How do I operate /control my headlights on my 32 roadster

[draggin49]

I have what is probably a dumb question but I’m trying to figure out how to control the lights on my 1932 Ford Roadster .I just got the car recently . I just installed a set of vintage BLC682
I attached the picture of my dash and the 3 knobs on it. Is the far right knob that says dash light operate my headlights along with the dash light??

If not that knob where would my light controls be located so that I could turn on my headlights and taillights for driving at night ???


I’m sure this is a simple thing but this is my first Ford from this era so it’s ALL 100% new to me

Thanks !!!!
Luke

[Pat/Ohio]

Luke, Your light switch is located in the center of your steering wheel. You will see a lever, usually in the "down" position or "6 o'clock. Turn it to the left and your parking lights will come on...turn to the right one notch and your "low" lights should come on. Turn your switch 2 notches and your bright lights should come on. Give it a try! This is all assuming you have an original working light switch. Good luck, Pat

[DavidG]

As Pat indicates, assuming...... But, if I interpret your comment about BLC682 correctly, you do not have original head lamps and therefore how the replacements are wired could have a major impact on how they operate. The dash light switch is only for the instrument panel light, again assuming that it is wired as original.

[draggin49]

Thanks for the quick responses !!
Haha, I would have never thought to look on my steering wheel or for it to do anything but be able to honk .
Now , a separate question: I noticed my roadster has a pair smaller lights on the sides kind of below the bottom corners of the windshield .Did those come on a specific model?
My roadster has the original v8 in it.

[Phil Gillespie]

These are know as the cowl lights.
Phil NZ

[DavidG]

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They were standard equipment on deluxe models and optional at extra cost on standard models sold in North America. They were standard equipment on all '32s in some countries where required under local lighting requirements.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by draggin49

I would have never thought to look on my steering wheel or for it to do anything but be able to honk .

You may already realize by now, but the lever you are turning at the center of the steering wheel is not the light switch itself. It is connected to a rod that is inside the steering column and connects to the light control switch at the base of the steering box.

[draggin49]

Originally Posted by JSeery

You may already realize by now, but the level you are turning at the center of the steering wheel is not the light switch itself. It is connected to a rod that is inside the steering column and connects to the light control switch at the base of the steering box.

Thanks, when I was inspecting /following some wires I think I saw the light control switch you mentioned .

[draggin49]

I messed up not marking the colored wires that connect to the headlights
My new headlights came with just exposed wires so I ordered some of the correct vintage male metal plugs that you run the wire into that you push into the 2 sided original connector

Anyone want to tell me the correct way to hook up the colored wires that connect to the headlights . From the looks of things aside from my new BLC682 headlights all the wiring in the car and up to the headlights is all original and is the various colors from the factory

I disconnected the rear tail lights the same time I disconnected the original headlights
What color goes with what for those ?

I have some NOS 1937 ford tail lights I plan on running down the road but would like to re-connect the factory 1932 ford tail lights

I will take some pictures after this post and put them in the next post

[draggin49]

Ok, I’m starting on the driver side near the front headlight. There are 2 wires coming out of the main loom of wires (one looks to be blue one looks to be yellow) they are closest in proximity to the driver side headlight so I was thinking maybe they connect to it?

In the second picture(maybe 4 inches further down the main group of wires grouped together in the wrap) I see 3 wires : red, green and I’m unsure of the 3rd color, it has a worn spot and is showing some yellow

[draggin49]

There is also a yellow wire that runs along the driver side frame rail that reaches all the way to the radiator that I found unplugged

[draggin49]

Here is a shot of the passenger side headlight wires ( both black)
And the 3 wires that are grouped together in the wrapped wire
The colors are green, red and yellow

[draggin49]

This is a shot of the wiring of the passenger side tail light I connected it but haven’t checked if I got it right

[draggin49]

Ok I did some more work. I’ve got the Parking lamps on the cowl working. Also have the regular headlights working . I had the passenger side taillight come on but couldn’t get the driver side to work. There’s 2 sets of wires leading back to the driver side tail light. I think one couple is green and yellow , same as on the passenger side tail light , however there is also another pair of wires that look more brownish in color .

In the picture the tail light wires have the blue wire connectors on them, the other two sets of wires are the ones going towards the tail light

[DavidG]

If it's original wiring, these diagrams should be helpful.

You may wish to consider obtaining some basic literature pieces to assist you such as an owners manual, chassis parts catalog, body parts catalog, and service bulletins. Most are available as inexpensive reprints on Amazon and eBay. The illustrations below are from the owners manual.

If want to take a deep dive into learning about '32s, the Early Ford V8 Club of America has a 2-volume 600+ page book on the subject available on the Club website (www.earlyfordv8.org).

[TJ]

Join the Early Ford V-8 Club and buy the two volume book that is specifically for the 1932 Ford. It's the best money you can spend. You'll be amazed at the information you will get from the '32 ford book. www.earlyfordv8.org.

[JSeery]

The cloth wiring coloring is often a little difficult to decode because of fading. But if you can get a general idea of which wire is which you can verify it with a voltmeter. As an example to determine low beam vs high beam, select each on the steering wheel switch and check which wire is hot for which switch position. The wiring is simple enough that it is not too difficult to sort out.

[woodiewagon46]

As David G. suggests, I would also recommend purchasing the two volume set of the 1932 books from the V-8 Club. Literally everything you need to know about your new car is in those books. It is the Bible for '32 owners. When you get the books take a moment to look at the authors name!!

[draggin49]

Awesome , I will go ahead and order the books ,I’m sure they will come in handy

[draggin49]

Now a non wiring question , when I went to check my wiring and see if my taillights work the pedal just went to the floor with no tension on it at all. Never had brake issues prior to this.
How do you access the master cylinder to add fluid ? Do I need to access it by removing the floor area? I know on my 1949 ford that was where I gained access.