Floor High Beam History? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

67chevemall · 11-10-2015, 04:44 PM

Hi just wondering what years the floor switch was used in our trucks.

Mine is on a toggle and would like to put it on the floor.

Willie Makeit · 11-10-2015, 05:33 PM

pretty sure the hi/lo beam switch was foot activated all the way up till '88, when it went to the turn signal stalk.

Hook'em · 11-10-2015, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Makeit

pretty sure the hi/lo beam switch was foot activated all the way up till '88, when it went to the turn signal stalk.

And is was almost recalled because so many people got their foot stuck in the steering wheel.

hamjet · 11-10-2015, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hook'em

And is was almost recalled because so many people got their foot stuck in the steering wheel.

Ba DUMP, BUMP!!

bill3rail · 11-10-2015, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hook'em

And is was almost recalled because so many people got their foot stuck in the steering wheel.

Ba Dump Bump!

jhama78 · 11-10-2015, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Makeit

pretty sure the hi/lo beam switch was foot activated all the way up till '88, when it went to the turn signal stalk.

My 86 has it on the turn signal stalk.

truckster · 11-10-2015, 07:53 PM

A toggle switch definitely would have been a modification by a previous owner.

Alex V. · 11-10-2015, 08:17 PM

My '85 and dad's '86 both have it on the column, but they're both cruise-equipped. Was it only on the floor in non-cruise trucks for a number of years?

Andy4639 · 11-10-2015, 08:20 PM

67-72 trucks all had floor dimmer switches!

JPsChevy · 11-10-2015, 11:56 PM

I believe 84 was last year on floor dimmer, someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

463 · 11-11-2015, 12:08 AM

In 1984 in the trucks it was moved to the column from the floor.
83 last year on the floor.
Some of the 1976 gm cars started to move to column.

In The Ten Ring · 11-11-2015, 01:22 AM

The floor is where it should be!

Putting every electrical control (wipers, cruise, hi/low beams) on one stalk is a great way to make money out the back end!

Tony · 11-11-2015, 07:25 AM

It all used to be on the floor, dimmer, starter pedal and foot operated windshield washer.....and the foot operated radio channel changer..

piecesparts · 11-11-2015, 07:30 AM

Actually it was earlier than 88, since my 84 truck had it on the turn signal stalk. However the 67-72 trucks were all floor dimmer switch trucks.

**special-K** · 11-11-2015, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony

It all used to be on the floor, dimmer, starter pedal and foot operated windshield washer.....and the foot operated radio channel changer..

With new laws limiting drivers to the use of hands-free devices, new vehicles will be phasing-in these old methods by model year 2018

MARKDTN · 11-11-2015, 08:40 AM

My '83 K20 has it on the floor, but I had a '77 Bonneville and it was on the column. We had an '83 van as well and I am pretty sure it was on the column too. Conversion vans were all the rage then so it makes sense that they were fancier. I guess the trucks were the last adopters in the GM lineup.

67chevemall · 11-11-2015, 09:35 AM

Awesome thanks. Time to put her on the floor

EARNHARDT#3 · 11-11-2015, 09:40 AM

I never even use mine in the '67. The antiquated headlights stay on high beam and they're still dimmer than anything else on the road today.

67chevemall · 11-11-2015, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EARNHARDT#3

I never even use mine in the '67. The antiquated headlights stay on high beam and they're still dimmer than anything else on the road today.

LOL good point!

Going to upgrade the wiring and see how much brighter it is with relays.

While I have it all apart I can put the floor switch back in.

In The Ten Ring · 11-11-2015, 12:44 PM

I saw a video last night of a 1949 Nash that had radio controls on the floor and the starter button under the clutch pedal.

My dad likes the dimmer on the floor because "it's easy to fix when it breaks." I don't like steering column controls (other than steering and horn) because it's a big expense to fix something.

American cars could afford a nerf of their headlights......those things have gotten so bright, driving can blind you.

So yeah, get that dimmer switch back on the floor. It's extremely convenient there as you will see.

Keith Seymore · 11-11-2015, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 463

In 1984 in the trucks it was moved to the column from the floor.
83 last year on the floor.

This is correct, for GM full size trucks.

K

**special-K** · 11-12-2015, 09:07 AM

I've driven these trucks since they were new, so I can see as well as ever with original lights (I've used halogens since they came out). I generally stay on dim, unless I'm out somewhere I can leave the hi-beams on longer than a 1/2 mile. when they were ALL on the floor and ALL to the left of the pedals ANYONE driving ANY VEHICLE could hop in and find the dimmer with no effort first time they needed it. Now you have to read the owner's manual to know how the lights, dimmer, turn signal, windshield washers/wipers work

hamjet · 11-12-2015, 10:11 AM

(((ALL on the floor and ALL to the left of the pedals ANYONE driving ANY VEHICLE could hop in and find the dimmer with no effort))) And all this time I was reaching down with my hand to change to high beam

**special-K** · 11-12-2015, 10:31 AM

I've done that when they get crusty and stick. I've done that really fast when the dimmer got stuck between hi and lo leaving me with nothing!...AAAHHH!!!

I have to go to court today. I think I have a great defense. I got caught talking on my cell phone while driving. Once I realized the cop saw me I kicked my flip-flops off and started steering with my feet. I made sure I had both feet on the wheel when he walked up. He explained it was illegal to use a hand held phone while driving. I told him I understood the law, but since I use my feet to steer it leaves my hands free. There is no law on the books stating I can't use my feet to drive, so the hands-free laws is flawed. He didn't think so and gave me a ticket anyway. We'll see what the judge says today.

cooperhw · 11-12-2015, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EARNHARDT#3

I never even use mine in the '67. The antiquated headlights stay on high beam and they're still dimmer than anything else on the road today.

