1949-51 Instrument reflection

DNLs1930

Senior Member
Just finished up replacing the headlight switch and cleaning up some wiring on my '50 and after driving the car all lights work BUT the speedo/instrument gauge lights reflect off the drivers windshield directly in the drivers line of sight.


Has anyone made a "visor" or other type device to prevent the reflection?
I was thinking something along the lines of a headlight eyebrow visor would work.


Also have a QUESTION about the headlight switch.
The stock headlight switch (and aftermarket replacements) is probably designed for 6VDC; my car and many others have been modified to 12VDC SO my question is has anyone seen an issue with headlight switch failures on 12VDC modified cars?
The switch I replaced was damaged probably by rotating the knob too far too hard but not sure. There was arcing damage but I think that was due to the over rotation of the knob/rheostat.


The rheostat has little effect on dimming and wondering if that s due to the 12vdc vs 6vdc it was designed for...
 
Switch will be fine on twelve volt power. Twelve volt accessories draw half the amperage as six volt powered accessories. A six volt rated rheostat will have less affect when used with twelve volts.
 
It depends on how the rheostat is made as to the resistance level from ON to max travel. Generally, the rheostats have an off position where the little brush stops on an insulated dead spot. Some units start out at high resistance (max dim) and rotate to low resistance (max bright). Others start at max bright and then dim down to an OFF position but that depends on direction of rotation of the knob so it's not a big issue. If you changed from 6 to 12-volts then I'd ask what candle power 12-volt bulbs were put in to replace the old 6-volt bulbs. Most have pretty low CP ratings.

The rheostat in my 1951 Mercury light switch is right at the front of the switch assembly and has a fairly robust brush on it to pass the current to the instrument lights as the knob is rotated. The dome light is on a separate switch at the drivers B-pillar so it's not related. I'm still running 6-volts so I've never had an issue with the instrument lights being too bright. The headlights generally make enough light to offset any reflective quality.

I've never used a reproduction light switch. I'n not sure if any are even made for the Mercury cars. I haven't seen too many reproduction parts that were made as well as the original stuff.
 
Back
Top