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Joined: Jan 2003
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OP
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what is the circuit breaker rating of the headlamp switch?..
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Willwood Engineering
Wilwood Engineering designs and manufactures high-performance disc brake systems.
Wilwood Engineering, Inc. - 4700 Calle Bolero - Camarillo, CA 93012 - (805) 388-1188
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Joined: Nov 2002
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I found a couple of listings for replacement switches that mention a 30 amp breaker.
Steve D
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thanks, steve...
that's a little surprising to me since the lighting wiring doesn't look that heavy...
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Joined: Nov 2002
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ChatMaster - 7,000
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I agree but from what I can determine the switch also operates the turn signals,windshield wipers and washers in addition to the headlights. One of the vendors was ACDELCO and it specified same as original equipment. I don't have a 63 parts manual so I have to rely on what I could find on the internet.
Steve D
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i wasn't suggesting that your figure wasn't correct...just musing that the engineers allowed such a large overcurrent protection for the undersized wires...but it's worked fine for sixty years, so i guess they knew something about designing cars...
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Joined: Dec 2016
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Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
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I have heard that Buick used 30 amps also. In hindsight, be thankful GM set the threshold a little too high.
Chrysler products prior to 1968 had a 15 amp breaker in the switch. The breaker was only for the headlights. Those will trip on high beam on a 4 headlight car if all 4 bulbs have been replaced, as the wattage of common sealed beam bulbs is higher now than it was in the mid 60s. A set of four new bulbs now draws ~15.5 amps. 1968 and later Chrysler switches have a 20 amp breaker and don't trip.
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Under the 1963 Chevrolet AMA specifications the head light switch has a 15 AMP circuit breaker....and covers the head lights only.
Gene Schneider
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thanks, gene...
three of the four original t3 lamps burned out within the first minute i used them recently...over the past six decades, the lamps lost their seal & vacuum...so I am thinking of my options within the original fusing and harness capabilities...
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