69 rear storage compartment switch/light

[Steve G.]

I have a replacement frame for the storage/batt compartment doors and the hole is not drilled for the centre switch/light. First off, was this light optional? The frame I removed did not have it drilled either, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't original.
Secondly, what is the size of the hole I need to drill and does anyone have a pic that shows it's position in the flange area. I have a new light and the hole size is not apparent from trying to measure the switch. It's not really round.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 rear storage compartment switch/light

I have a replacement frame for the storage/batt compartment doors and the hole is not drilled for the centre switch/light. First off, was this light optional? The frame I removed did not have it drilled either, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't original.
Secondly, what is the size of the hole I need to drill and does anyone have a pic that shows it's position in the flange area. I have a new light and the hole size is not apparent from trying to measure the switch. It's not really round.

Steve------


The center compartment light was definitely standard equipment on all 1969 Corvettes. The reason that your frame is not drilled for the compartment light switch is that the same design frame was used for 1968 through early 1979. However, in later model years the light was eliminated and the frame revised to reflect this. The frame was revised to maintain the switch flange but the hole was eliminated. I expect that current reproductions follow the configuration of the last GM frame, GM #371477.

I do not know the size of the hole, though. However, I thought it was round.

[Steve G.]

Re: 69 rear storage compartment switch/light

Thanks Joe. I thought that might be the case. Wondered if early 69 might have carried over. This is an early 69 and has many differences from the AIM and similarities to the 68 (wiper vac relay in the fender, idle stop sol wire come to mind)

Yes, I'm sure the hole is round. It's that the top of the switch under the flange where it will retain itself in the hole is not round so I can't take the measurement from there.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 rear storage compartment switch/light

Thanks Joe. I thought that might be the case. Wondered if early 69 might have carried over. This is an early 69 and has many differences from the AIM and similarities to the 68 (wiper vac relay in the fender, idle stop sol wire come to mind)

Yes, I'm sure the hole is round. It's that the top of the switch under the flange where it will retain itself in the hole is not round so I can't take the measurement from there.

Steve------


With respect to the rear compartment lamp, 1968 was the same as 1969. However, the early 1968 switch was different than the later 1968 and 1969 switch. The hole in the flange on the frame had to be the same, though, since the same frame was used for 1968 and 1969, and I'm certain this frame included the hole for the switch.

[Steve G.]

Re: 69 rear storage compartment switch/light

Steve------


With respect to the rear compartment lamp, 1968 was the same as 1969. However, the early 1968 switch was different than the later 1968 and 1969 switch. The hole in the flange on the frame had to be the same, though, since the same frame was used for 1968 and 1969, and I'm certain this frame included the hole for the switch.

Go it now. Somehow thought that the difference for 68 was that it was optional.

[Henry J.]

Re: 69 rear storage compartment switch/light

Steve:

The hole I drilled when I replaced the cracked frame on my 68 was 5/8" diameter. For my application, it proved to be a superb fit.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 69 rear storage compartment switch/light

Steve,
Why not get a piece of thick cardboard or 1/4" plywood and drill holes in it and test fit the switch until you find the hole that works best?
Jeff