1968 Early Wiper Override Knob

[Richard T.]

Recently I came across an early or first design 1968 wiper override knob and wondered if any members know how long into 1968 production it was used. It does not have the shiny silver insert on the top and inside has a three fingered insert that grips the override switch shaft. I checked the current judging guide but couldn't find any reference to it but at my age it's possible I missed it. Any information appreciated. Rich

[Reba W.]

Re: 1968 Early Wiper Override Knob

To the best of our knowledge, all original knobs through 1972 (and probably '73) were this design. The ones with stainless inserts are service items or reproductions. The JG states this on p. 45.

The mounting could be an early design that changed. In judging, we do not see the backside.

[Jimmy P.]

Re: 1968 Early Wiper Override Knob

To the best of our knowledge, all original knobs through 1972 (and probably '73) were this design. The ones with stainless inserts are service items or reproductions. The JG states this on p. 45.

The mounting could be an early design that changed. In judging, we do not see the backside.

Hi Reba,
No more wiper override knob on the '73. Last year for it was '72. All we have on the '73 is the headlight override.

[Jeff P.]

Re: 1968 Early Wiper Override Knob

Well said Reba. I have a NOS piece here with the shaft. 3E660222-7C45-45E7-AC36-A3EEA36476EE.jpg42183137-7053-4CAC-94B3-D1622FBB481D.jpg

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Early Wiper Override Knob

Recently I came across an early or first design 1968 wiper override knob and wondered if any members know how long into 1968 production it was used. It does not have the shiny silver insert on the top and inside has a three fingered insert that grips the override switch shaft. I checked the current judging guide but couldn't find any reference to it but at my age it's possible I missed it. Any information appreciated. Rich

Rich------


Here's the deal: the wiper override switch used for all 1968-72 Corvettes was GM #1991063. This was the switch without the bright metal centerpiece. This switch was NEVER available from GM in SERVICE. Instead, the switch that always SERVICED the Corvette application was GM #1991064. This was the switch with the bright metal centerpiece. The latter switch was used in PRODUCTION and SERVICE for the windshield wiper switch for 1964-66 Series 40-60 Chevrolet trucks. Most probably it had the bright metal centerpiece because in the truck application the switch was more visible. GM SERVICE parts probably decided that they would SERVICE both the truck and Corvette applications with the 1991064 switch rather than inventory two part numbers. After all, the switch would SERVICE both applications and in the "world of SERVICE parts, the few extra cents difference in cost would not be a problem. In Corvette PRODUCTION GM probably decided that since the face of the switch in the Corvette application was unseen, they would save the few cents and use the "unadorned" GM #1991063.

The GM #1991064 was discontinued without supercession in September, 1986.

If desired, one could probably convert a 1991064 into a 1991063 by simply removing the centerpiece.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Early Wiper Override Knob

Well said Reba. I have a NOS piece here with the shaft. [ATTACH=CONFIG]97374[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]97375[/ATTACH]

Jeff-----


This could not be an NOS piece since this knob was never available in SERVICE. In addition, the knob that was available in SERVICE was not supplied with an attached shaft. The shaft was part of the switch assembly to which the knob attached.

[Reba W.]

Re: 1968 Early Wiper Override Knob

That makes sense, Joe. While working on one of the manual revisions, someone sent me a photo of the knob in a GM box found at a swap meet. It had the stainless insert. At the time, we did not know it was used on other GM car lines.

When we were in business, Dick asked a supplier of the reproduction knobs why it had the stainless, and his answer was that the one he used as a copy had it.

BTW, Jimmy, I knew 1973s did not have the override but I am so used to dealing with interior parts. DUH

[Richard T.]

Re: 1968 Early Wiper Override Knob

Thanks Reba, that makes sense. What still surprises me is just how many cars have the replacement knobs. Always learn something here. Rich

[Richard T.]

Re: 1968 Early Wiper Override Knob

Thanks to all who responded !

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Early Wiper Override Knob

Thanks Reba, that makes sense. What still surprises me is just how many cars have the replacement knobs. Always learn something here. Rich

Rich------


It's not impossible that the knobs with the bright metal centerpiece were used in PRODUCTION on some cars. Both of the knobs existed at the same time. In other words, it's not like the knob with the centerpiece came along later and, thus, didn't exist and could not have been used during the 1968-72 period. Both knobs co-existed. So, it's possible that for one reason or another the knobs with the centerpiece were supplied to St. Louis at some time. Perhaps intentionally, perhaps by accident.

By the way, these knobs have Delco-Remy part numbers so they were supplied through that GM division.