Flashlight on steering column

[Foxlovescars]

1965 Riviera

I have a metal retaining bracket that apparently holds a "Buick" flashlight to the underside of the steering column. How rare is this option and can a new "Buick" flashlight be purchased somewhere and for how much? Is this something that I want to have under there? And for someone who has one in place, does it get in the way?

Thanks,
Frank

[jscheib]

well,
back in the 40s and 50s, I think these were quite common, but I do not recall sening any on 60s cars.

John

[Don McClair]

Frank, is there a ribbed chrome cover on the bottom side of your steering column? This would be very similar in appearance to the top side of the steering column. If there is you just may have something that someone added to your car at some point.

[Foxlovescars]

Don:
Yes, there is a chrome ribbed cover on the steering column as you can see high up in the attached photo. There are holders and reproduction "Buick" logo flashlights available on Ebay. I guess what I am really asking is if anyone who purchased one of these cars when new, saw this in the new cars at the dealership. If GM offered this as a factory option and it came with the car, I would leave it in. If not, I would just take it out; as I like to restore my cars back to factory whenever possible.
Thanks,
Frank

[Don McClair]

That appears to very well made and something from the time period of your Riv or earlier. I am not aware of a factory flashlight but hopefully someone can set the record straight. Good luck with your restoration.

[Don McClair]

I found a vintage steering column flashlight on ebay and it appears to be the same bracket as what Frank has on his Riviera but the logo on the flashlight appears to be from the 1920's or into the 30's.
Buick Automobiles Steering Dash Vintage Part ClassicEmergencyLight | eBay
If the link doesn't work do an ebay search on 1965 Buick Riviera.

[68RIVGS]

Pretty sure that flashlight holder is just an 'after market' part that has been added to the car, and is not a Buick option.

[Don McClair]

Randy, I believe you are correct. I went back and looked at the sellers other items and there were a bunch of these identical flash lights that had logo's for a number of other vehicles. While it is a neat item I believe it is not authentic and pricey to boot.