1969 courtesy lights

[James W.]

My '69 had the courtesy lights by the kick panels cut out. I have new brackets, electrical connections and bulbs - just don't know how they mount as far as position and correct type of screw or bolt, etc. Does anyone have a photo of this area and info. on the correct way to mount? I looked for signs of where they may have been mounted but can't seem to find any. Thanks!

[John H.]

Re: 1969 courtesy lights

James -

Do you have the Assembly Manual? You'll find the courtesy light installation in UPC 12.

[James W.]

Re: 1969 courtesy lights

Don't have it yet - ordered it along with the '69 Stingray Guidebook, hoping to get it within the next week or so. I'm assuming that the brackets mount to some type of post.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 courtesy lights

My '69 had the courtesy lights by the kick panels cut out. I have new brackets, electrical connections and bulbs - just don't know how they mount as far as position and correct type of screw or bolt, etc. Does anyone have a photo of this area and info. on the correct way to mount? I looked for signs of where they may have been mounted but can't seem to find any. Thanks!

James------


As John mentions, the AIM is your best source for information. You will find it on UPC 12, Sheet B4. As you will note, the bracket attaches to the upper rear corner of the kick panel using a single screw. The screw is a hex washer head. I think it's either a #8 or #10 thread size.

[James W.]

Re: 1969 courtesy lights

Thanks to both of you - I was thinking that it mounted closer to the edge of the dash. I can't wait until the manual comes in - thanks for the replies!

[Jack H.]

Re: 1969 courtesy lights

As John and Joe mention, the AIM details where the courtesy light fixtures are mounted, but there's a caveat here...

IF car is A/C (option C-60) equipped, the RH courtesy light for Shark cars was typically relocated to thwart illumination shielding due to the larger heater plenum box on the interior. So, if you happen to be one of the lucky ones with an A/C equipped car, check beyond the base car pages of the AIM for specifics on the location of the RH courtesy lamp fixture by consulting the C60 option in the rear of the AIM.

[James W.]

Re: 1969 courtesy lights

Thanks for the additional info. - unfortunately, mine is a non A/C car.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 courtesy lights

Thanks to both of you - I was thinking that it mounted closer to the edge of the dash. I can't wait until the manual comes in - thanks for the replies!

James-----


Here's a scan of the pertinent page of the AIM which you can use pending the arrival of your AIM.

Also, be aware that to remove the kick panel you must first remove the sill plate. Don't attempt to do it without doing this first.

[James W.]

Re: 1969 courtesy lights

Thanks for the diagram and the heads up about the sill plate.

[James W.]

Re: 1969 courtesy lights

The good news is that I now know where the brackets go, etc. the bad news is that BOTH kick panels are melted where the courtesy lights used to be. So, I will install the new courtesy lights after I install new kick panels.

Was this a common problem? If so, how do I avoid it other than cutting the wires and doing away with the lights as one of the previous owners did?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 courtesy lights

The good news is that I now know where the brackets go, etc. the bad news is that BOTH kick panels are melted where the courtesy lights used to be. So, I will install the new courtesy lights after I install new kick panels.

Was this a common problem? If so, how do I avoid it other than cutting the wires and doing away with the lights as one of the previous owners did?

James------


If the brackets are installed properly, the retaining screws remain tight, and the lights do not remain illuminated for an extended period of time (which is not the purpose of such lights), there should be no problem. To wit, my kick panels remain "un-melted" after 40 years.

[James W.]

Re: 1969 courtesy lights

Joe,

I'm glad this is not common - I've been finding little things to fix as I get into fixing other little things. So far, nothing major. All in all, she's in very good shape for her age. Thanks again!