Cab13 Chev dimmer switches

[Jordan Baker]

Hi all

Just wondering if anyone can post some pictures of the correct style of dimmer switches used in Cab13 C15a's. I'm looking for the kind used on the frame at the rear and on the side of the dash panel. I looked on eBay but there seems to be a variety of styles.

[Lynn Eades]

Jordan, do you mean a dip switch for the headlights?

[Jordan Baker]

I guess so. It's the same kind that used to be on floors near the clutch pedal.

[Lynn Eades]

Google A.C. Delco or Delco dip switch.
They were very common useage years ago. The top part that sticks out is very similar to a jeep one (steel) but the delco ones had an alloy body. the 3 terminals vary.

[Jordan Baker]

Did the original use screw terminals or the little bullet kind?

[Grant Bowker]

I can't guarantee they were original but most (maybe all) that I have removed were screw termainal, not bullet. I have seen variation in the mounting srew pattern. Some are 2 screw to fit the frame/dash of the Chevs, others have one arm extended with another hole near the tip (but still have holes to fit the Chev frame/dash.

[Jordan Baker]

Ok thanks

Now to hunt for two that meet those specs and work and are not overpriced (in my opinion, lots on eBay)

[Grant Bowker]

Visually, Rockauto has something the shape I'm used to seeing (with the longer ear) made by Standard Motor Products bearing the SMP part number DS40 (listed by RockAuto as replacing Chev/GM part number 1997009 (for cab 13) and 1997002 (for cab 11/12) see parts group 2.459. Rockauto sells them for $13.54 each. https://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,cat...UCTS_DS40.html
A quick look at ebay shows pricing as low as $15.94 including shipping to over twice that for SMP DS40.

Looking in the C15A-04 parts book, it also refers to "after jobs - toggle type mounted on tail & stop lamp bracket". I don't recall seeing this setup in life but think I've seen photos. Also, Phil Waterman posted some drawings of tail light brackets that included a 1/2" OD hole between the light mount holes that would fit a toggle switch for selection between tail and axle lamps.

[RichCam]

Jordan,

Not sure if this helps but on our 44 Chev C-15A, this is the set-up that came with the truck originally. Push button screw terminal toggle to activate the rear light or differential convoy light. Push button screw terminal toggle for high/low beam on the instrument panel. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Richard

[Lynn Eades]

The one in Rich's 3rd photo is what I think is correct and yes, Delco.
The second set of holes was to take a lug from the terminal on the loom and keep it aligned correctly. Probably Ford used the bullet type same as jeep, while G.M. used this type. Not sure?

[Gordons]

The DS-40 by Standard is available thru Bumper to Bumper, purchased one last week for the rear of C8A, the only difference is a longer tab on one side which has two mounting holes, so there are three mounting holes, instead of two, but the holes line up with out any problem, I treaded the holes for screws, so you do not have to use a bolt and nut.

[Grant Bowker]

If the longer tab isn't needed or wanted it can be easily cut off and filed to shape to match the other tab as the housing is a soft metal casting.

[Gordons]

picture of original isolation switch

[Ian Fawbert]

Hi Jordan,

Im likely miles off here, but thought it worth adding.

On a jeep, Ford GPW's initially used the bullet type and Willys the terminal with a screw. I think Ford swapped to the scrw in type about mid war/later in production. I know we are talking CMP's and a Chev, but wondered if it might help knowing what Ford USA was using at a similar time?

Hope this helps (if it can!).

Im surprised these dont turn up NOS for the CMP like they can be found for the jeep, that would help- maybe they are in Argentina on their way back to the UK!

Cheers,
Ian.

[Jordan Baker]

Found them from Mac's Antique Auto parts. Exactly the kind I was looking for. Picked up two yesterday.

http://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_me...d-mercury.html