Chevrolet Kingswood Back Up Light Bulb Size

The Chevrolet Kingswood back up light utilizes P21W, 1156, and 1073 bulb sizes depending on the specific application. Data for 1073, 1156, and P21W bulbs covers the 1959 to 1972 range.

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
1969-1972	1156
1960-1961	1156
1959	1073

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. 12V, 21W.	1156
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. Lower wattage variant of 1156. 12V, 13W.	1073

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The 1156 bulb is the dominant back up light specification across the Chevrolet Kingswood lineup, covering model years 1960-1961 and 1969-1972.
The 1156 is an ANSI-standardized single-filament bulb rated at 12V and 21W, fitted with a BA15s bayonet base.
The BA15s bayonet base uses a single contact pin, which is a defining characteristic of single-filament automotive bulbs in this family.
The 1959 Chevrolet Kingswood uses the 1073 bulb rather than the 1156, making it the only model year in these specifications to carry a different back up light bulb.
The 1073 shares the same ANSI-standard BA15s bayonet base and 12V operating voltage as the 1156, but is rated at a lower 13W output.
Because the 1073 and 1156 share the same BA15s base, they are physically interchangeable in terms of socket fitment, though their wattage ratings differ.
Substituting a 1156 for a 1073 in a 1959 Kingswood would introduce a higher wattage draw than the original specification, which may affect circuit load tolerances designed around the lower-rated bulb.
Both the 1073 and 1156 are ANSI standards recognized in the United States and Canada, indicating consistent regional availability across the production years covered.