C3 Headlight Switch

[Tom L.]

Does anyone have any experience with repop headlight switches? My original has continuity where it should and the vacuum switch works well, but it's a 40 year old component. I had planned on just replacing it, while I have everything apart, to avoid a future headache. But, I remember reading here that one person had a bad experience with a repop. Thanks.

[Edward J.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

Tom, I have read some negative stuff on the repro switchs, if the original still works I would possiably clean the old reostat up with some steel wool or a small brush and some metal polish , the internals don't have to many problems that I have seen.

[Pete B.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

Tom,

I had to get 3 before I got one that worked. Lectric limited "said" that they sell 75 of these a year and have no problems....maybe just my luck. I could not bring mine back as the reostat wire was broke.
The switch was $34 so not too bad considering how much time to replace it later on. I'm glad I replaced it.

Pete

[Don L.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

Like Pete's experience, my original had a failed rheostat. I bought a reproduction switch from Corvette Central and then had to get another one as the first replacement switch was bad. CC gave me no problem, sending a replacement out right away and told me to scrap the defective switch, which I did.

The second one installed well and has worked for the past 4 years without incident.

[Tom L.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

Thanks guys. What was wrong with the defective ones so I know what to look for?

[Don L.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

Thanks guys. What was wrong with the defective ones so I know what to look for?

Vacuum didn't work on mine.

[Randy C.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

I had to get a replacement as the bezel on my old switch was broken off. My replacement came from Corvette America and it worked. I had a little trouble with the vacuum until I realized that I had it hooked up backwards!

Randy C.

[D S.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

My reproduction switch on my 1970 caused my headlights to "flutter" like wig-wag lights on emergency vehicles. Before I realized it was a defective switch I checked the headlight assemblies and other possible causes. I even quit driving the car at night. After posting my dilemma here on the TDB I narrowed it down to the switch. Before I spent money on another reproduction a friend gave me his original off of his 1969 Corvette and mine now work great. I can't recall where I purchased the reproduction.

Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

[Pete B.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

My two defects on different switches were as follows:

1) headlights would go off after 30 seconds, on after a cool off.

2) The dash lights would not work.

Third was the charm!

[Greg A.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

Tom, I replaced the original in my '78 about 6-7 years ago, just after they started making the repops because the NOS were gone. I don't recall which vendor provided it, but within a year it had a vacuum leak. I cleaned up the original (the reostat was dirty, causing poor dash light dimming) and re-installed it. It's working great. Goes to show you can't beat an original 32 year old part!

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

Tom, I replaced the original in my '78 about 6-7 years ago, just after they started making the repops because the NOS were gone. I don't recall which vendor provided it, but within a year it had a vacuum leak. I cleaned up the original (the reostat was dirty, causing poor dash light dimming) and re-installed it. It's working great. Goes to show you can't beat an original 32 year old part!

Greg, et al------


I just knew there was some reason I bought half a dozen, or so, of the GM switches [none for sale] just after GM discontinued them and there were still some "around". Of course, I didn't know the reason then, but I know it now.

[Tom L.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

Why fix it if it's not broken? I suppose I'll clean up the original and see how it goes. Thanks everyone.

[Kevin G.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

Why fix it if it's not broken? I suppose I'll clean up the original and see how it goes. Thanks everyone.

Tom,

Keep in mind that when you attempt your Duntov/PV, the switch must perform as intended! The dimmer function is sometimes difficult!

[Greg A.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

As always, Joe, you are the shrewd buyer!

[Richard R.]

Re: C3 Headlight Switch

Tom I had two bad switches, from two vendors. One would not hold when you pulled the knob out it came out in your hand. (made in China). The other one would not dim the dash lights correctly. I finally bought a switch at a swap meet (used but good) and it solved my problem. I won't say who the vendors were but they ars highly rated by everone.