Guest Allprocro Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 The headlight switch is deadzo. I've seen a few of these threads. Hoping I can get some guidence for the 1990 Reatta HL switch. Ebay is crazy expensive. I've seen people hint on the forum that the early 90 Riviera may work. I grabbed one from a junkyard, not sure on the year, but couldn't get it to work. Does anyone have a first hand account of what possible switches might work. I'm okay with the fog lamps not working right now. Or if anyone has some for sale. Thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 The 1990 Reatta headlight switch is unique because it has the fog lamp switch. If you can live without the fog lamps, a 1990-1993 Riviera switch will work. Most Riviera switches have the twilight sentenal on the bottom that automatically turn the lamps off and on based on the amount of daylight. If you use one of these switches, you WILL NOT have that feature. Depending on your skill set....some people can repair the 1990 switches using the similar switches as a parts source. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Allprocro Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 27 minutes ago, Barney Eaton said: The 1990 Reatta headlight switch is unique because it has the fog lamp switch. If you can live without the fog lamps, a 1990-1993 Riviera switch will work. Most Riviera switches have the twilight sentenal on the bottom that automatically turn the lamps off and on based on the amount of daylight. If you use one of these switches, you WILL NOT have that feature. Depending on your skill set....some people can repair the 1990 switches using the similar switches as a parts source. Okay cool just wanted to make sure that was confirmed about the Riv. I'll definitely give anyone parting out one or who has a few switches a few days to respond. otherwise I'll probably snag the Riviera one next week. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVES89 Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 Don't wait until next week, get it now. You need to understand that when you have an opportunity to get parts, you get them. The last Reatta was made 26 years ago and certain parts are hard to get. I have a 1990 switch that I keep in my glove box as a spare. It works great but doesn't turn on the radio or temperature control lights, but it is there if I should need one in an emergency. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Allprocro Posted November 24, 2016 Share Posted November 24, 2016 3 hours ago, DAVES89 said: 3 hours ago, DAVES89 said: Don't wait until next week, get it now. You need to understand that when you have an opportunity to get parts, you get them. The last Reatta was made 26 years ago and certain parts are hard to get. I have a 1990 switch that I keep in my glove box as a spare. It works great but doesn't turn on the radio or temperature control lights, but it is there if I should need one in an emergency. I think you misunderstood. There are several Buick Rivieras at our local scrapyard that have the switch. I do not have access to the Reatta switch right now. I am looking for anyone that might have one of those for the 90. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDirk Posted November 24, 2016 Share Posted November 24, 2016 As Barney pointed out, a 90-93 Riviera switch will work excepting the fog lights, which will not be usable without the correct Reatta switch. There were two variants on the Riviera switch however. One has a twilght sentinel slider at the bottom position where the fog lamp switch would be, the other and less common type has nothing (just a blank space). This is because Twilight Sentinel was offered as an option on Riviera's and if not equipped from the factory, the switch pod eliminated the slider for the twilight function. Either of these switches will work for head and park lamps, but neither will give you control of the fog lamps. Your other option, depending on how comfortable you are with electrical mods and whether or not you really want to keep the car stock, is to buy a suitable outboard rocker switch and add a seperate switch for the fog lights in another location, such as the center console forward of the shifter. 1991 models came this way from the factory as they had twilight sentinel (automatic headlamps) as factory standard equipment and so an outboard fog light switch was employed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handmedownreatta Posted November 24, 2016 Share Posted November 24, 2016 1 hour ago, Allprocro said: I think you misunderstood. There are several Buick Rivieras at our local scrapyard that have the switch. I do not have access to the Reatta switch right now. I am looking for anyone that might have one of those for the 90. i think dave is saying buy all the working switches you find.they will never be available new again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVES89 Posted November 24, 2016 Share Posted November 24, 2016 handmedownreatta has it exactly right. Get the switch and install it so you have something. If nothing else sell it on Ebay and use the money to buy the switch you need. I believe Jim Finn still reconditions them. You send him your switch as a core and he sends it back redone. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Allprocro Posted November 24, 2016 Share Posted November 24, 2016 1 hour ago, DAVES89 said: handmedownreatta has it exactly right. Get the switch and install it so you have something. If nothing else sell it on Ebay and use the money to buy the switch you need. I believe Jim Finn still reconditions them. You send him your switch as a core and he sends it back redone. O, haha, good point. maybe I should take a bigger bag to the scrapyard haha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Posted November 24, 2016 Share Posted November 24, 2016 I have tested good working headlight switches for all year Reattas on the shelf and ready to go. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Allprocro Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 14 hours ago, Jim said: I have tested good working headlight switches for all year Reattas on the shelf and ready to go. Can you message me or throw details in thread. And happy thanksgiving to all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Allprocro Posted November 28, 2016 Share Posted November 28, 2016 Bump, any word Jim? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted November 28, 2016 Share Posted November 28, 2016 (edited) Alprocro, Just in case you missed this in Jim's signature line. It might be a while before Jim logs in to the forum. Quote I have several Reatta parts cars with very reasonable prices and can be reached at------------ reattas60@gmail.comDirect email at my email address works best for me as opposed to PMs and phone calls Edited November 28, 2016 by Ronnie (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2seater Posted November 28, 2016 Share Posted November 28, 2016 I think Jim suggested you contact him directly at the email address listed. I have purchased several parts from Jim and prices are fair and shipped promptly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Posted November 28, 2016 Share Posted November 28, 2016 Thank you Ronnie and 2 seater. For numerous reasons email works best for me and I can be reached at reattas60@gmail.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Allprocro Posted November 29, 2016 Share Posted November 29, 2016 Thanks guys, on mobile and can't see sigs. email on the way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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