1956 Headlight Switch

[John N.]

Is there more than one repro headlight switch? If so who has the best one? Any positive or negative experience?Thanks!!!

[Steven B.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

John, when I called a number of Corvette parts houses last summer about the switch for my '57 I was told by two of them there was only one manufacturer and they all (parts houses) bought the same one. I assume from that there is only one manufacturer of the switch but I do not know who the manufacturer is or what is the country of origin. Steve

[Dan D.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

These switches have had a lot of circuit breaker problems. They are not the same configuration as the originals. What is wrong with your original?

-Dan-

[David S.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

John if it were me I would bite the bullet and buy one NOS off ebay.
Dave

[Dan D.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

I agree. I don't have good vibs about the repros.

-Dan-

[Joe L.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

Standard Motor Products manufactures a replacement for the 55-57 headlight switch. However, I don't know if this is the one that all of the vendors sell. The Standard Motor Products part number is DS-156. Standard Motor Products is a major OEM and aftermarket parts manufacturer. Personally, I have a lot of confidence in their products.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

Standard Motor Products manufactures a replacement for the 55-57 headlight switch. However, I don't know if this is the one that all of the vendors sell. The Standard Motor Products part number is DS-156. Standard Motor Products is a major OEM and aftermarket parts manufacturer. Personally, I have a lot of confidence in their products.

Joe, My NAPA interchange for the DS-156 is the Echlin ECH HL6551, which according to the Buyers Guide is for 1957-1963 Corvette, among many other Models. Maybe NAPA has it wrong? They've been wrong many times on other stuff I research online. My local NAPA always tells me that.

NAPA ECH HL6551

BuyersGuide ECH HL6551

Rich
p.s. I have a '56 in the shop so I'll check it's switch to learn if different from my '59 and a few spare used pcs I have.

p.p.s I have had terrible luck with the repro switches. Circuit breaker is junk, flickering lights, etc. Actually quite a safety hazard. BTW all have "Mexico" on the back.

[Dan D.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

The 53 and 54 6V switches are the same, and common to passenger car.

56 and 57 are unique. Different configuration, and of course 12V. Not sure if 55 is the same, or if the 6 and V8 are both 12V in 55. A 55 expert should know this.

58-63 are all the same, except ST-12 says the breaker in 61 & 62 is rated for 2 extra amps. But the chart in ST-12 is not that all accurate, so who knows.

As Rich says, the 56/57 repros have a poor track record, and CC disclosed that they do not test the switches. I don't know if our suppliers have this sorted out yet, but I personalty would do as Dave says and find a NOS. I still don't know why the OP wants to buy a new one. Does he not have his, or does it just not work. The most common problem with these switches is the rheostat connections corrode up and destroy contact. I have been quite successful in repairing these.

-Dan-

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

John,
Check your email.
Bruce B

[John N.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

Thanks!!! Bought the bullet for a real one and also bought the repro (no refunds). The headlights do not work. Taking the SR-1 to Amelia Island the week of March 3rd.Regards

[David S.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

Good luck in Amelia John. Love that car.
Dave

[Dan D.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

John,

The headlights and front parking lights go through the circuit breaker. If neither work, then you have a bad breaker. If it is just the headlights, then you need to check the wiring, and maybe the dimmer switch.

-Dan-

[Joe L.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

Joe, My NAPA interchange for the DS-156 is the Echlin ECH HL6551, which according to the Buyers Guide is for 1957-1963 Corvette, among many other Models. Maybe NAPA has it wrong? They've been wrong many times on other stuff I research online. My local NAPA always tells me that.

NAPA ECH HL6551

BuyersGuide ECH HL6551

Rich
p.s. I have a '56 in the shop so I'll check it's switch to learn if different from my '59 and a few spare used pcs I have.

p.p.s I have had terrible luck with the repro switches. Circuit breaker is junk, flickering lights, etc. Actually quite a safety hazard. BTW all have "Mexico" on the back.

Rich------


Well, I'm not so sure now. GM used the same switch for 1955-57 Corvettes, GM #1995082. Standard Motor Parts does not catalog a switch for 1955-56. However, they do for 1957 and that switch is the DS-156. So, if it's the same as the GM part, it follows that it would also work for 1955-56. The problem I find now is they also catalog that switch for 1958-62.

By the way, regarding Standard Motor Products, many of the parts found in current AC Delco boxes are actually manufactured by Standard Motor Products since GM and successor DELPHI are pretty much out of the parts manufacturing business. Many parts, including those OEM parts used in new cars are manufactured in Mexico or the far east.

[Dan D.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

53-54 are the same
55-57 are the same
58-63 are the same - possible 61 up have an additional 2A in the circuit breaker.

Now, 53-57 shafts are the same
In 58 the 'D' configuration of the shaft changed to a triangular configuration, and they are not interchangeable. And there is no ground screw on 58 up switches - so no way to ground the switch for courtesy light operation. 58 up pick up ground through the instrument panel. 55-57 are held together with 3 screws. 58 up are spring locking tabs. 53 and 54 have bend-over tabs.

So if some supplier is telling you 57 is the same or will work with later years, they are wrong. Don't even go there.

-Dan-

[John S.]

Re: 1956 Headlight Switch

Rich------


Well, I'm not so sure now. GM used the same switch for 1955-57 Corvettes, GM #1995082. Standard Motor Parts does not catalog a switch for 1955-56. However, they do for 1957 and that switch is the DS-156. So, if it's the same as the GM part, it follows that it would also work for 1955-56. The problem I find now is they also catalog that switch for 1958-62.

By the way, regarding Standard Motor Products, many of the parts found in current AC Delco boxes are actually manufactured by Standard Motor Products since GM and successor DELPHI are pretty much out of the parts manufacturing business. Many parts, including those OEM parts used in new cars are manufactured in Mexico or the far east.

the switches used in 55 and 56 were 1995061 and 1995072. the 1995061 switch does not have a fuse like later switches.