dash dimmer switch for '39 Deluxe

[moonraker]

What is a correct dash dimmer switch for '39 Deluxe Fordor - a simple flip switch or the one with a potentiometer?

[Vic Piano]

To my knowledge, the "correct" dash dimmer switch for '39 is not being reproduced, it is a rotating switch, not a flip. If my memory serves me correctly (that's a long shot) the original switch had three connections, the '40 and up, have two connections. I installed a '40 switch in our '39 however, it never worked well so I disconnected it.

[4dFord/SC]

Originally Posted by Vic Piano

I installed a '40 switch in our '39 however, it never worked well so I disconnected it.

You're not missing anything. In my experience, the '40 switch has three settings: dim, dimmer, and off. I finally bypassed mine.

[Vic Piano]

Originally Posted by 4dFord/SC

You're not missing anything. In my experience, the '40 switch has three settings: dim, dimmer, and off. I finally bypassed mine.

Yup, I did the same thing.

[47Merc]

This is the 1940 repo one from CG Ford

http://cgfordparts.com/ufolder/cgcat...&sp=Search+%23

[Kube]

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The switch used in the '39 DeLuxe models as well as all '40 models was identical. It had a rotating knob so the brightness of the lamps could be adjusted.
The '39 standard models utilized a toggle switch wherein the lamps were either on or off.

The reproduction switches currently available are not concourse correct. However, the do fit and function well.

[Joe KCMO]

I still have the original on my 39 Deluxe. As described above, maximum is dim and gets dimmer when turned. But it is original, so I keep it.

[Vic Piano]

The one I removed from my '39 CS, (which could have been replaced at some time before I got the car), as I recall, had three connections, not two like the replacement switch I got (that was listed as a '40 part...) None of the Ford parts suppliers listed one for a '39 Deluxe. In the EFV8 Clubs '38-'39 Ford book they list the part number for the '39 as 91A-13740, the '40 # is 01A-13740, the Base # is the same however, that does not mean that the switch is the same. Could there have been a different switch for the closed cars with dome lights? The photo of the switch in the '38-'39 Ford Book shows the front (bottom) of the switch, not the back, so it is impossible to see the number of connections. Additionally, the book gives a rudimentary description of the switch on page 3-12. Another question; was the radio light also connected to the rheostat switch?

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Vic Piano

The one I removed from my '39 CS, (which could have been replaced at some time before I got the car), as I recall, had three connections, not two like the replacement switch I got (that was listed as a '40 part...) None of the Ford parts suppliers listed one for a '39 Deluxe. In the EFV8 Clubs '38-'39 Ford book they list the part number for the '39 as 91A-13740, the '40 # is 01A-13740, the Base # is the same however, that does not mean that the switch is the same. Could there have been a different switch for the closed cars with dome lights? The photo of the switch in the '38-'39 Ford Book shows the front (bottom) of the switch, not the back, so it is impossible to see the number of connections. Additionally, the book gives a rudimentary description of the switch on page 3-12. Another question; was the radio light also connected to the rheostat switch?

The reproduction switch being offered was copied from a service replacement part many years ago. Thus, the 01A prefix.
Authentically, the '39 - '40 switches are identical sans the knob color. The repop switches have a "flat" on the back, something that did not occur on authentic switches. Nor do they (repops) have the correct knob.
ALL models (open, closed...) of 40 Fords and DeLuxe 39's used the identical switch.

[josh1331]

How did the bypass work? Did you just connect both wires? I have same problem

[Vic Piano]

Originally Posted by josh1331

How did the bypass work? Did you just connect both wires? I have same problem

I used a double female connector and bypassed the switch.

[moonraker]

Thanks everyone for your input! The switch that was in the car when I bought it has two terminals. But it's not in a good shape - it gets very hot and flickers on-off a lot.

[Vic Piano]

Originally Posted by Kube

The reproduction switch being offered was copied from a service replacement part many years ago. Thus, the 01A prefix.
Authentically, the '39 - '40 switches are identical sans the knob color. The repop switches have a "flat" on the back, something that did not occur on authentic switches. Nor do they (repops) have the correct knob.
ALL models (open, closed...) of 40 Fords and DeLuxe 39's used the identical switch.

The back side of the "originals" in your photo clearly show two connections, the re-pops pictured on the internet (I couldn't get a copy to post here) appear to have three connections... I guess the one I removed must have been an early re-pop...

[4dFord/SC]

Originally Posted by josh1331

How did the bypass work? Did you just connect both wires? I have same problem

I used a large wire nut (twist connector)--big enough to enclose the two bullet connectors.