I saw a post awhile ago in interiors discussing the proper location for top switches in the 70-72 convertibles. It seems they were either to the right or to the left of the radio but there didn't seem to be any reason. Maybe with some more input we can figure this out. Please post the year, SS or Malibu, the plant the car was built at and where yours is located and whether or not it has a rear factory defrost setup.

1971, Malibu, Baltimore, no defrost, left of radio.

1971, Malibu, Baltimore, no defrost, left of radio.

I believe that was my post from a couple of months ago.
It didnt seem like there was any definitive answer. I ended up placing mine to the left of the radio. I have seen many conv. dash pictures since and it seems that when a car was not equipped with a defroster the top switch could have been on either side. SS dashes that is.

Originally posted by speedballalice:
I believe that was my post from a couple of months ago.
It didnt seem like there was any definitive answer. I ended up placing mine to the left of the radio. I have seen many conv. dash pictures since and it seems that when a car was not equipped with a defroster the top switch could have been on either side. SS dashes that is. Yes it was your post. Hopefully we will get a more complete answer this time around! graemlins/beers.gif

Mine is dead center on the right side between the cigarette lighter & the radio "right" knob. Built in March of 1971, Arlington & no rear defroster. I believe it is a true SS, it has a pod dash, no build sheet so who knows, by the way, I also have factory A/C, it may make a difference behind the dash?

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Jim graemlins/thumbsup.gif

A.C.E.S. # 4996 ( aces member id kinda matches my 496 stroker )


Frame off red 71 Chevelle SS496 (balanced, blueprinted & decked 454 block, bored .060 from 4.25 to 4.31 & stroked from 4.00 to 4.25, edelbrock aluminum heads, 10.2:1CR, hydraulic roller 550 lift cam, eagle crank, true fulcrum roller rockers, billet double roller chain, airgap intake, demon 850dp with no choke, MSD 6AL, jet coated super comp hookers, flowmaster 40’s, TH400 with extra clutches, shift kit & 3000 stall) Convertible with white stripes, top & interior loaded with factory options: TH400, cowl induction, power windows, locks, cruise, tilt, top, trunk, 12 bolt 373 posi, A/C, AM-FM 8 track, power drivers bucket seat, mirror map light, trunk, hood, glove box lights, on the wheel GM air pressure gauges, Delco Jac Pac 175 (under hood vacuum powered air compressor) with under dash Delco air pressure controller/regulator, complete with Jac Pac 175 air shocks.

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1952 Chevrolet 4 door Deluxe Sedan with a 216.5ci in line 6 with the last RAJO (RAcine JOe) Power Cylinder Head that never went to production, designed by grandfather in the 1940's. Joe designed, built & sold all over the world performance heads during the 10’s, 20's, 30's & 40's starting with an OVERHEAD VALVE CONVERSION HEAD for the Model T Ford flathead. Joe drove in the FIRST INDY 500 in 1911 as car # 8 & was known nationally in racing circuits as "The Flying Dutchman".

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Me... Real 72 SS, no defroster, Leeds plant, left of radio.

1970, SS, Los Angeles, No defrost, Right side of radio, No a/c

Jim

Here is my Baltimore built '70 with original dash. Switch to the right of radio. No defog.
here (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/70Z15/MVC-012S.JPG)

71 Malibu, June 1971, LA Plant, Factory Air, No defroster, Top switch at right of radio.

Jim-

My '72 Chevelle SS has the power top switch located to the left of the radio opening. Here is the page from my GM Assembly Manual (http://www.71protouringchevelle.com/switchdiagram.jpg) showing location info for a defogger switch hole, which could be used for either. I don't have a diagram showing where the hole goes if placed to the right of the radio opening. Hope this helps.

Never thought to look in my assembly manual, thanks Gregg. Page 380 (lower left) clearly shows the power top switch to the RIGHT of the radio between the radio shaft opening & the cigarette lighter, exactly where mine is.

Page 427 of my assembly manual shows the rear defroster switch to the LEFT of the radio.

Thank God I'm normal, had me worried there for a moment. Just a moment, I better ask the wife just to double check!

Jim graemlins/hurray.gif

It seems the 70 came with the switch to the right of the radio, My Malibu had it on the right, my friends orig SS dash 1970 - also on the right of the radio. Seems 71 and 72 could be on the left due to the defoster and seeat belt light.

Rich

Mine's a'70 - right of radio.

Andy

Mine is a Baltimore built 1970. Although it doesn't have the original dash in it anymore, I do know the guy who swapped it out put the switch in the same place it was located on the original - to the right of the radio.

Our '70 has a manual top. Is that unusual?

'71 Malibu, Baltimore built, no defrost, no A/C, top switch to the right of the radio

my two cents, I bought an assembly manual for my car, as I needed to replace my dash bezel, and it clearly states exact measurements ( with picure) of correct mounting location for these bezels, mines a 69 but guessing same thing for other model years.