Cowl Lights ??

PeterC

PeterC

Well-known member
Just saw a current (modern) pickup truck with small square added lights to the left and right of the windshield at top of the cowl running amber lights.


Got me thinking ... why did some early Fords have cowl lights in the first place on some 32 Fords cars (others?) - precursor to parking lamps?


What was the purpose and when did they cease to be offered?
 
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I would guess it started with the weak generator output of the model A's. You would have to turn up the generator 3rd brush for extended night driving, where as probably not with the cowl lights on. I use mine quite a bit, country driving at dusk.
 
I think they were to help you be seen , not to see with and the last American made vehicle I can think of that had them was the mid forties iron cross Dodge and Plymouth pickups. Tim
 
Not a precursor to parking lamps, but as parking lights, just like the same 3 CP bulbs incorporated into standard models' head lamps.


In some countries, separate parking lamps in the form of cowl or fender lamps were required on standard models as well, including on big trucks (black-painted housings rather than stainless steel).


They are referred to as parking lamps in the period owners manuals.
 
PeterC said:
Just saw a current (modern) pickup truck with small square added lights to the left and right of the windshield at top of the cowl running amber lights.


Got me thinking ... why did some early Fords have cowl lights in the first place on some 32 Fords cars (others?) - precursor to parking lamps?
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Cowl lights were pretty standard for most North American vehicles in the twenties and thirties, not only Ford. Sometimes the base models didn't have them and the more expensive models did. They served as the front parking lights.
 
cas3 said:
I agree with eagle, they were in vogue at the time...and I like em.
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Of the three cars I restored before my F1, my 1930 Essex had big fancy chrome ones, my 1926 Chevy Touring has small painted ones and my 1929 Willys Whippet 96A doesn't have any but I picked up some last year and I may put them on some day when I have extra time. I think they add a nice touch. Some guys use them as front signal lights.
 
They weren't just for aesthetic reasons. I can't remember the exact details, but I read somewhere state or federal law in those days mandated that cars have them in use when parking temporarily along the curb on city streets at night for safety; hence the name "parking" lights. Might do a Google search for more specific information.
 
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