Tips on restoring a dash lamp

dan

dan

Senior Member
All,

the dash lamp on my 1931 coupe is having some problems. It's gotten to the point where I have to fiddle with the lamp (after turning on the switch) to get it to work. Also the switch turns quite hard. I've taken it out and looked it over, but it just looks like it's put together poorly... I cant see the specific problem. Does anyone have any advice on repairing/rebuilding these things?

I suspect this may be a reproduction part, but I'm willing to order an original from Bert's or wherever to make this right--if thats the best way to make it right and assuming I can get some info on getting an original back up to snuff.
 
Dan, I was working on my dash light last night. I had gotten the car started and pulled her out of the garage to warm up and charge the battery. I turned on the dash light (not sure why) which was the only thing on other than the engine running at a high idle. The bulb blew, I guess because nothing else was on and the generator was charging 10+ amps.
Anyway Brattons has a small replacment unit which is what I think mine is. Simple hook up one wire then bolt it down. The switch feels pretty solid and the dome is adjustable on mine, pretty cool when they work. Just turn other lights on first.

BRATTONS:Complete with switch, bracket, and armor covered wire - original bullet cap. Used June 1930 till end. Bulb included. #19660 $25.60
 
Was the dash lamp on 31's an option? Have seen many 31's at shows WITHOUT a dash light. Just wondering, as mine does not have one either. Pain in the neck driving at night. Thanks in advance.
Paul in CT
 
Paul, on the 31s the light is hidden up under the dash rail.

Thanks for the tip A-Jay. I'd heard the some of the reproductions weren't well made, but I can always order one from Brattons and check it out.
 
All the reproductions that I have ordered bind at the switch and get out of the track when turning on or off. One actually shorted out and got red hot. After that I was a believer in fuses. I have always looked for originals whenever I can. I now have originals on three of my five model A of the 30-31 vintage.
 
midgetracer said:
All the reproductions that I have ordered bind at the switch and get out of the track when turning on or off. One actually shorted out and got red hot. After that I was a believer in fuses. I have always looked for originals whenever I can. I now have originals on three of my five model A of the 30-31 vintage.
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That's what I was afraid of :( Even though they all seem to get most of their parts from the same sources, it's becoming clear to me that quality is pretty spotty on reproduction parts sold by the various vendors. I've heard both good and bad about this particular part, but I don't want to order one if there's a high likelihood that it's not going to work.

I guess I'll try and see if I can find an original from Berts (or if anyone has a different suggestion for a source... please speak up!)
 
I got one from PV havent had a problem and i drive my car evey day and most nights. hasent turned or anythink i did have a buddy think it was a cigaret lighter and tryed to yank it out to light up.
 
'28-'29-early'30 and mid '30-'31 dash lights are whole different animal. The later ones are up under the dash rail and don't resemble a cigarette lighter.
 
I had a repo on my 1930 finial order a orignal from Berts, the original works better if you can find a good one. The repo would pop a fuse every now and then. It was shorting out where the wire goes into switch body.
 
I am not really understanding the difference between an open car under dash light and a closed car? Bratton's shows two different lights, Snyders shows one. What would the difference be between the two? I find it hard to imagine that Ford had two different dash lights for under the dash rail.
 
I am not really understanding the difference between an open car under dash light and a closed car? Bratton's shows two different lights, Snyders shows one. What would the difference be between the two? I find it hard to imagine that Ford had two different dash lights for under the dash rail.
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Might be hard for you to imagine but there are two different dash lights with the mounting plate/bracket being the only difference. One is longer than the other.
 
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