GM 5716297 Headlight Switch 1963-1967

[Timothy B.]

I picked up a new (NOS) GM 5716297 headlight rotation switch yesterday at a swap meet in the old green/white box and have read there are differences between the old and new GM switches.

The only thing I see is the pin connectors that plug into the wire harness connector are pointed and just a bit longer then the old switch I have.

Can anyone tell me what if anything is else different, I have read about judging point deductions with the switch but I don't notice anything else different.

TIA, Tim

[Page C.]

Re: GM 5716297 Headlight Switch 1963-1967

Most deductions on the headlight rotation switch are that the service replacements have a noticeable longer toggle on the switch and most are mounted incorrectly. The mounting ears need to be above the dash cluster.

[Harry S.]

Re: GM 5716297 Headlight Switch 1963-1967

Most deductions on the headlight rotation switch are that the service replacements have a noticeable longer toggle on the switch and most are mounted incorrectly. The mounting ears need to be above the dash cluster.

Page, correct.. Except cars with A/C the ears are below the cluster.

[Timothy B.]

Re: GM 5716297 Headlight Switch 1963-1967

Page,

I am aware of the mounting position in the cluster but the longer chrome toggle length I have never seen. Is this with the GM reproduction switch, mine seem to look the same.

[Page C.]

Re: GM 5716297 Headlight Switch 1963-1967

Hi Tim,
I don't know when the head light rotation switch toggle became longer than the assembly line version but most of the service replacements were longer. Sounds like you found a early service replacement that will work well for you.
Harry,
I have my doults about the switch having the ears mount below the cluster on air condition cars. The switch was moved on the air cars inboard from the normal position to gain clearance form the left side air duct. I have seen lots of air cars with the switch ears mounted above the cluster including two of my unrestored 1965's.

[Harry S.]

Re: GM 5716297 Headlight Switch 1963-1967

Hi Tim,
I don't know when the head light rotation switch toggle became longer than the assembly line version but most of the service replacements were longer. Sounds like you found a early service replacement that will work well for you.
Harry,
I have my doults about the switch having the ears mount below the cluster on air condition cars. The switch was moved on the air cars inboard from the normal position to gain clearance form the left side air duct. I have seen lots of air cars with the switch ears mounted above the cluster including two of my unrestored 1965's.

Page, the 63 AIM has it under.

[Timothy B.]

Re: GM 5716297 Headlight Switch 1963-1967

Page,

Thanks for information about the headlight switch. Yesterday, I checked the GM headlight rotation switch I put in my 63 a few years ago and it hit me as soon as I looked at the chrome toggle, it's significantly longer than the old wore out switch I took out and the NOS switch I picked up Saturday.

The date inside the box cover on the switch I bought Saturday say's 68 and the date on the longer toggle switch box say's 86. I swapped the switches, I wonder if they got this detail right on the reproduction switches.

Thanks again for the info, learn something new every day :-)

[Ara G.]

Re: GM 5716297 Headlight Switch 1963-1967

Page,

Thanks for information about the headlight switch. Yesterday, I checked the GM headlight rotation switch I put in my 63 a few years ago and it hit me as soon as I looked at the chrome toggle, it's significantly longer than the old wore out switch I took out and the NOS switch I picked up Saturday.

The date inside the box cover on the switch I bought Saturday say's 68 and the date on the longer toggle switch box say's 86. I swapped the switches, I wonder if they got this detail right on the reproduction switches.

Thanks again for the info, learn something new every day :-)

Tim, the correct stem/toggle should be almost flush with the black housing, but you can also swap out the internals easily from the new switch to the original one while retaining the original/short toggle chrome switch. It's easy as pie. Just carefully remove the metal retaining clips in the switch and swap it out. Reuse the shorter toggle tab and you're all set. Essentially a new switch with the original shorter chrome toggle. Cheers...ARA