1947 Pickup 6V, V8 lights problem

rawlir

rawlir

Senior Member
Restoring a 47, we cannot get our lights to work & suspect this may be our problem. Is there a way to test whether this works? Is there a source to buy a new, NOS, or equivalent? Would love some feedback or a chat with someone who knows what/how these work. We thought we had a new headlight switch that was good, now we are at a loss to know how to proceed?
Thanks.
 

Attachments

  • 20240911_110000.jpg
    20240911_110000.jpg
    32.8 KB · Views: 36
Do you have power going to the circuit breakers?
 

Attachments

  • Flathead_Electrical_wiring1946-47truck.jpg
    Flathead_Electrical_wiring1946-47truck.jpg
    96.4 KB · Views: 6
Last edited:
When I rewired and converted my '39 p/u to 12 volts I removed the panel you are asking about. I didn't need it and sent it to Kubes40. Check with him, He might be able to assist you.
 
That's a circuit breaker. All lighting circuits pass through this unit. If all lights are out, you've got a dead short somewhere, or a malfunctioning circuit breaker.

The function of this unit is to heat up due to a short, which breaks the circuit, cools and turns lights back on, rapidly repeating that action while making a buzzing sound. Reason in Ford's thinking, was to provide enough light intermittently to drive home in an emergency.

In today's world, the mere mention of such a device would be a losing bet in a Civil suit seeking damages.
 
I have ordered a new headlight switch, will get it installed & see if that is the suspect...If anyone has ideas that there is something else to troubleshoot, would love to hear them, THANK You so much for the input!!!
Rick
 
Do you have a multimeter that can test for continuity? I found that when rewiring my 46 it was an essential troubleshooting tool. Resist the urge to start replacing parts without diagnosing first.
 
Those terminals should be marked for what wires go where. H for headlamp, B for battery, and A (amp). The H controls headlights and I think dash lights. The A circuit should be taillights. On my 42 I was losing lights and it ended up being the A circuit on the circuit breaker. The resistor can be replaced with an American made part (18-12250). To test continuity put one lead on B and the other on H and then the A terminal. Should go to 0.00. Also check voltage on each terminal. I would also check the resistor. NOS relays show up on Ebay as do light switches. I'm not a fan of the reproduction light switches as I think they are poorly made.
 
Jay, no it doesn't but can be replaced while you are working in that area. When I replaced the relay assembly, I disassembled the posts and cleaned all of the terminals and cleaned them. On a car there are two nuts on the firewall that are on the back of the mounting screws that hold the assembly to the firewall
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top