Restoration Question: Should I put courtesy lights in my 57 or not?

[Jacob A.]

Hi Guys, I hope you are all well! I just am finishing up the 7+ year frame off, nut and bolt restoration on my 57. It is the final stages of assembly and I need to make a decision in regards to courtesy lights. NCRS Master Judge, and freshly retired N.W. Judging Chairman, Wayne Loron did most of the final assembly on my car and is sure that the car had no provisions for courtesy lights, as there are no door switches. The car was also a radio delete car. Since the new wire harness has provisions for courtesy lights, should I put some in the holes... or not? Pro's and Con's would be most appreciated. On the one hand I have really tried hard to keep this car as original as possible. Original Color, original style drivetrain, shocks, jack, interior, etc... On the other hand the car is Base Coat/Clear Coat, the frame was powder coated flat black, and the 997 heads were replaced with much better running 539 (57 fuelie) heads. Other than those few items the car was prepared with hopes of a flight award. Your input is greatly appreciated... what would you do if she was yours... P.S. I will have to sell this Corvette when it's finished as I have STUPID money invested in it, so please take this into consideration when you give me your advice. Thanks in advance and hope you all have a great day! Best, Jacob

[Steven B.]

Re: Restoration Question: Should I put courtesy lights in my 57 or not?

Jacob, if you are going to sell it why go to the extra work and expense of installing the lights? You won't get more money with them. My '57 doesn't have them and I never missed them. I often wished it was assembled without a radio or heater.

Steve

[Donald H.]

Re: Restoration Question: Should I put courtesy lights in my 57 or not?

My 1960 did not have holes for the door switches either. I had ordered the stuff to add the courtsey light as I was restoring the car. Then asked myself, WHY? I decided I really didn't want to mess with adding something else that could possibly fail in Ops judging. Plus the car clearly never had the switches installed.

Plus, how ofter are you going to be driving the car in the dark and need the little bit of light that the courtesy light will provide?

Don

[Jacob A.]

Re: Restoration Question: Should I put courtesy lights in my 57 or not?

Thanks guys, This morning I was leaning towards putting them in, now I am second guessing this. Would love to hear some more opinions. Yes, I am sure I won't get the extra couple of hundred out of the car, but I just want it to appear as finished as possible. I guess I was questioning that without the courtesy lights, the car does look a little unfinished... but that is the way the car was "officially" finished in the first place, so I think maybe I should just "get over it", and call it quits. Thanks again, Jacob

[Richard M.]

Re: Restoration Question: Should I put courtesy lights in my 57 or not?

"Since the new wire harness has provisions for courtesy lights, should I put some in the holes... or not?"

Didn't ALL main harnesses include the provision to add the optional courtesy lights?

AIM Section 12 Sheet 12 shows wires in the main harness available for RPO 421 Courtesy lights.

If so, then I would think no deduct if they're not there.

[Jacob A.]

Re: Restoration Question: Should I put courtesy lights in my 57 or not?

I'm not sure about that one Richard. I have decided though that I am going to keep it original, and not install the lights. Thanks to each of you for your input today! Cheers! Jacob

[Mike M.]

Re: Restoration Question: Should I put courtesy lights in my 57 or not?

rich is correct. all 56-7 main harnesses had provisions for courtesy lights. mike

[David K.]

Re: Restoration Question: Should I put courtesy lights in my 57 or not?

If you want a light and not change the car, go to a marina and get those cigar type lights that plug into the cigar lighter. It just plugs into the cigar lighter and no changes at all need to be done.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Restoration Question: Should I put courtesy lights in my 57 or not?

If you don't want to use the original courtesy lights this is a simple option.
Inexpensive LED light, very bright and use almost no current.
Use stock switches, make a simple mounting plate, wire up and your done.




flywheel++ 006.jpgflywheel++ 007.jpg