[GTONUT57]

Looking for correct bulb number for the map light above the radio on 68 CONVERTIBLE. The one I have now seems to be too hot for lens and it may melt if left on or door is ajar.

[rlfonad]

My '68 Pontiac Owners Manual lists a 550 bulb for the Courtesy lights.

I don't see any other called "map light" and it certainly wouldn't be a dome light.

I hope that's correct.

[Steveski]

Sorry to say it is extremely hard to find. Don't know if one can be fabricated. I paid a premium price on Ebay a few years ago for a whole NOS map light assy mainly just for the bulb. I pray it never burns out! Good luck.

[rlfonad]

I don't know if our PY carries them, but I found Ames catalog calls for a #89 bulb for the underdash courtesy lamp.

They are only $1.00 each.

If you give either PY or Ames a call, they will tell you if it's the correct one.

Good luck ...

[Old Goat 67]

If all you can find is a bulb that is too hot, add a resistor in series with the bulb socket to drop the current flow to it. Having a decade resister box as I do would be the easiest to determine value, maybe you know of a electronics repair shop that would have one you could borrow.
What bulb do you have now?

Charles

[webfoot]

Just saw a bulb and new courtesy lamp end for $57.88, wife called me down for lunch and I didn't even think to tell her "just a minute..."

[GTONUT57]

Thanks for all the input. The above radio under dash pad map/courtesy light requires a wedge style bulb. It has wedge ends on both sides. The 89 is a bayonet style in other word it goes in to a socket and twist to lock. As Steveski mention they are hard to find but I am trying to find the number to possibly cross reference. I may have to do as Old Goat 67 mentioned, install a resistor and hope bulb does not burn out. Thanks again.

[GTONUT57]

550 as rlfonad (double wedge) mentioned is the correct number and appears to be the same as a 68 caddy light. I went with a resistor to tone it down a bit to reducing any browning of the lense from the heat

[rlfonad]

Does anyone have a picture of the actual 550 bulb they could post?

I have a couple of old bulbs, but can't find any markings on them.

I would expect it to be shaped like a cylindrical fuse.

Sorry GTONUT57 for hi-jacking your thread, but you got me curious whether I have one of these bulbs.

Thanks, Ron

[GTONUT57]

Attached is a pic of the bulb. Did a close up of number hope its readable #550. Plus through in an extra

[Old Goat 67]

Seeing what you are up against there, I believe I'd use an LED in there. No heat either.

Solder some short wire leads to it and attach to contact points. Try your local electronics parts supplier or Radio Shack.

[rlfonad]

Thanks GTONUT57

I thought it would have metal ends similar to a cylindrical fuse.

I sure don't have one of these.

Ron

[rlfonad]

I just found a #562 bulb at an Auto Zone store that works great to replace the #550 discontinued bulb.

It is a 13.5V, 10W with a "U" shaped wire contact on both ends.

I used a needle-nose pliers to re-shape the ends to a more rounded "U" and bent the two ends back onto the bulb ears.

I put the bulb into a courtesy light, hooked up a battery and it looks very good.

There was another bulb that was similar, but was 12.8V, 13W (#561 I think). I went with the lesser wattage.

I would think any auto parts store would have them.

Ron

[sdk3k]

Originally Posted by rlfonad

I just found a #562 bulb at an Auto Zone store that works great to replace the #550 discontinued bulb.

It is a 13.5V, 10W with a "U" shaped wire contact on both ends.

I used a needle-nose pliers to re-shape the ends to a more rounded "U" and bent the two ends back onto the bulb ears.

I put the bulb into a courtesy light, hooked up a battery and it looks very good.

There was another bulb that was similar, but was 12.8V, 13W (#561 I think). I went with the lesser wattage.

I would think any auto parts store would have them.

Ron

The #562 bulb works great. Thanks for the tip!