The Ford Barn

Glenn of northport · 09-04-2021, 12:42 PM

on 1950 ford it had black light on dash how did this wirk as on my restored car it does not work?

Lanny · 09-04-2021, 01:16 PM

never mind...

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51 MERC-CT · 09-04-2021, 02:36 PM

If it is here then it is the high/low beam indicator and only is on for high beams.

40cpe · 09-04-2021, 02:48 PM

I think the OP is talking about the green glow of the numbers/markers on the speedo and gauges. If I remember correctly, it is a combination of a green cover over the bulbs and a special paint. i don't know the qualities of the paint, but some will come along with the answer. I remember someone found a LED bulb with a green color that gave a similar look to the gauges.

5851a · 09-04-2021, 05:16 PM

I thought is was radium paint like the old watch faces. Would still glow for a bit after lights were shut off. I could easily be wrong though. Was long time ago. It's mentioned in the 49 brochure as illuminated with soft black lighting.

Newc · 09-04-2021, 10:09 PM

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Yep; you can't get that original glowing paint anymore. Radium maybe? Newc

5851a · 09-05-2021, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newc

Yep; you can't get that original glowing paint anymore. Radium maybe? Newc

Yes it was, the production of it on watches was halted in 68. The Radium Girls story is a interesting article.

Don T · 09-10-2021, 09:35 PM

Yes it is a "black light" problem; at this age the numerals no longer respond to the black light emitted from the glass globes over the light bulbs. You usually find this out after you have the dash back in and think you are done! I removed the black globes and replaced them with regular bulbs; which caused a couple of problems. First there is no rheostat built into the light switch for brightness control and you need to build a light "dam" between the signal light area and the rest of the instrument body. I also wrapped a piece of aluminum around the high beam light to act as another "dam" for this indicator. The 50 ford truck light switch uses a rheostat which also fits this car; replace with said switch for dimming ability. PIA to be sure as it is easier to pull the whole dash than to remove only the instrument head.

J Franklin · 09-10-2021, 10:21 PM

Radium is different, it is a glow in the dark product, but I think you should be able to find black light reactive paints at a craft store.

V8COOPMAN · 09-11-2021, 03:58 AM

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Phosphorescent Paint is what you're looking for. And now apparently, almost ANY color you want. Click on BOTH links for their products BELOW! DD

https://www.gloeffex.com/collections...the-dark-paint

https://www.gloeffex.com/collections...the-dark-paint

5851a · 09-11-2021, 09:10 AM

That's pretty cool, it would sure take a steady hand to repaint though.

joe 1950 · 09-11-2021, 09:49 AM

On my 50 cpe i removed the bulbs sockets and then with a small screwdriver push into the hole and they’ll break right apart they fall into the bottom of the speedo head and you’ll never see them then i spray painted the bulbs the color i wanted which was a red works great learned this from a fellow at a car show good luck

09-04-2021, 12:42 PM	#1
Glenn of northport Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: northport mi Posts: 87	black light on 1950 ford it had black light on dash how did this wirk as on my restored car it does not work?

09-04-2021, 01:16 PM	#2
Lanny Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mn Posts: 2,410	Re: black light never mind... . . __________________ If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. But if daddy ain't happy...RUN Last edited by Lanny; 09-05-2021 at 01:16 PM.

09-04-2021, 02:48 PM	#4
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: black light I think the OP is talking about the green glow of the numbers/markers on the speedo and gauges. If I remember correctly, it is a combination of a green cover over the bulbs and a special paint. i don't know the qualities of the paint, but some will come along with the answer. I remember someone found a LED bulb with a green color that gave a similar look to the gauges.

09-04-2021, 05:16 PM	#5
5851a Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NE Iowa Posts: 1,664	Re: black light I thought is was radium paint like the old watch faces. Would still glow for a bit after lights were shut off. I could easily be wrong though. Was long time ago. It's mentioned in the 49 brochure as illuminated with soft black lighting. Last edited by 5851a; 09-04-2021 at 05:30 PM.

09-04-2021, 10:09 PM	#6
Newc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,482	Re: black light Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Yep; you can't get that original glowing paint anymore. Radium maybe? Newc

09-10-2021, 10:21 PM	#9
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,959	Re: black light Radium is different, it is a glow in the dark product, but I think you should be able to find black light reactive paints at a craft store.

09-11-2021, 03:58 AM	#10
V8COOPMAN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Shore of LAKE HOUSTON Posts: 11,106	Re: black light . *Phosphorescent Paint* is what you're looking for. And now apparently, almost ANY color you want. Click on *BOTH* links for their products BELOW! DD https://www.gloeffex.com/collections...the-dark-paint https://www.gloeffex.com/collections...the-dark-paint __________________ *Click Links Below* __ ▼ *'35-'36 W/8BA & MECHANICAL FAN* *T5 W/TORQUE TUBE*

09-11-2021, 09:10 AM	#11
5851a Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NE Iowa Posts: 1,664	Re: black light That's pretty cool, it would sure take a steady hand to repaint though.

09-11-2021, 09:49 AM	#12
joe 1950 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Green Bay Wi Posts: 400	Re: black light On my 50 cpe i removed the bulbs sockets and then with a small screwdriver push into the hole and they’ll break right apart they fall into the bottom of the speedo head and you’ll never see them then i spray painted the bulbs the color i wanted which was a red works great learned this from a fellow at a car show good luck