1960 Twilight Sentinel

[rocketraider]

Does anyone own or know of a 1960 Buick equipped with Twilight Sentinel?

 

I have a Delco Radio training manual "1960 Delco Electronic- One Week Advanced Training School". It covers WonderBars, TransPortable radios, Delco garage door openers among other things.

 

In the very back of the manual, there's an 8 page section on "Twilight Sentinel Automatic Lightswitch" subtitled "Service Instructions for 1960 Buick Model L460" applicable to all 1960 Buicks. Bulletin 6D-476 dated 10-15-59, 1st issue.

 

I had always thought Cadillac was the first to get Twilight Sentinel but this manual belies that, since it includes only Guide-Matic repair section for 1960 Cadillacs.

[Frank DuVal]

Curious, does that Twilight Sentinel turn lights on and off? Or dim lights?

 

Here is something from 2016 which is NOT what Wikipedia says today! It is a few posts down the page, as the subject is selling a modern control:

 

https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/1-981467-nos-twilight-sentinel-very-rare.313166/

 

So, Wikipedia changed from Buick first to Cadillac first, 4 years later model year.

[TexRiv_63]

Both Twilight Sentinel and GuideMatic are listed in the owner's manual as options.

[rocketraider]

[rocketraider]

Turns driving lights on and off depending on available light. It does not incorporate headlight-off delay as later versions did. Appears to be completely separate from the Guide-Matic automatic headlight dimmer.

 

I think I'd trust a GM-Delco service and training publication over Wikipedia.😉

 

Don, does the 1960 owner's manual have a picture of the TS "manual-automatic" switch? Training manual indicates it's located above and to left of the main lamp switch.

[Frank DuVal]

Well, Glenn, time for you to re-edit the Wiki! No, I do not know how either.....🤣

 

I love real manuals.

[rocketraider]

I wouldn't know how to start. Besides, somebody'd just come along and re-edit it!😃

 

Wikifunding is going on. Every time I've looked at it last two weeks they "appeal" to my generosity. They keep count of how many times they ask too!

[TexRiv_63]

On 8/10/2022 at 12:59 PM, rocketraider said:

Don, does the 1960 owner's manual have a picture of the TS "manual-automatic" switch? Training manual indicates it's located above and to left of the main lamp switch.

No picture just a description of the switch and how to use it.

[Jim Anselmo]

I recently took one out of a 1960 Invicta Wagon that I parted out. Wasn't sure what is was till I did some Google searching.

[Frank DuVal]

A high optioned 60 wagon. I hope it was a total rust bucket by upstate New York standards.

[Jim Anselmo]

Rusted and smashed

 

Edited August 18, 2022 by Jim Anselmo (see edit history)

[Frank DuVal]

Typical, does not look rusted to us easterners...😲

 

I do not even see any rust in that picture, where was the rust?

 

And those finned brake drums are valuable if not oversize.

[drhach]

That will buff right out. 

[rocketraider]

On 8/18/2022 at 12:31 PM, Jim Anselmo said:

Rusted and smashed

 

Agree w/Frank that's not rusty by east coast standards and especially upper midwest, but what in the pluperfect hell happened to that poor Burick?

 

Obviously a tree got the roof but the rest is ???

 

To have had the Twilight Sentinel my money says that Invicta was a pretty loaded and luxurious car for its time, and not exactly common either.

[EmTee]

Highly optioned and in that color it must have looked gorgeous in the driveway. 

[61polara]

In many earlier years, Cadillac would not use a new feature or option until it was proven in another line.  In the 1940-1960's Oldsmobile or Buick got the option a year before Cadillac for field testing of a new accessory so there would be no problem on a Cadillac.

[rocketraider]

And then along came the late 70s and early 80s...🙄

 

Well acquainted with Oldsmobile's reputation as GM's "gadget division". The nice gadgets have certainly made me swear over the years 🤬 but it is satisfying when you finally get the thing to work!