Model A parking lights

[38 Conv]

Why does some Model A's have chrome parking lights outside on the side of the cowl ?-- Thanks

[katy]

I have been told that back in the day there was LOTS of snow, so therefore the parking lights were mounted high so the snow plow drivers would know there was a car under all that snow.

If you believe that, I've got a bridge I'll sell you.

[ModelA29]

So they could charge more money. Cowl lights were part of the "deluxe" package. If I remember the Deluxe package raised the price by about $175.

[CHuDWah]

They were standard on some models and can be installed on any Model A. There probably are more cars with cowl lights and rumble seats now than Ford ever made.


There also were parking lights that install on the front fenders. They're rare in the US but I've heard they are more common in other countries.

[JoeCB]

Maybe they are called "parking lights" in error... because you used them while you were not technically parked but rather "standing"... at the curb, vehicle occupied, engine running at idle but not drawing the heavy amp load of the headlights.
Joe B

[rotorwrench]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

In the early 20th century, parking lights were required in some states to be used whenever parking in an active roadway. In 1928, Ford used the side or cowl type lights for this purpose in the states where they were required. Later in the 1928 production year, the TWOLITE headlamps with there distinctive lens replaced the old single bulb headlamps with the fluted lens. The TWOLITE completed the legal requirements for parking lamps in those states that required them. They were eventually required for all cars and still are to this day in the USA.

Cowl lamps had a distinctive look that was popular with some so they were offered to any perspective customer as an optional part of the purchase package. Later in 1930, they became a deluxe car standard equipment but were still optional on standard cars at extra expense. This kind of stuff would give dealers a little extra on the deal similar to painting wheels to mach the accent stripe on the model A cars.

[CHuDWah]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

In the early 20th century, parking lights were required in some states to be used whenever parking in an active roadway. In 1928, Ford used the side or cowl type lights for this purpose in the states where they were required. Later in the 1928 production year, the TWOLITE headlamps with there distinctive lens replaced the old single bulb headlamps with the fluted lens. The TWOLITE completed the legal requirements for parking lamps in those states that required them. They were eventually required for all cars and still are to this day in the USA.

Cowl lamps had a distinctive look that was popular with some so they were offered to any perspective customer as an optional part of the purchase package. Later in 1930, they became a deluxe car standard equipment but were still optional on standard cars at extra expense. This kind of stuff would give dealers a little extra on the deal similar to painting wheels to mach the accent stripe on the model A cars.

I assume TWOLITE cars with cowl lights, both factory and dealer installed, still used the headlight shells stamped TWOLITE? Did cars with factory-installed cowl lights use a single bulb headlight reflector? If so, was that reflector also used with dealer-installed cowl lights? Or was the parking light in the reflector left functional or simply disconnected?

[CHuDWah]

Originally Posted by JoeCB

Maybe they are called "parking lights" in error... because you used them while you were not technically parked but rather "standing"... at the curb, vehicle occupied, engine running at idle but not drawing the heavy amp load of the headlights.
Joe B

I get your point. But semantics aside and regardless whether the car is occupied and/or running, the purpose of parking lights is to warn traffic of a potential road hazard. Although cars still have parking lights, four-way flashers now perform the warning function. Course there's no need to use either if a car is parked on a driveway or lot as it does not pose a hazard there (at least not in theory, anyway ).

[David in San Antonio]

A bit off topic but fascinating:
In England (maybe elsewhere too) some cars were equipped to light all four parking lights, or just the left side or right side. This was to minimize battery drain when parked at a curb (kerb in England) by illuminating just the side nearer traffic.
One selected a single side by some combination of turn signal lever plus parking light switch.

[rotorwrench]

Originally Posted by CHuDWah

I assume TWOLITE cars with cowl lights, both factory and dealer installed, still used the headlight shells stamped TWOLITE? Did cars with factory-installed cowl lights use a single bulb headlight reflector? If so, was that reflector also used with dealer-installed cowl lights? Or was the parking light in the reflector left functional or simply disconnected?

I can't answer the question about the combination of TWOLITE headlamps and cowl lamps with any certainty but if you look at it from a manufacturing standpoint. It doesn't make sense to make two different assemblies where the cost of the use of one type overall is negligible. Cars that had the cowl lamps added on by a dealer would still have the TWOLITE headlamps. The later 1930/31 deluxe models may have had single light reflectors if they came from the branch plants with the Deluxe package but I'd have to ask folks that have had unmolested Deluxe models to restore or maintain. There is a lot of water under the bridge since then.

[john charlton]

Cars in England ( Scotland,Wales and Ireland ) had to have fender lamps by law . If the vehicle was parked overnight on a public roadway they had to be lit . Maybe to stop a horse bumping into the car or pedestrian . So the head lamps had no "TWO LITE" and "FORD" script on the top and fitted with a single bulb reflector . Oddly enough the lenses were still marked as "TWO LITE" with "FORD" script . They were a deep purple colour like Model "T" lenses . USA lenses are yellow glass and repro are just plain white like a milk bottle . When cars are lined up at a car show it it is easy to spot mismatched lenses . Purple English lenses are highly sought after here now .

John in sunny Boxing Day Suffolk County England .

[katy]

Small fender parking light: