1946-1948 mercury question
 

I have a 48 Mercury convertible. On the steering column at about the 11 o:clock position is a hollow steel tube that runs from the steering column bracket up to the steering wheel. Does anyone know what this is for? It looks to me as if it might be for a wire that would power a light. Was there a bulb somewhere underneath the steering wheel that might have lit up the center of the horn ring emblem?
Thanks!
Bill in Connecticut

[email protected]
860-364 8064

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

Sounds like a raceway for aftermarket signal light wires that may have been installed at one point.
Pictures would be better.

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

My first reaction when I saw your post was, "well, mine doesn't have that." Then I looked and it turns out I do. No idea what it's for. It's empty on mine. Here's a photo. I assume you mean the tube above the steering column but below the gear shift rod.

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

Thinking out loud but weren't turn signals a factory option on some of the 47-8 Mercs?
Maybe a 6M part number.

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

1948 was a change year for electrics to some extent. The old steering column drop lock & switch was traded for a dash switch at least on Ford cars or maybe mid year. I don't know of any reason for a light being in that location. We will have to wait for a 48 Mercury owner to chime in.

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

Yep' the knock out seems to indicate that the signal lights were an option. And the tube is a wire raceway.

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

Mercury was upscale from Ford so a turn signal option may have been available. They became standard equipment in 1949.

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

Right. That's the tube I am talking about.
Thanks!
Bill

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

Any one know where a person can get this option ? I have a tube like that one on my 47.

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

Many years ago I installed a switch I had taken off a 49 Ford and installed it on a 48. It wasn't built in the column, it just clamped around the tube. Had a strap screwed to the inside edge on the bottom of the steering wheel to cancel the signal after turning. Was nice and had heavy chrome plating with Ford script on top. Never knew if it was factory or dealer installed.

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

The tube in question is for the factory optioned turn signal switch that is / was available for your car. the knockout shows the location of the switch arm when installed.

I believe this is a 48 only option and IF my memory is correct, your car may also have an ignition switch that was unique to 1948 only

I have no idea if anyone reproduces the necessary parts to refit the turn signal switch.

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

"I believe this is a 48 only option"

My 47 coupe has the same knockout

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

As does my 46 convert.

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

I have a complete factory kit for turn signals on 46 and 47/48 Mercury. Contact me by email [email protected] for more info. Bill Large Michigan.

Re: 1946-1948 mercury question
 

That sounds like the most logical reason. I noticed that knock out too.

Sal