Console courtesy light
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5
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Console courtesy light
The mercury switch that turns on the courtesy light inside the console in my ’89 vert is defective. No problem getting the mercury switch. It’s available at Corvette Central.
The problem is ‘How to install it?’. The lamp cover consists of a black outer shell and a clear plastic insert. The clear plastic insert serves two functions, i.e. it provides the clear lens for the lamp to shine through and it also provides the mounting for the mercury switch and the bulb. I slipped a feeler gauge between the outer shell and the clear plastic insert. There seem to be some spots were the insert may be glued to the shell. The shop manual is no help.
Frankly I’m afraid that I’ll damage the shell or the insert if I try to force them apart. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
The problem is ‘How to install it?’. The lamp cover consists of a black outer shell and a clear plastic insert. The clear plastic insert serves two functions, i.e. it provides the clear lens for the lamp to shine through and it also provides the mounting for the mercury switch and the bulb. I slipped a feeler gauge between the outer shell and the clear plastic insert. There seem to be some spots were the insert may be glued to the shell. The shop manual is no help.
Frankly I’m afraid that I’ll damage the shell or the insert if I try to force them apart. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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I know for the 90-96 consoles lids are two pieces. the outer cushion and the inner plastic. and its held together with about 6 screws with the hinge. when you take them apart the light and switch is all there.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 776
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From: Ottawa IL
Same for my 88'
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Console courtesy light
Thanks for the quick responses to my question, but I think perhaps I wasn't clear re my problem.
I am able to remove the courtesy light housing from the console lid. What I can't seem to figure out is how to remove the mercury switch from courtesy light housing.
I've added a photo of the backside of the courtesy light housing:
http://i50.tinypic.com/2anqs8.jpg
The mercury switch is on the left. Has anybody ever replaced the switch?
I am able to remove the courtesy light housing from the console lid. What I can't seem to figure out is how to remove the mercury switch from courtesy light housing.
I've added a photo of the backside of the courtesy light housing:
http://i50.tinypic.com/2anqs8.jpg
The mercury switch is on the left. Has anybody ever replaced the switch?
Flatulent Dwarf
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 729
Likes: 84
From: Poverty Holler NC
Thanks for the quick responses to my question, but I think perhaps I wasn't clear re my problem.
I am able to remove the courtesy light housing from the console lid. What I can't seem to figure out is how to remove the mercury switch from courtesy light housing.
I've added a photo of the backside of the courtesy light housing:
http://i50.tinypic.com/2anqs8.jpg
The mercury switch is on the left. Has anybody ever replaced the switch?
I am able to remove the courtesy light housing from the console lid. What I can't seem to figure out is how to remove the mercury switch from courtesy light housing.
I've added a photo of the backside of the courtesy light housing:
http://i50.tinypic.com/2anqs8.jpg
The mercury switch is on the left. Has anybody ever replaced the switch?
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette?frame=3.827
later, tiny
Last edited by 1800Wing; May 29, 2010 at 10:35 PM.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Console courtesy light
It turns out that the black outer shell and the clear plastic insert are glued together. For the most part the glue was applied sparsely. However (there's always an however) the side opposite the mercury switch had quite a long strip of glue. It was a delicate operation with a Stanley Snap knife in order to break the glue bonds, but it is doable with patience. Go slowly!
Once the outer shell and plastic insert are separated the mercury switch can be removed. Use a soldering iron to separate the lead from the switch. Corvette Central sells the switch. It's P/N 464071. BTW the same switch is used in the under hood lights.
Thanks again.
Once the outer shell and plastic insert are separated the mercury switch can be removed. Use a soldering iron to separate the lead from the switch. Corvette Central sells the switch. It's P/N 464071. BTW the same switch is used in the under hood lights.
Thanks again.
