replacement switch CS62, sold by most parts stores used to come with a generic bracket that you screwed onto the switch before you inserted it in the dash... But I just checked a current picture and I guess they are leaving it out of the switch now. I think most just toss this bracket and install the switch without it.
-Willcox
The original switch 1116697 (as mentioned above) had a socket pocket made into it. Why.. I have no idea but at the time most switches prior had them... It didn't light up though since there really isn't any way for the light to escape from behind the switch.
The replacement switch CS62, sold by most parts stores used to come with a generic bracket that you screwed onto the switch before you inserted it in the dash... But I just checked a current picture and I guess they are leaving it out of the switch now. I think most just toss this bracket and install the switch without it.
-Willcox
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Jan 18, 2016 at 10:45 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 74
From: Palatine, Peoples Republic of Illinois
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The switch didn't light up. All you could see was a dim light glowing inside the keyhole.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,222
Likes: 9,359
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Ive been redoing all my dash lights and found this same light and hole in my early 68. I do get a faint light through the ignition. Ill post pics tomoorow night.
