'69 Wiper Override Switch Knob

[Jack O.]

Hi everyone,

Was there ever a production change in the '69, on the round knob under the steering column, used to stop the wipers, that removed the chrome center? I have one that does not have the chrome and I suspect that it has simply fallen off but wanted to check to be sure.

Thanks,

Jack

[Reba W.]

Re: '69 Wiper Override Switch Knob

So far as we have been able to determine, originals had no metal (not chrome) center. We have seen some in a GM box that had it and therefore believe that is was a service replacement item. All repros I have seen do have it.

Perhaps Joe Lucia can answer the question of a design change.

[Jack O.]

Re: '69 Wiper Override Switch Knob

Oh wow, it's the opposite I what I thought then perhaps. Thanks for the info!

[Joe L.]

Re: '69 Wiper Override Switch Knob

So far as we have been able to determine, originals had no metal (not chrome) center. We have seen some in a GM box that had it and therefore believe that is was a service replacement item. All repros I have seen do have it.

Perhaps Joe Lucia can answer the question of a design change.

Reba-------


The 1968-72 wiper override knob used in PRODUCTION was GM #1991063. This knob did not have the ornamental insert. However, it was never available in SERVICE. For SERVICE, from the very beginning, the knob was GM #1991064. This knob is identical except that it has the insert. Why the difference? Well, the 1991064 was originally used in PRODUCTION on 1968-72 G-10/20 truck applications for which the face of the knob was part of the dash with the knob facing outward and matching other knobs which had the same style ornamental insert.

So, why didn't GM just use the same knob as used for the trucks for PRODUCTION on 68-72 Corvettes? Well, on the Corvette the face of the knob was unseen and I suppose it's another case of "... save a penny here, save a penny there...". For SERVICE, it was cheaper to just inventory one knob and charge the customer the few cents more.

[Reba W.]

Re: '69 Wiper Override Switch Knob

Thanks, Joe. I now remember you and others explaining this several months ago. My aging memory bank did not retrieve it.

[Jack O.]

Re: '69 Wiper Override Switch Knob

Wow, thanks. It pays to ask - I was thinking the one without the insert was flawed when it actually is the original!

Thanks Joe and Reba.