[GT182]

I goofed the other day and started a thread in the 64 and 65 Tech Forums, and had it move to 66 and 67 Tech. In all actuality, if for nothing else, it's good for safety reasons too. Nothing is worse than going down the road seeing an oncoming car with only one headlight showing.... and no parking lights. And that's what we had back then. You don't really know if they're on their own side of the road or not do you? 68 was the first year Pontiac came out with the parking lights being on with the headlights. And it sure made the cars look better, and made them safer at night.

Well Old Goat 67(Charles) and I finally figured out the quickest and easiest fix there is. No need for a jumper wire either. Read Post #22, second one down, for the fix. Page is here.... http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...=586289&page=2

Yeah I know, 64s and 65s have the parking lights in the bumper. Big deal... it'll still look good on all your 64s and 65s... GTOs, Lemans and Tempests.

If you do the modification let us know. Especially on the 64s so everyone knows if the 64 switch is the same as the 65's thru 67's switch.

Actually you've probably seen the other thread but I just firgured it would be good in here too. Thanks.

[3 Deuce 64]

Just went down stairs and did the 64 vert wow I'm sure glad there are smarter people than me out there I fooled around with this 35 years ago and didn't figure it out I wanted to have my grill lights on the 67 with the head lights never happened. how simple ,how great, I will be changing them all. took all of 5 mins . I used a curl from a panel cut off straightened it out slipped right in the plug and wa la bent the tab back out and plugged the purple wire back in the relocated spot and now my parking lights are on with the head lights. Thanks guys you should sell the directions on e bay he he how to" up date your classic 60s GM car to run parking lights with the head lights on " "increase your safty a night while driving your classic 60s GM "
I'm goint to check out the Catalina too . Well anyway guys Thanks !!!!


It just took longer to take the picture and up load it than it took to do the change over

[72pontiac]

seeing how ive never seen my lights on i presume you guys mean that if you pull out the switch half way you have parking lamps but if you pull out all the way you have headlights but the parking lamps go out?what color bulbs does a 65 gto park lamp use.

[Jerry H.]

Wish I'd have found this thread 3 days ago! I replaced the headlight switch on my 65 on Tuesday and it wouldn't have taken me over 60 extra secondsl Now I have to take it back out again!

[GT182]

Originally Posted by 72pontiac

seeing how ive never seen my lights on i presume you guys mean that if you pull out the switch half way you have parking lamps but if you pull out all the way you have headlights but the parking lamps go out?what color bulbs does a 65 gto park lamp use.

72, if you mean the yours left factory stock" then no you will not have parking lights on with the headlights. By moving the Purple wire from tab 7 to the empty tab 3, then the pk lights will always be on with the hd lights. Tab 5 and tab 3 has the copper piece that connects them. That's what makes this mod work without the jumper wire we thought we needed all along.

And actually, this should work too for the earlier pre 64 years, if they use same headlight switch.

[hobbygto65]

65 GTO parking lights use amber bulbs.

[Old Goat 67]

3 Deuce 64,

So, what's I reading into this is that the 64 has the same colors and the strap on the switch?

Charles

[GT182]

3 Deuce, she looks nice all lit up.

I'm glad it works the same for the 64s too.

[3 Deuce 64]

Originally Posted by Old Goat 67

3 Deuce 64,

So, what's I reading into this is that the 64 has the same colors and the strap on the switch?

Charles

the switch has a brass lug connecting the two poast removed the purple wire as described in the post and moved it to the new spot as mentioned in the poast and it works fine . the only wire you have to worry about is the purple wire and yes the 64 has a purple wire .
Don

[3 Deuce 64]

Originally Posted by GT182

3 Deuce, she looks nice all lit up.

I'm glad it works the same for the 64s too.

Thanks Me Too! I'm going to change all of them and check the 64 cat tomorrow too . I'll let you know about the Cat .
Like I mentioned beore I wanted to do this years ago. I like the way it looks . the 65 will look good too but the 67 will look great with those grill lights on .
Don

[Lemans64]

So if a person does this mod, do the headlamps come on in park light mode?? I use my park light as daytime running lamps ans would not want this to change.

Rick

[GT182]

Yes Rick, the mod will turn on the pk lights with the headlights ONLY when you pull the switch ALL the way out.

When just turn on the Pk lights with the first pull of the switch as you do now in park mode for running lights... no headlights will come on.