That all changes if you rewire the lights with full 12 volt thru relays. Then your light switch only acts as a trigger to open the relays. Boom, 12 volts to the lights. Bright lights. Huge difference.
Mad Electric has a little kit.

11-10-2015, 04:44 PM	#1
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Floor High Beam History? Hi just wondering what years the floor switch was used in our trucks. Mine is on a toggle and would like to put it on the floor. __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD

11-10-2015, 05:33 PM	#2
Willie Makeit Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 1,235	Re: Floor High Beam History? pretty sure the hi/lo beam switch was foot activated all the way up till '88, when it went to the turn signal stalk.

11-10-2015, 07:53 PM	#7
truckster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,985	Re: Floor High Beam History? A toggle switch definitely would have been a modification by a previous owner.

11-10-2015, 08:17 PM	#8
Alex V. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Campbellsville, KY Posts: 888	Re: Floor High Beam History? My '85 and dad's '86 both have it on the column, but they're both cruise-equipped. Was it only on the floor in non-cruise trucks for a number of years? __________________ Alex V. ------ 1967 C10 Suburban, 350/NP435, Green/Green, PS, PB, HD cooling, charging, shocks, and springs. 1985 GMC C3500 SRW, Sierra Classic, 454/TH400, white/blue.

11-10-2015, 08:20 PM	#9
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Floor High Beam History? 67-72 trucks all had floor dimmer switches! __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

11-10-2015, 11:56 PM	#10
JPsChevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Ogden, Iowa Posts: 284	Re: Floor High Beam History? I believe 84 was last year on floor dimmer, someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. __________________ Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison

11-11-2015, 12:08 AM	#11
463 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sask Canada Posts: 1,666	Re: Floor High Beam History? In 1984 in the trucks it was moved to the column from the floor. 83 last year on the floor. Some of the 1976 gm cars started to move to column. __________________ Trueman

11-11-2015, 01:22 AM	#12
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,427	Re: Floor High Beam History? The floor is where it should be! Putting every electrical control (wipers, cruise, hi/low beams) on one stalk is a great way to make money out the back end!

11-11-2015, 07:25 AM	#13
Tony Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Ontario New Yak Posts: 843	Re: Floor High Beam History? It all used to be on the floor, dimmer, starter pedal and foot operated windshield washer.....and the foot operated radio channel changer..

11-11-2015, 07:30 AM	#14
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Floor High Beam History? Actually it was earlier than 88, since my 84 truck had it on the turn signal stalk. However the 67-72 trucks were all floor dimmer switch trucks. __________________ Frank

11-11-2015, 08:40 AM	#16
MARKDTN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 2,171	Re: Floor High Beam History? My '83 K20 has it on the floor, but I had a '77 Bonneville and it was on the column. We had an '83 van as well and I am pretty sure it was on the column too. Conversion vans were all the rage then so it makes sense that they were fancier. I guess the trucks were the last adopters in the GM lineup. __________________ '83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project

11-11-2015, 09:35 AM	#17
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Re: Floor High Beam History? Awesome thanks. Time to put her on the floor

11-11-2015, 09:40 AM	#18
EARNHARDT#3 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: PA Posts: 1,417	Re: Floor High Beam History? I never even use mine in the '67. The antiquated headlights stay on high beam and they're still dimmer than anything else on the road today. __________________ 1967 C10, LWB, 250, Powerglide, PS, PB, 3/4 STATIC DROP

11-11-2015, 12:44 PM	#20
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,427	Re: Floor High Beam History? I saw a video last night of a 1949 Nash that had radio controls on the floor and the starter button under the clutch pedal. My dad likes the dimmer on the floor because "it's easy to fix when it breaks." I don't like steering column controls (other than steering and horn) because it's a big expense to fix something. American cars could afford a nerf of their headlights......those things have gotten so bright, driving can blind you. So yeah, get that dimmer switch back on the floor. It's extremely convenient there as you will see.

11-12-2015, 09:07 AM	#22
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Floor High Beam History? I've driven these trucks since they were new, so I can see as well as ever with original lights (I've used halogens since they came out). I generally stay on dim, unless I'm out somewhere I can leave the hi-beams on longer than a 1/2 mile. when they were ALL on the floor and ALL to the left of the pedals ANYONE driving ANY VEHICLE could hop in and find the dimmer with no effort first time they needed it. Now you have to read the owner's manual to know how the lights, dimmer, turn signal, windshield washers/wipers work __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~



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11-12-2015, 10:11 AM	#23
hamjet Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: South Westerlo, New York Posts: 1,325	Re: Floor High Beam History? (((ALL on the floor and ALL to the left of the pedals ANYONE driving ANY VEHICLE could hop in and find the dimmer with no effort))) And all this time I was reaching down with my hand to change to high beam __________________ Thanks, Joe.. 1969 C/10, 348 C.I., 3X2 bbl. V8, 2004r , LWB.

11-12-2015, 10:31 AM	#24
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Floor High Beam History? I've done that when they get crusty and stick. I've done that really fast when the dimmer got stuck between hi and lo leaving me with nothing!...AAAHHH!!! I have to go to court today. I think I have a great defense. I got caught talking on my cell phone while driving. Once I realized the cop saw me I kicked my flip-flops off and started steering with my feet. I made sure I had both feet on the wheel when he walked up. He explained it was illegal to use a hand held phone while driving. I told him I understood the law, but since I use my feet to steer it leaves my hands free. There is no law on the books stating I can't use my feet to drive, so the hands-free laws is flawed. He didn't think so and gave me a ticket anyway. We'll see what the judge says today. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

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