Correct Back-lighting Bulbs for C2 w/AC...GE p/n???

[James W.]

I am replacing the light bulbs that light up the heat and A/C controls on the dash in my '65. The bulbs I pulled out of the three sockets are GE 1891 bulbs and look to be the originals. The owners manual does not specify what bulb number is supposed to be for those lights. For reference I pulled the checked the bulb number in the glove box light which is an 1893 and correct for that application. I have a left over bulb kit from 'Lectric Ltd that specifies a 1893 bulb for the heater and A/C bulbs.

Is the correct dash light bulb number for heater and A/C the 1891 that I removed or is it the 1893 as indicated in the 'Lectric Ltd bulb kit? There seems to be little or no physical difference between the two bulb numbers.

Thanks,

James West

[Larry M.]

Re: Correct Back-lighting Bulbs for C2 w/AC...GE p/n???

James:

I only have the Chevrolet Service manual for 1967.....but Section 12 Body and Electrical Lamps (2 pages long) shows "Corvette Heater or A/C Control Panel" lamps as #1893 (3 candlepower).

I would think 1965 would be similar.

There is NO mention of a #1891 bulb for any Corvette, Camaro, Chevy II, Chevelle, or full size Chevrolet in the service manual.

EDIT: I did a quick specification search of the two bulbs, and the #1891 is 2 candlepower, whereas the #1893 is 3 candlepower (and therefore will be brighter).

Larry

[Jack H.]

Re: Correct Back-lighting Bulbs for C2 w/AC...GE p/n???

You might get lucky by checking your copy of the 1965 Corvette Service Manual Supplement, James...

My copy calls out #1816 lamps for use in cluster illumination, radio dial illumination, turn signal indicator and clock positions.

[Francis F.]

Re: Correct Back-lighting Bulbs for C2 w/AC...GE p/n???

Hey Jim,
I just found my NCRS corvette specifications guide and it
states:Heater &A/C control panel lamps(1964-67)lamp#1893 -3cp-

:Cluster illumination lamps #1816 -3cp-
irectional signal indicator lamps #1816-3cp-
:Glove box lamp 1963.....#57 -3cp
1964-67 .....#1893 -3cp-
Hope this helps.
Francis

[Wayne M.]

Re: Correct Back-lighting Bulbs for C2 w/AC...GE p/n???

I am replacing the light bulbs that light up the heat and A/C controls on the dash in my '65. The bulbs I pulled out of the three sockets are GE 1891 bulbs and look to be the originals. The owners manual does not specify what bulb number is supposed to be for those lights. For reference I pulled the checked the bulb number in the glove box light which is an 1893 and correct for that application. I have a left over bulb kit from 'Lectric Ltd that specifies a 1893 bulb for the heater and A/C bulbs.

Is the correct dash light bulb number for heater and A/C the 1891 that I removed or is it the 1893 as indicated in the 'Lectric Ltd bulb kit? There seems to be little or no physical difference between the two bulb numbers. ...

James -- I believe you want, specifically, the C60 bezel lighting bulbs for the two control knobs to either upper side of the clock. If so, check '65 AIM UPC C60, sheet E8, item 5. Part # is 9416927, which crosses to a # 1893 (2 candlepower) using the '65 P&A30 catalog Gr 8.891 Bulbs section. This is the same bulb used ('65 thru '67, IMO) for the radio dial lamp, using the Delco Radio Service Manuals for those 3 years as the source. Same 1893 is used for the glove box.

The 1891 is also a 2cp bulb, but not used, IMO, for '65 Corvettes. It shows in the P&A30 as for "radio", as opposed to "radio lamp dial light" for the 1893.

[James W.]

Re: Correct Back-lighting Bulbs for C2 w/AC...GE p/n???

James -- I believe you want, specifically, the C60 bezel lighting bulbs for the two control knobs to either upper side of the clock. If so, check '65 AIM UPC C60, sheet E8, item 5. Part # is 9416927, which crosses to a # 1893 (2 candlepower) using the '65 P&A30 catalog Gr 8.891 Bulbs section. This is the same bulb used ('65 thru '67, IMO) for the radio dial lamp, using the Delco Radio Service Manuals for those 3 years as the source. Same 1893 is used for the glove box.

The 1891 is also a 2cp bulb, but not used, IMO, for '65 Corvettes. It shows in the P&A30 as for "radio", as opposed to "radio lamp dial light" for the 1893.

Wayne and everyone else that replied thanks for for the info.

Just makes me wonder why all three bezel lighting bulbs, not the clock had the 1891 bulbs installed at all three locations. This is a long time family owned original unrestored car and when taking it apart this week it appears that the radio, clock and A/C components behind the dash have never been out of the car. On an A/C equipped car I can not see how you could get to these bulbs without taking the clock out and some of the right side A/C duct work and hoses which I have done to change out the weaping heater core. The heate core removal was easier than I had thought it would. In my stash of instrument bulbs I have several new, real GE 1816, 1983 and 257 bulbs so I am set. Now to just find a good quality heater core that fits correctly. Anyone have any recommendations on a source for a heater core for a C2 with a/c?

Thanks again guys, I appreciate the help.

Regards,

James West

[John H.]

Re: Correct Back-lighting Bulbs for C2 w/AC...GE p/n???

Anyone have any recommendations on a source for a heater core for a C2 with a/c? James West

James -

All the usual vendors (Paragon, LICS, Doc R, CC, etc.) have the A/C heater core.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Correct Back-lighting Bulbs for C2 w/AC...GE p/n???

Taking the heater core out is a snap. Putting in a new one by yourself is near impossible, specially with all new gaskets and seals. I was told I had to have an assistant so one person could be in the car, the other under the hood. I was retired and home alone at the time, and never believed in the word "can't". I used a roll of Duct Tape to prop the inner housing in place tightly to the firewall (between the housing and the cross brace member). Then, you use as much pressure as you can apply on the housing under the hood to compress the foam rubber seal while you install the Pal nuts on the studs. It's not easy, but it can be done.

Just something to keep in mind.

Stu Fox