Chevrolet C50 Courtesy Bulb Size

The Chevrolet C50 courtesy light utilizes unique bulb sizes 211-2, 90, and 1003 depending on the specific production period. Available data for the specified vehicle covers the range from 1960 through 1988.

The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.

Bulb Size by Year Range

Years	Bulb Size
1987-1988	211-2
1985-1986	90
1984	211-2
1983	1003
1980-1982	211-2
1979	90
1978	211-2
1977	90
1974-1976	211-2
1968-1973	90
1967	211-2
1964-1966	90
1960-1963	211-2

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, SV8.5 base. 12V, 12W.	211-2
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. 12V, 13W.	90
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. 12V, 21W.	1003

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Chevrolet C50 courtesy bulb specifications span the 1960-1988 model years, with three distinct bulb types appearing across that range: the 211-2, the 90, and the 1003.
The 211-2 is the most frequently specified bulb across the C50 courtesy fitment data, covering 1960-1963, 1967, 1974-1976, 1978, 1980-1982, and 1984, as well as 1987-1988. It is a festoon-type bulb with a 41mm length and an SV8.5 base, rated at 12V and 12W under the ANSI standard.
The festoon form factor of the 211-2 means it is held in place by spring-loaded end caps rather than a socket, which is a physically distinct mounting method from the bayonet-base bulbs also specified for the C50.
The type 90 bulb is specified for 1964-1966, 1968-1973, 1977, 1979, 1985-1986. It uses a BA15s single-contact bayonet base and is rated at 12V and 13W, making it slightly higher in wattage than the 211-2.
The 1003 bulb is specified solely for the 1983 model year. It shares the BA15s bayonet base with the type 90 but operates at a notably higher wattage of 21W at 12V, which means it draws more current than either of the other two specified bulb types.
Although the 90 and 1003 both use the BA15s bayonet base, their wattage ratings differ significantly at 13W and 21W respectively. Physical fitment of the base does not indicate electrical interchangeability between these two types.
The 211-2 festoon base and the BA15s bayonet base are mechanically incompatible with each other, so years specifying the 211-2 require a different socket assembly than years specifying either the 90 or the 1003.
All three bulb types listed in the C50 courtesy specifications conform to the ANSI standard applicable in the United States and Canada, and all operate on a 12V electrical system.