[Old Goat 67]

To make that a little clearer Gary, let's say the Park lights in front are on in either position of the headlight switch, just the same as the rear tail lights. The headlights function normally.

This has gotten me to thinking about how to go one step further with a relay to feed the front Park lights to make them become daytime running lights also.....
Been thinking about that before. I like that feature on the newer vehicles. Gonna be easy.

Rick, maybe that's the mod we really want. All we need to do is remove the Purple from the switch altogether and have it fed by a relay controlled by the Ignition lead. Probably don't even need a relay, but I'm thinking why not keep that extra current flow out of the old Ignition switch and just have a separately fused Ign source for DRL's and other accessory's. DRL's and NRL's!
Bad part of doing what you do is that the rear tails are on during the day, and folks behind you may not see the brake light application fast enough to give them that split second to keep from hitting your classic.

Charles

[GT182]

Not to crush anyone's Wheaties but...... I'm a firm believer that if you have running lights up front, of any kind, you should also have the tail lights on too. For saftey if nothing else. And I think we talked about that Charles. I've seen too many idiots, and I'm not saying anyone here is. But, driving in the rain, snow and fog with only the front running lights on and no lights on the rear, to me is just plain stupid and dangerous as all h3ll. I can't believe how many here in DE drive around with only running lights on and no tail lights when it's still dark in the morning.

I drive around alot with parking lights on for running lights, but I also know the tail lights are on with them.

The car companies should have figured that little blunder out years ago. Think of the one behind you. I don't think this is a good idea unless the tail lights are on too. But maybe that's included too with the relay?

Just my .

[Old Goat 67]

Can't understand why they would do that, because then they cannot see their gauges! I'm sure there is a law about dusk to dawn. We have a law here that states that if you need the wipers on, you had better have your headlights on also. Maybe we should go one step further and put in a light sensor on top of the dash, also.

What I was talking about was DRL's in the front like the newer vehicles have, to let oncoming drivers know who has an engine running and able to maneuver into your zone. Tail lights on in the daytime is to me a detriment for safety, especially in the bright sunlight. JMO.

Charles

[GT182]

I see your point Charles.

As to dusk to dawn law, yes there is one. But do you really think these idiots give a chit? LOL Cops don't even care anymore. Just like signal lights.. they can't seem to use them either. Too busy yakin on that cell phone to pay attention.

[Old Goat 67]

Sound's like what you guys need is Gomer Pyle to do some "CITIZEN'S ARREST!" thingy's.

[Lemans64]

Thanks for that info guys, I like the idea of the drl relay as well. Got me thinkin now, Can't ya smell the smoke, LOL.

Rick

[Old Goat 67]

Rick,

Please let us know how you make out or if you need any assistance.
I'm thinking place the relay where you can swing the Purple wire over to it without cutting.
Feed the relay with a fused source, and control it with an Ign source. Should work sweet.

Charles

[GT182]

This is by Vic(6D6GOAT) dated 03-30-08 in the old thread on this subject and using a relay. I don't think it's for Daytime Running Lights tho. It's actually for accidentally leaving your lights on and with the relay they automatically go off. Like today's auto shutoff for lights.

"pretty simple really. i just bought a relay at the parts store...you know the ones with a 30, 87, 87a, 86 and 85 numbered terminals.
i just cut the large red wire with a white stripe at the headlight switch.

the red/white wire coming out of the headlight goes to the #87 terminal (use an extension of the same gauge wire. that way the relay is easier to get to if it fails)

the other end of the red white stripe wire coming from like the firewall area goes to the #30 terminal.

the #85 terminal goes to a ground

the #86 terminal goes to a 12V source when the ignition is ON only. i used a male terminal at the fuse block. (the most lower right corner, just above the fuse box mounting bolt)

the 87a terminal doesn't get used.

basically, when you turn on your ignition the 12 volts sent to the #86 terminal closes (connects) the red/white stripe wire that you cut sending power to turn your headlights turning them on ONLY when you have your headlight switch pulled to the on position. if you have the headlight switch pushed in your lights will be off....and if you accidentally leave your lights on...when you turn your car off the relay will open (disconnect) the red/white wire cutting the power to your headlights. then when you go back and start your car your headlights will come on....geez, i hope im not mastering the obvious with you guys.

i keep an extra relay in my center console. they are under 5 bucks. i have been running the same relay for years now with no problem. im not sure how many times it has saved my battery but i know it has.

i hope that helps."