1957-1958 Dashboard has places for lights but never used. Got info?

[Guest Otto **]

Hello everyone,

I took dashboard top apart from my 1957 Super, and removed old naugahyde topping. This part will be upholstered again, so I wanted to sandblast metal parts before that. As you possibly know, these did not originally have any kind of paint on these, so fact that they are all rusted under upholstery was not any kind of surprise. When sandblasting, I also found these holes which obviously are places for interior lights and switch. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v368/OttoGambler/Misc/251020121122.jpg

Were these accessory which never was available? I have not seen any '57 or '58 with this kind of lights. Would be great, though!

Or if they were originally available, is there some other 50's GM which uses same light?

[Roadmaster75]

Otto

I think these are for the "sliding switch" map lights that are on either side of my 58 Roadmaster 75.

mike

[Guest Rob McDonald]

I thought I'd seen every possible feature on a '57 but this is a new to me. When I recovered the dash top on my car, I didn't notice holes like this. Map lights would be cool.

Another dash light that I find charming is the one over the ignition switch. It's turned on with the parking lights, to help you find the keyhole. I think it goes out when the headlights are on. Anyone know if all Buicks had this in '57 or were only Roadmaster drivers thought to be spatially-challenged?

[buick man]

From what I know and have seen believe the 1957 Roadmaster Convertibles thru the entire model year run had these under dash lights and the Roadmaster Model 75's line with the completely chrome dashes which started in the mid 57 year production run had these "Dash Lights" as well. One over the speedometer and the over the clock. The other Roadmaster production models did not have these dash lights installed nor did any of the junior models lines for that matter as well. Apparently, Buick used the same dash base sheet metal cut out for all models and used the openings to install lights in the above mention model lines and left the remaining model lines orphaned and just covered over them. So to stay completely correct no lights would be installed in your model and there was no option to choose from to do so when ordering your Super.

Edited November 9, 2012 by buick man (see edit history)

[Caballero2]

Fellow AACA member, md76C, has a beautiful red and black '57 Roadmaster convertible with this feature. I believe he would be glad to tell you about that feature. Mine is an early '57 so it does not have that feature, even though I do have the dash top with that. You can PM him through this link.

http://forums.aaca.org/f169/russo-steele-auctions-feed-back-330837.html#post1049463

Dan

[buick man]

With all this said as well, I don't think I've ever seen these lights come up for sale as ebay items or random listings on forums etc. Guess one would have to go on a dedicated parts safari to find em. They would be nice on our interiors that don't have them. I believe they can light up by either the door or turning the light switch knob to the left. Maybe someone wants to jump in here and clarify that. Edit: Wonder if one would get nicked in the interior judging category if installed. Think they'd notice? Probably only a 5 pointer hit if they did?

Edited November 9, 2012 by buick man (see edit history)

[Roadmaster75]

There's a slide switch on each of the lights. Not connected with the dash lights or dome lights...

I'll try to get a shot of them illuminated in my car so you can see what they look like.

mike

[Guest Rob McDonald]

I've answered my own sidebar question - do all '57 and '58 Buicks have a convenience light over the ignition key? Apparently, yup. Here's one in a very plain Jane, nice original '58 Special. Photo courtesy of 1958bkspecial.

[buick man]

Think i would wire them so when you open up the door at night they would light up.

[Roadmaster75]

Actually Lads, my aging memory has mislead you!

The map lights ARE activated by the door jamb switches; as well as individually off the slide

switches.

Trying to figure out how to send photos here now.

[Roadmaster75]

Let me know if this link works .....

If so, I solicit input on the picture of the clock area. You'll notice that the original cellophane factory instruction

sticker has never been removed. In 23 years of ownership I have never had the heart to remove it.. The original

owner whom I bought it from in 1989 (31,800 miles) kept everything ... radiator tags, and assorted delivery

tags and notes... in an envelope, but, He never removed this sticker ...... Would you peel it or leave it?????

thanks

mike

IMG_0208 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[JohnD1956]

Oh man. a triple turbine too. Those lights look fablous! Worth looking for a RM 75 just for that feature.

[lancemb]

All Roadmaster 75s (including 4 door like mine) had these map lights in '57. All Roadmaster 75s and Limiteds (including 4 door like mine) in '58 had them. These lens crack easily for some reason (not sure if heat from light or the pressure from the shrinkage/expansion of the dash pad in temperature changes) and they are nearly impossible to find if yours are cracked. After years of searching I recently found a few finally about 2 months ago.

[Guest Otto **]

Thank you everyone for your comments and knowledge!

So it seems that this light has been used on all Roadmasters, not on smaller body Specials and Centurys. That explains why my Super has those holes; all dashboard parts are wider in Supers and Roadmasters, so they use same top-part of dash.

Those lights would be great extra for interior lighting, one light on the ceiling is not much... but it seems that these are hard-to-find parts. So maybe I'll just have to forget those. Damn.