Chevrolet Nova Dome Light Bulb Size

The Chevrolet Nova dome light utilizes 561 and 211-2 bulb sizes for interior illumination across various production versions. Provided information covers a specific time span starting in 1969 and ending in 1979.

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
1978-1979	561
1977	211-2
1974-1976	561
1969-1973	211-2

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 44mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V, 12W.	561
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, SV8.5 base. 12V, 12W.	211-2

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Chevrolet Nova dome light uses one of two festoon-style bulbs across its 1969-1979 model years: the 561 or the 211-2.
Festoon bulbs are cylindrical lamps that make contact at both ends of the housing rather than through a screw or bayonet base, which is a common format for interior dome lighting applications.
The 561 bulb is specified for the Nova in 1974-1976 and 1978-1979, operating at 12 volts and 12 watts with end-cap contacts and a 44mm length.
The 211-2 bulb is specified for the Nova in 1969-1973 and 1977, also rated at 12 volts and 12 watts, but with an SV8.5 base and a slightly shorter 41mm length.
Both bulbs share the same voltage and wattage ratings, meaning their electrical load on the vehicle's circuit is identical.
Despite their identical electrical ratings, the 561 and 211-2 are not directly interchangeable due to their differing lengths and base types: 44mm with end-cap contacts versus 41mm with an SV8.5 base.
The SV8.5 base designation on the 211-2 refers to a festoon base with a nominal 8.5mm width, which determines how the bulb seats within its fixture.
Both bulb types conform to ANSI standards applicable in the United States and Canada, indicating standardized physical and electrical specifications across manufacturers.
The 1977 Nova returns to the 211-2 after two model years using the 561, reflecting that the same model year designation does not guarantee continuity of bulb fitment from the prior year.