The Ford Barn

Rayfry · 05-20-2019, 01:33 PM

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

JSeery · 05-20-2019, 01:40 PM

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.

TJ · 05-20-2019, 01:51 PM

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.

flatford8 · 05-20-2019, 02:02 PM

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

JSeery · 05-20-2019, 02:04 PM

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

Jersey Devil · 05-20-2019, 03:33 PM

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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

Pat/Ohio · 05-20-2019, 08:56 PM

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.

Rayfry · 05-21-2019, 07:58 AM

Where would I find that breaker panel?

JSeery · 05-21-2019, 08:14 AM

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.

54vicky · 05-21-2019, 08:19 AM

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

Rayfry · 05-21-2019, 08:37 AM

ok thank you

Jersey Devil · 05-21-2019, 02:36 PM

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

05-20-2019, 01:33 PM	#1
Rayfry Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Philadelphia Pa Posts: 67	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

05-20-2019, 01:51 PM	#3
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,037	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.

05-20-2019, 02:02 PM	#4
flatford8 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Lyman,ME. Posts: 2,630	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 __________________ I'm thinkin' about crankin' My ragged ol' truck up and haulin' myself into town. Billy Joe Shaver

05-20-2019, 03:33 PM	#6
Jersey Devil Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Delanco, New Jersey Posts: 115	Re: Dash Lights Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) 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

05-20-2019, 08:56 PM	#7
Pat/Ohio Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wilmington, OH/Lakeland, FL Posts: 952	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.

05-21-2019, 07:58 AM	#8
Rayfry Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Philadelphia Pa Posts: 67	Re: Dash Lights Where would I find that breaker panel?

05-21-2019, 08:19 AM	#10
54vicky Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Oakville Ontario Posts: 586	Re: Dash Lights the circuit breaker should be on firewall on driver side engine side.the picture jeersy posted will help you identify it

05-21-2019, 08:37 AM	#11
Rayfry Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Philadelphia Pa Posts: 67	Re: Dash Lights ok thank you

05-21-2019, 02:36 PM	#12
Jersey Devil Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Delanco, New Jersey Posts: 115	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