Chevrolet Corvair Automatic Transmission Indicator Bulb Size

The Chevrolet Corvair automatic transmission indicator utilizes bulb sizes 53 and 1445 for illumination. Data for the specific components covers the range from 1960 through 1969.

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
1965-1969	1445
1960-1964	53

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA9s base. 12V, 2W.	1445
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA9s base. 12V, 2W.	53

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Chevrolet Corvair uses two different bulb sizes for the automatic transmission indicator across its production run: the 1445 for 1965-1969 models and the 53 for 1960-1964 models.
Both the 1445 and the 53 are ANSI-standardized bulbs recognized in the United States and Canada, meaning either type conforms to a defined set of electrical and physical standards rather than being a proprietary specification.
Each bulb type is single-filament, which is typical for indicator and position lighting applications where only a steady, non-switching light output is required.
Both the 1445 and the 53 share the BA9s base type, a miniature bayonet cap with a 9mm body width, commonly found in small instrument panel and indicator applications.
Both bulbs operate at 12 volts and draw 2 watts, making them electrically identical in terms of system compatibility and power consumption.
Despite sharing the same voltage rating, wattage, base type, and ANSI classification category, the 1445 and the 53 carry different ANSI designations, which indicates a physical distinction between the two that affects direct interchangeability.
Because the 1445 and the 53 are not the same part number, a bulb sourced for a 1960-1964 Corvair (Chevrolet Corvair) automatic transmission indicator is not confirmed as a direct fit for a 1965-1969 model, and vice versa.