Headlight ground strap
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 120
Likes: 1
From: CT
Headlight ground strap
Electrical Question for the experts:
Been redoing the interior on the 71 and Just replaced the headlight switch. I repainted the gauge bezels and am concerned that paint on the speedometer bezel in the vicinity of the screw will impact the connection on what is referred to as the ground strap for the switch. This is part of the assembly that attaches to the bezel with a screw. I examined this for a while and am stumped to see the ground path from the bezel to any ground. I don't want to button it up and loose ground for the headlights.
I suppose I will go back and emery cloth the area around the screw but I am still perplexed as to the path.
H
Been redoing the interior on the 71 and Just replaced the headlight switch. I repainted the gauge bezels and am concerned that paint on the speedometer bezel in the vicinity of the screw will impact the connection on what is referred to as the ground strap for the switch. This is part of the assembly that attaches to the bezel with a screw. I examined this for a while and am stumped to see the ground path from the bezel to any ground. I don't want to button it up and loose ground for the headlights.
I suppose I will go back and emery cloth the area around the screw but I am still perplexed as to the path.
H
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi H,
In the 71 AIM, UPC 12, Sheet B3, the part is called out as simply 'Strap'.
I've always thought it was there to help stabilize the switch's body as the **** is being pulled and pushed.
I don't see mention of it being a source of ground for the switch.
Do you see that notation somewhere?
Regards,
Alan
In the 71 AIM, UPC 12, Sheet B3, the part is called out as simply 'Strap'.
I've always thought it was there to help stabilize the switch's body as the **** is being pulled and pushed.
I don't see mention of it being a source of ground for the switch.
Do you see that notation somewhere?
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 120
Likes: 1
From: CT
Hi Alan,
Always a pleasure, by the way. You have responded to a good many of my questions and posts in the past, and always provide the most informative, usable and technically correct feedback. Thanks a bunch for that. Great to have experts active on the site, willing to take the time to research, answer and chat.
Anyway, I got the idea planted when I ordered the new switch. The dimmer coil had disintegrated in the original and I could not repair it on the bench. When I ordered the switch, I noticed this at Corvette Central: http://www.parts123.com/corvettecent...50g&ukey=27778
Item number 593114 at Corvette Central isreferred to as "Headlight Switch Ground Strap. I had assumed same, (that it was for stability), but became concerned after seeing the item on-line. I don't have an Assembly Installation Manual. Where can you get the? Amazon?
Best,
Howard
Always a pleasure, by the way. You have responded to a good many of my questions and posts in the past, and always provide the most informative, usable and technically correct feedback. Thanks a bunch for that. Great to have experts active on the site, willing to take the time to research, answer and chat.
Anyway, I got the idea planted when I ordered the new switch. The dimmer coil had disintegrated in the original and I could not repair it on the bench. When I ordered the switch, I noticed this at Corvette Central: http://www.parts123.com/corvettecent...50g&ukey=27778
Item number 593114 at Corvette Central isreferred to as "Headlight Switch Ground Strap. I had assumed same, (that it was for stability), but became concerned after seeing the item on-line. I don't have an Assembly Installation Manual. Where can you get the? Amazon?
Best,
Howard
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hello Howard,
Yes the 71 AIM is available from a variety of sources.
The larger vendors like Paragon Reproductions, ZIP Products, and Corvette Central carry them.
I also see it on e-bay and I'd think amazon too.
Regards,
Alan
Yes the 71 AIM is available from a variety of sources.
The larger vendors like Paragon Reproductions, ZIP Products, and Corvette Central carry them.
I also see it on e-bay and I'd think amazon too.
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,427
Likes: 1,560
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
The strap supplies a ground from the headlight switch.
When you turn the headlight K *** counter clockwise it connects to that strap so that the courtesy lights turn on.
When you turn the headlight K *** counter clockwise it connects to that strap so that the courtesy lights turn on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,427
Likes: 1,560
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Pb,
I thought the fastener for that strap connected to a plastic part… the speedometer bezel, not to speedometer case which I agree, is grounded.
So I couldn't understand where the ground was made?
Regards,
Alan
I thought the fastener for that strap connected to a plastic part… the speedometer bezel, not to speedometer case which I agree, is grounded.
So I couldn't understand where the ground was made?
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Mar 14, 2017 at 03:01 PM.
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
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,427
Likes: 1,560
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
It's been many years since I've been near the back of my dash so I can not say with 100% certainty what the screw goes into but it wouldn't be a ground strap if it went into plastic.
Do you have a photo of that area? I don't.
Besides:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,427
Likes: 1,560
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
We need a picture of the speedo bezel screw hole.
Is the plastic part that the screw goes in sleeved (with metal) and connected to the speedo bezel?
It has to ground somehow or the courtesy lights will not go on.
The white wire supplies a ground to the courtesy lights.
The white wire only plays a part in the system when you rotate the k *** fully left.
That pushes the headlight switches TAB into the bracket that holds the headlamp switch and supplies a ground.
Is the plastic part that the screw goes in sleeved (with metal) and connected to the speedo bezel?
It has to ground somehow or the courtesy lights will not go on.
The white wire supplies a ground to the courtesy lights.
The white wire only plays a part in the system when you rotate the k *** fully left.
That pushes the headlight switches TAB into the bracket that holds the headlamp switch and supplies a ground.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
I know my headlight switch has a metal bracket where the switch goes through the dash pad. It's then attached to the back of the speedo. Not sure it's a ground or not. I think all it does is give the dash pad some backing because that is where the nut that holds the switch in tightens down.
I'm sure Alan has a picture. lol
I'm sure Alan has a picture. lol
Last edited by theandies; Mar 15, 2017 at 04:45 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
Thanks D70
So the bezel would need to be metal (it well may be) in order for the ground connection to be completed.
Regards,
Alan
Also, notice the blue stripe hose is on the forward nipple… not the way it's shown in the 71 AIM.
Thanks D70
So the bezel would need to be metal (it well may be) in order for the ground connection to be completed.
Regards,
Alan
Also, notice the blue stripe hose is on the forward nipple… not the way it's shown in the 71 AIM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 633
From: perth western australia
post #6 by peterbuilt gives the ground path off the dash panel to frame. Also there is another ground wire that comes off the headlight support bar
Last edited by bazza77; Mar 15, 2017 at 06:55 PM. Reason: grounds