[blubomber]

What was the last year the automatic headlight dimmer switch option was offered?

Were there any difference between an Oldsmobile set up and a Pontiac?

Do these system work or can they be made to work? If so who does this and is it expensive? Lots of questions I know.

There is a auto. dimmer unit in a '65 Olds 98 in a junk yard in my region. I am considering it for a '66 2+2 or a '65 Bonneville convertible.

Thanks,

[Engine-Ear]

Man, '66 seems like the last year we would have seen the "Autronic Eye" on a Pontiac...I would have guessed '64.

[LASJayhawk]

Should have the eye, amplifier, and power relay plus the harness.
2 vacuum tubes plus a ballast tube in the amp.

Don't have a schematic for it.

[Greg Reid]

I've had two cars with them...In my experience they are a pain beyond looking cool on the dash. Always flicking hi to lo and visa versa. Oncoming traffic will be flipping you off with their brights.
I never explored any possible sensitivity adjustments though. Mine would go low to high to low again between streetlights...lol

[BOB VIDAN]

I have a NOS 65 system but I think some parts are missing. Can post pics of what I have if it would help you.

[blubomber]

After some research and friendly input it looks like the GuideMatic Autronic headlights control unit was discontinued by Gm (except for Cadillac) in 1965.

The GuideMatic name was introduced around 1959 as an upgrade to the original version called Autronic introduced in 1952.

The units are historically tempermental. The amber lens was introduced to make them less sensitive to rain, snow or fog reflection. The lens was later made internal to the unit.

A guy name Bob Oldenberg located in Galena IL has a long history of repairing these units

[Greg Reid]

Chrysler used them even later. I had a '68 Chrysler 300 with one. The other car I had with one was a '58 Caddy.

[blubomber]

Greg, yes I read that both Chrysler and Ford used them for several more years into the late 60's and even the 70's. They were all from the same supplier.

[Heybuck]

Originally Posted by blubomber

What was the last year the automatic headlight dimmer switch option was offered?

Were there any difference between an Oldsmobile set up and a Pontiac?

Do these system work or can they be made to work? If so who does this and is it expensive? Lots of questions I know.

There is a auto. dimmer unit in a '65 Olds 98 in a junk yard in my region. I am considering it for a '66 2+2 or a '65 Bonneville convertible.

Thanks,

If you do decide to get this, MAKE SURE you also get the foot dimmer switch off the car. It is different from the regular switch in that it has an extra terminal on it to facilitate manual over ride on the dimmer.

I have a friend here with a 1966 Eldorado with this feature. I've driven the car and I'd have to say it works well about 70% of the time. I found that it dims the lights OK when it senses an oncoming car but it didn't seem to pop them up to the full bright mode too readily

Ian

[blubomber]

That would be great if you can post some pictures. Thanks, Brad

Originally Posted by BOB VIDAN

I have a NOS 65 system but I think some parts are missing. Can post pics of what I have if it would help you.

[Speed-Phreak]

Hi, I’m looking to buy a complete Guide-Matic Autronic headlight dimmer system, for a full-size 1965 Pontiac. The Photo Eye for the dash will have part number 5954654 cast into the base.
From what I understand the we’re the same from
63 64 65. If you have one of these, or the individual parts please contact me. Thanks Mark

[694.1]

"Bob Oldenberg located in Galena IL"
This.
He is the Foremost authority & even has GM test equipment. Buys parts as well.
The advent of reflective road signs was a contributor to their demise!
Seems like he said that '68 or '69 Chebby was the last appearance?

[Speed-Phreak]

Originally Posted by 694.1

"Bob Oldenberg located in Galena IL"
This.
He is the Foremost authority & even has GM test equipment. Buys parts as well.
The advent of reflective road signs was a contributor to their demise!
Seems like he said that '68 or '69 Chebby was the last appearance?

Thanks for the response on the Guidematic parts.
I talked to Mr. Oldenburg a several months ago, at the time he didn’t have a photo eye for the mid 60s Pontiacs. He said the base for the photoeye is hard to find, but I will send him another email to check again. Thanks Mark.

[1970ls5]

I had the Autotronic Eye on my 1955 Olds 98, it did not work very well but sure looked cool on the dash so I look for them all the time when I see pictures
of older GM cars. I look all the time and the oldest full size Pontiac that I have ever seen one on was a 1963 Bonnie. I have never seen them on 64 or newer
full size Pontiacs. Dave

[Speed-Phreak]

Originally Posted by 1970ls5

I had the Autotronic Eye on my 1955 Olds 98, it did not work very well but sure looked cool on the dash so I look for them all the time when I see pictures
of older GM cars. I look all the time and the oldest full size Pontiac that I have ever seen one on was a 1963 Bonnie. I have never seen them on 64 or newer
full size Pontiacs. Dave

Hi Dave, I have never seen the Autronic Eye on a
64 or 65 either. This is a page out of a 1965 Accessory Option catalog, so that tells me it was an available factory option. I was told you could also still get the Guidematic system installed In 1966, (but as a dealer installed accessory only,) If anyone reading this has these full-size Pontiac parts please contact me via a Private Message. Thanks Mark....
Guide-Matic headlight dimming system for 63-65 and Electro-Cruise cruise control system for 65-66

[389]

There are too many florescent signs today, they make them go nuts...

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by Speed-Phreak

Hi Dave, I have never seen the Autronic Eye on a
64 or 65 either. This is a page out of a 1965 Accessory Option catalog, so that tells me it was an available factory option. I was told you could also still get the Guidematic system installed In 1966, (but as a dealer installed accessory only,) If anyone reading this has these full-size Pontiac parts please contact me via a Private Message. Thanks Mark....
Guide-Matic headlight dimming system for 63-65 and Electro-Cruise cruise control system for 65-66

I looked at the 1966 accessories catalog and didn't find any mention of the automatic headlight dimmer, so maybe 1965 was the last year it was available on Pontiacs.