48 Dodge Custom Convertible Dash Light...

[Mikemomd]

I recently purchased a 48 Dodge Custom convertible. To the left of the starter switch button is placed a light bulb. It works fine by rotating the metal base of the bulb. There is no cover over the bulb.

 

Is this additional map light?? Any ideas on what the cover of this bulb would look like???

 

Thanks, Mike

 

 

 

 

[BobT-47P15]

The only thing I can think of in that position might be a warning light for when the emergency brake is

engaged.  Must have had a lense over it originally.  Don't think it's a map light.  But......I don't own a

Dodge.

 

There's a light like the one below currently for sale on ebay.............

 

 

 

 

Edited March 16, 2013 by BobT-47P15

[Mikemomd]

Bob,

 

That's was one of my thoughts....however, it doesn't turn on or off with engaging the emergency brake....it only turns off and on when the metal base of the bulb is turned about 30-45 degrees. It has the same base flange as the starter button and looks as if it is an original manuf. part, not a modification.

 

Mike

[Plymouthy Adams]

on my Dodge town sedan that red light is the E-brake warning lamp..

[DCurrent]

This may well be a factory bulb for convertibles only. I have a light similar to this in my 48 Plymouth convertible. Only it is located next to the ignition switch. I will see if I can get a picture of it to post today. Does anyone else that owns a convertible have a light next to the ignition switch?

[BobT-47P15]

No.  No light by ignition switch on my P15.  There is a hole where a heater or defroster cable would go that could be

used for a light if someone wanted to add one.  I installed a pair of small lights below the dash to the left of the

steering wheel as turn signal indicators.....so I won't drive forever with a light flashing.    

[Mikemomd]

It appears it has a red cover from these photo of a 46 Dodge convertible on sale on ebay now. Mine does not have the spot light....so I don't think it is related to that feature.

 

Mike

[_shel_ny]

Bob,

 

That's was one of my thoughts....however, it doesn't turn on or off with engaging the emergency brake....it only turns off and on when the metal base of the bulb is turned about 30-45 degrees. It has the same base flange as the starter button and looks as if it is an original manuf. part, not a modification.

 

Mike

So where do the wires from the switch/light go???????????

Edited March 16, 2013 by shel_bizzy_48

[Plymouthy Adams]

you beat me to it Shel...trace the wire...why the confusion when it is so easy to clear up ..anyone can guess but you have the car and the mean to know for sure

 

do not get confused when you trace this wire to a flasher (two prong) as it is designed to flash when the hand brake lever is set...

Edited March 16, 2013 by Plymouthy Adams

[randroid]

Tim,

 

I've thought about installing such a warning light for the e-brake but haven't gotten to it yet.  Installing a flasher would certainly get my attention better than a solid light.  Thanks for the tip.

 

-Randy

[Plymouthy Adams]

you welcome Randy...but Ma Mopar did it this way..I am just pointing it out...easy to fabricate one...for sure..in the past I would use a late model door jamb switch for the lever to activate...cheap and easy..

[DCurrent]

I am going to try and post a picture.

 

 

I hope this works. I just spent 2 hours trying to upload these.

[BobT-47P15]

Neat looking lense.

That light IS installed in one of the holes for a heater control........have never seen one there before.

What does it seem to do.........how do you turn it on or off?   Is it attached to a heater blower switch?

[DCurrent]

Neat looking lense.

That light IS installed in one of the holes for a heater control........have never seen one there before.

What does it seem to do.........how do you turn it on or off?   Is it attached to a heater blower switch?

My heater control is on the far right of that chrome box. The light turns on by just turning the lens clockwise and off again counterclockwise. The switch even has a glass fuse built into the back of it. It's not attached to the heater at all. Since a convertible has no dome light I just assumed this is what Plymouth put in place of it.

Darren