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C3 Interior Light Bulb Codes?

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Old Apr 27, 2017 | 02:53 PM
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Default C3 Interior Light Bulb Codes?

I'm getting a little bit of conflicting information from the various Vette suppliers while trying to figure out exactly what light bulb codes I should use for my 79 Vette...


Brake Lights I see 1156 and 1157s being often used interchangeably and my best guess is that my 79 should have 1157s; can anyone confirm / refute and clarify the difference between the two?


For interior lights (right now just dome and floor convenience lights; no dash light bulb replacements for now):
Dome Lights Some sources say to use 212-2 (Eckler's says that these are right for Vettes from 1968-2013), while others say to use 214-2 (Zip says that 77-82 C3s used 214-2).

Courtesy / floor lights Looks like #906 for 78-82 Vettes but older C3s (68-77) should use #631


Spare Tire Light?!? I'm not even sure what this light is or where it's located but it looks like my 79 should get a #168, which is also used for the side markers on these cars.


"Transmission Control Light"?!??! #161 -What the heck is this light actually for and where's it located?






Thanks,
Adam

Last edited by NewbVetteGuy; Apr 27, 2017 at 02:56 PM.
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Old Apr 27, 2017 | 03:08 PM
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Bulbs are listed in your owner's manual.
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Old Apr 27, 2017 | 03:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Bulbs are listed in your owner's manual.
That's funny cause I don't have an owners manual. I have to think that when most people purchase an almost 40 year old car, they don't come with an owner's manual very often.

Maybe someone should come up with an internet forum or something like that where people who have these old cars could find such information or ask questions directly to other Corvette owners since the likelihood of getting an owner's manual with these cars is so low?



Adam

Last edited by NewbVetteGuy; Apr 27, 2017 at 03:15 PM.
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Old Apr 27, 2017 | 03:40 PM
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Most auto parts stores have bulb listings going way back. The NAPA parts, Advance Auto and I believe Rock Auto has bulb codes, at least they did on my last order back in November.
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Old Apr 27, 2017 | 03:53 PM
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Tail/Stop/Turn: 1157
Front Marker/Turk: 1157NA
Dome: 214-2
Courtesy: 906

The spare tire lamp is in the rear center ahead of the rear license plate. You'll should see a rather grubby looking lens. It comes on with the courtesy lights and gives you a view of the spare tire release and lock (if present).

The "transmission control light" plugs into the right hand side of the automatic shifter and lights the PRND!2 lens. I suppose it does similar with the manual transmission.

The dash/gauge lamps are generally of two types: 194 for general illumination and 194 for indicators like turn signal, low fuel, brake, etc. The similar looking lamp used in the lantern that shines down from the gauge pack to light the HVAC control is 558. #558 has a lens cast in the end and is the only bulb that will give decent illumination for the HVAC controls--even then you may need to enlarge its aperture somewhat to get truly useful lighting.
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Old Apr 27, 2017 | 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Z06LMB
Most auto parts stores have bulb listings going way back. The NAPA parts, Advance Auto and I believe Rock Auto has bulb codes, at least they did on my last order back in November.
Right, but when people like Ecklers and Zip Corvette can't agree, is there any hope that places like NAPA and AA are going to agree?

-I'd tend to trust the Corvette speciality shops over general auto parts stores and when they can't get it right / don't agree, I want to get an actual expert opinion ala CF.


Adam
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Old Apr 27, 2017 | 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by SwampeastMike
Tail/Stop/Turn: 1157
Front Marker/Turk: 1157NA
Dome: 214-2
Courtesy: 906

The spare tire lamp is in the rear center ahead of the rear license plate. You'll should see a rather grubby looking lens. It comes on with the courtesy lights and gives you a view of the spare tire release and lock (if present).

The "transmission control light" plugs into the right hand side of the automatic shifter and lights the PRND!2 lens. I suppose it does similar with the manual transmission.

The dash/gauge lamps are generally of two types: 194 for general illumination and 194 for indicators like turn signal, low fuel, brake, etc. The similar looking lamp used in the lantern that shines down from the gauge pack to light the HVAC control is 558. #558 has a lens cast in the end and is the only bulb that will give decent illumination for the HVAC controls--even then you may need to enlarge its aperture somewhat to get truly useful lighting.

Thanks for actually attempting to answer the question that I asked; and also for succeeding! ;-)

Seriously thanks again for about the 10th time in the past 6 or so months.



Adam
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Old Apr 28, 2017 | 01:01 AM
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The Owner's Manual might be 'funny' to you, but the aftermarket places still sell them...and THEY have the correct bulb listings for all locations in that model year car.

They are also listed in the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual. But, that would be more money (even though you NEED them both).....
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Old Apr 28, 2017 | 07:04 AM
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Originally Posted by NewbVetteGuy
...I don't have an owners manual...the likelihood of getting an owner's manual with these cars is so low...
http://www.parts123.com/corvettecent...50g&ukey=11982
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