Delco D1588 #1995179 - can I use it to rebuild a 1995131 headlight switch ?

[Mark P.]

For my 65 I am supposed to have headlight switch 1995131 which has a 131 stamped on it. I found one that has a cracked side and want to know if I can use a NOS Delco D1588 #1995179 along with the metal frame from the 1995131 switch to make a reliable and correct judging switch. If so, is the swap straight forward ?

The Delco website says the switches were released in this sequence but I am not sure if the parts are interchangeable:

1995131
1995149
1995179 - I believe Delco discontinued this last version about 10 years ago

The two photos on the top are of the 1995179 switch and the other two photos are of the 1995131 switch.

Thanks,

Mark

[Mark P.]

Re: Delco D1588 #1995179 - can I use it to rebuild a 1995131 headlight switch ?

If anyone has an NOS 131 switch they want to sell then please message me.

[James G.]

Re: Delco D1588 #1995179 - can I use it to rebuild a 1995131 headlight switch ?

I've taken apart the switches before, let me find a junk one and disassemble it, most of the time I have pried open the sides of the metal case and removed it to swap out the contacts not pull apart the bases.

It looks like the ceramic is different, will the new larger ceramic work with the 131 metal case?
And the black base appears to have a shorter area and yours oriiginally was all the way to the ceramic?

Would you be better off sectioning a piece of the side case or building it up with epoxy?

[Mark P.]

Re: Delco D1588 #1995179 - can I use it to rebuild a 1995131 headlight switch ?

I put both switches next to each other and it looks like I can use the metal portion of the 131 switch on the newer switch. The plastic part looks the same. The ceramic is larger on the newer switch but it looks like it would still fit.

[Ron G.]

Re: Delco D1588 #1995179 - can I use it to rebuild a 1995131 headlight switch ?

Mark,

I may have an NOS first design. Let me know if you are interested.

- Ron

[John D.]

Re: Delco D1588 #1995179 - can I use it to rebuild a 1995131 headlight switch ?

Is there a way to fix the dash light dimmer portion of the switch ? Mine catches briefly in one spot but is dark on all the rest.

[Richard M.]

Re: Delco D1588 #1995179 - can I use it to rebuild a 1995131 headlight switch ?

James, See this thread for detailed info re the switch repair. Iirc, original 131's porcelain was a unique white color with a light shade of salmon tint.

Keep in mind that even though the 179 is functionally equivalent, if being judged the porcelain profile differences may be noticed in judging.

John, the above thread also shows a method to repair the defective rheostats.

Rich

[Mark P.]

Re: Delco D1588 #1995179 - can I use it to rebuild a 1995131 headlight switch ?

Thanks Rich. I may just try the 131 switch and if it works just use that.

[Richard M.]

Re: Delco D1588 #1995179 - can I use it to rebuild a 1995131 headlight switch ?

Thanks Rich. I may just try the 131 switch and if it works just use that.

Mark I'd recommend you take it apart and clean all external and internal contacts and refresh the bakalite body. You can see the corrosion(green) at one terminal. Be careful on that one.

(I edited my original reply here as I worded it incorrectly)....
Gently squeeze the small tabs at the terminal base to free it from the flat copper contactor, so you can remove the rheostat assembly to clean the joint contact area where it's corroded.

You can solder later as I show in the Document.

Look closely at the rheostat for a open just off the rivet. If it is open you can fix that too as I describe.

Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: Delco D1588 #1995179 - can I use it to rebuild a 1995131 headlight switch ?

Mark note my edit in the previous post. Not enough coffee that morning😉... Rich

[Mark P.]

Re: Delco D1588 #1995179 - can I use it to rebuild a 1995131 headlight switch ?

Thanks Rich. I will apply your info to see if the switch is still usable.