1946-1948 mercury question

P

patbill@megahits.com

Senior Member
I have a 48 Mercury convertible. On the steering column at about the 11 o:clock position is a hollow steel tube that runs from the steering column bracket up to the steering wheel. Does anyone know what this is for? It looks to me as if it might be for a wire that would power a light. Was there a bulb somewhere underneath the steering wheel that might have lit up the center of the horn ring emblem?
Thanks!
Bill in Connecticut

patbill@megahits.com
860-364 8064
 
Sounds like a raceway for aftermarket signal light wires that may have been installed at one point.
Pictures would be better.
 
My first reaction when I saw your post was, "well, mine doesn't have that." Then I looked and it turns out I do. No idea what it's for. It's empty on mine. Here's a photo. I assume you mean the tube above the steering column but below the gear shift rod.
 

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Thinking out loud but weren't turn signals a factory option on some of the 47-8 Mercs?
Maybe a 6M part number.
 
1948 was a change year for electrics to some extent. The old steering column drop lock & switch was traded for a dash switch at least on Ford cars or maybe mid year. I don't know of any reason for a light being in that location. We will have to wait for a 48 Mercury owner to chime in.
 
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1942deluxe said:
Thinking out loud but weren't turn signals a factory option on some of the 47-8 Mercs?
Maybe a 6M part number.
Click to expand...
Yep' the knock out seems to indicate that the signal lights were an option. And the tube is a wire raceway.
 

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Mercury was upscale from Ford so a turn signal option may have been available. They became standard equipment in 1949.
 
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Many years ago I installed a switch I had taken off a 49 Ford and installed it on a 48. It wasn't built in the column, it just clamped around the tube. Had a strap screwed to the inside edge on the bottom of the steering wheel to cancel the signal after turning. Was nice and had heavy chrome plating with Ford script on top. Never knew if it was factory or dealer installed.
 
The tube in question is for the factory optioned turn signal switch that is / was available for your car. the knockout shows the location of the switch arm when installed.

I believe this is a 48 only option and IF my memory is correct, your car may also have an ignition switch that was unique to 1948 only

I have no idea if anyone reproduces the necessary parts to refit the turn signal switch.
 
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