Did Early A-Bodies Have Light Package Option When Ordered New

-
dibbons

dibbons

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2009
Messages
5,722
Reaction score
3,786
Location
La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
I was just looking over the options for the 1965 Valiant and Barracuda on the Hamtramck website and could not see any light option package (glove box light, trunk light, etc.). I wonder if there ever was one and I wonder what interior lights were factory installed in 1965 A-Bodies (and other years if different).
 
I don't know, but I installed kick panel lights and a trunk light in Vixen so now she's a heavily light optioned car. She has five interior lights and a trunk light. Glove box light is next. I may even do an under hood light.
 
I have 2 rear courtesy lights in the rear of the panel wagon and will have 2 factory map/courtesy lights on each end of the dash and a pair of small courtesy lights in the little console I need to build (for the cup holders, power window switch and radio), and might even do a dome light. It will have a true map light that operates independently of other lights
 
RustyRatRod said:
I don't know, but I installed kick panel lights and a trunk light in Vixen so now she's a heavily light optioned car. She has five interior lights and a trunk light. Glove box light is next. I may even do an under hood light.
Click to expand...
RRR
Can you post pictures or let me know what type of lights you used and what power supply and switch you used for the lights?
 
lilnoah said:
RRR
Can you post pictures or let me know what type of lights you used and what power supply and switch you used for the lights?
Click to expand...

On interior lights ....at least on our cars, the power wire is constant. The lights are switched on by the switches giving them ground. I just used an extra interior light assembly like this.



I just screwed the light housing to the brace under the rear deck. Ran the power wire to it. Then ran the ground wire to the switch. It's just a simple universal door jamb switch. When the trunk opens, it gives the light ground and turns it on.
 
Here is what it looks like at night. It actually lights the right side up good too, the camera just didn't pick it up.

 
My '66 Valiant owners manual shows a dealer installed trunk light option, but, not one for the engine compartment. Oddly enough, they don't show a trunk light option for the '66 Barracuda, although they list a light bulb for it! As RRR mentioned, easy enough to install one. A lot of the later cars had them and they'd be very easy to add onto just about any car. The hardest part would be finding the best place to mount the switch so it works properly. The light(s) could be mounted just about anywhere.
 
20201024_140501.jpg
Here's what the factory trunk light switch mounted on the driver's side trunk opening looks like:
 
I remember installing hood and trunk lights when I did new car setup at both Mopar and GM dealers late 60's/early 70's. Popular dealer installed option.
 
It was part of the Dart Charger package from the factory, so I believe it was a factory option. Ulf, if you're following this thread, what say you?
 
RustyRatRod said:
I don't know, but I installed kick panel lights and a trunk light in Vixen so now she's a heavily light optioned car. She has five interior lights and a trunk light. Glove box light is next. I may even do an under hood light.
Click to expand...


Now when you open the door, the battery dies...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top