Was wondering if anybody knew what bulb number the lower bulb is in the photo and what it’s actually called . The big bulb above which is 1157 is the turn signal but what is the small bulb below ?

car is a 1968 olds delta 88 455

 

Just a guess 1156A

 

Probably a cornering lamp. Make sure that bulb is good and see if it comes on steady when you actuate the turn signal.

It should not be amber if it's a cornering lamp, and it should be a larger, higher candlepower bulb.

 

I thought same...believe the bulb should be clear not amber.

 

What is the purpose of a cornering lamp?is it supposed to stay on constantly like a running light? This 1195 bulb is what shows on rock auto for the cornering lamp

 

If my memory serves me right this is an 1156A which has only one filament and one central contact on the base. The A means amber, if you think it should be clear then it's an 1156.

 

Correct. Amber lights are used on the front of the vehicle, such as the turn signals and running lights. A clear bulb is used behind a colored lens and an amber bulb is used behind a clear/white lens.

 

Cornering lamp comes on with the turn signal and is designed to illuminate the front corner area of the car when making a turn.

With the 1157 upper bulb covering park and turn signal functions, I can't think of anything else that bottom bulb could be except a cornering lamp. Especially the way 68 FSC front end is designed.

A backup lamp bulb is only around 32cp. Cornering lamps were usually close to 50.

 

At 37.5W & 3A I’m thinking the 1195 clear bulb is what you want for a cornering lamp to provide good illumination/brightness.

 

BTW, you should be able to find that 1195 or it’s equivalent at local parts store (NAPA and the like).

 

So is it really supposed to be clear or amber ? Have lots of different opinions here

 

Read Post #7 - again.

 

And to make this more clear that is a 1157a in your image and it should be a 1157 clear bulb, also.

 

After thinking about it, it may be the side marker light. It was probably incorporated into the park/turn housing on 68 big cars.

See if it comes on with the park and head lights. If not use that test light you just bought to probe and see when it has power. Power w/headlights on, side marker lamp and uses AMBER bulb. Power only when turn signals are on, cornering lamp and uses CLEAR bulb.

 

Was there a change in lamp color over the years? On my car the rear quarter panel marker lights are red and the front fender marker lights are amber.

 

Why don't you post a picture of the lens that covers it. If the portion over the light bulb is red, then it should be a clear bulb. If the portion over the light is clear or white, then perhaps it should be an amber bulb.

If someone has an owners manual for a 68 full size it should list the proper bulb for that application. That way we could stop speculating and get the correct answer.

 

This entire time I was thinking of the rear lens when in fact, I was incorrect. The OP posted an image of the front signal housing (but it was not stated - which would have assisted). I looked up the front signal housing lens cover and this is what I found. Therefore, I stand corrected, the bulbs should both be amber.

 

 

Here's a nice video - notice the rear side marker Oldsmobile rocket crest the gentleman refers to.

 

Looking at that, I'll regroup and say the bottom bulb IS for the side marker lamp. Sorry to have gone down a rabbit hole but I was thinking how 68-9 Toronado park/turn/cornering lamp pods are laid out.

 

Decent video on that very nice 68 Custom, but the gentleman is, as me Baltimore cousins would say, "ignint" of a lot on that car.

68 DC came standard with 455-2bbl as we saw in underhood shot. 4bbl optional, dual exhaust optional on all engines.

All that yapping about the hubcaps- they're Toronado pieces, and their presence on an 88 or Ninety Eight from that time indicates car came with 15" wheels. Which in turn indicates it's probably a disc brake car.

 

Agree...you get what you pay for.

 

The correct bulb was not an 1156A but a 97NA amber color . The 1156A was far too big the fit through the
Lens cover.

 

Good feedback. Thanks for closing the loop on this it will assist others.

 

A lot of times the part number is stamped or printed on the metal base of the bulb.

 

The Delta 88 in the video is Bee-You-Tee-Full love the dark maroon with white interior. Those side markers are way cool, I think I stole a pair off a junkyard car with intentions of using them on something, anything, even a desk lamp or something. Wonder what happened to those things?