Dash Lights
 

Dash lights not working where do I start? Cant find a fuse box, so I assume there isn't one. 1949 Ford Custom

Re: Dash Lights
 

Well, that was stupid! I read 40, not 49! Edited: Should be a circuit breaker and fuse. I would start with the light switch and see if there is power on the dash lights terminal.

Re: Dash Lights
 

Does your headlight switch dim the dash lights. if so make sure it is not in the wrong position. Check the harness and look for loose connections to the dash lights, especially at the light switch.

Re: Dash Lights
 

Rotate the knob into different positions when your checking for power. Some older switches have a “sweet spot” for them to come on. They’re not very bright so you may have to have it almost dark to see them come on. Have they worked in the past? There are a lot of threads on here for solutions to the dim dash lights.Any pics of your car? Love shoeboxes!.... Mark

Re: Dash Lights
 

I can't find a 49 circuit breaker/fuse panel photo, but it would be similar to this 51-55 one.

Re: Dash Lights
 

49 headlight switch does not have a dimmer feature.

There is a toggle switch on the left of the steering wheel that turns the dash lights of or on once they have been turned on by the headlight swiitch.

Over the years that toggle switch has been removed but it was standard on the 49. My 49 convertible has the switch and I have seen other 49’s with the switch still in place.

Hope this helps,

Tom

Re: Dash Lights
 

If you are referring to the speedometer cluster...the lights may be on but you just can't see them. Very common on the '49-'50 shoebox Fords. I believe Ford referred to it as the "blacklight" system (or something like that). There are four (4) dark "filters" that covers the bulbs in the cluster. Over time...the light will no longer penetrate the filters...thus at night you can't read the speedometer or the gauges.

Re: Dash Lights
 

Where would I find that breaker panel?

Re: Dash Lights
 

I'm not a shoebox guy! But, believe it is on the backside of the instrument panel, part # 12258 on the routing diagram. There is a lot of good information and wiring diagrams at VanPelt's site.

Re: Dash Lights
 

the circuit breaker should be on firewall on driver side engine side.the picture jeersy posted will help you identify it

Re: Dash Lights
 

ok thank you

Re: Dash Lights
 

I have a 49 and I am familiar with the wiring. If you want to call me 856-912-2711 I will walk/talk you thru the problem.

Much easier over the phone.

Tom