1958 light switch
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1958 light switch
can anyone tell me why when I pull out the light switch to the first position where my park lights should come on, my park lights come on, and so do my headlights. When I pull my light switch all the way out, the park lights stay on but the headlights go out, I hate electricity!
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
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From: Poway, Ca.
There's a couple reasons.
The most obvious one being that on your headlight switch, the parking lights are wired to the post for the running lights, and the headlights are wired to the post for the parking lights.
Other scenarios include a bad headlight switch, crossed wires, full moon, voodoo, bad grounds, racism, etc. etc.
Check the headlight wiring first.
I'm not sure about the 58 switch configuration, I know it changed from the 55-57 switch, but here's a drawing of the 55-57 switch anyway just so you can see the letter symbols on the switch and understand what lights they actually go to - that should be the same. Check these and let us know.
Good luck,
The most obvious one being that on your headlight switch, the parking lights are wired to the post for the running lights, and the headlights are wired to the post for the parking lights.
Other scenarios include a bad headlight switch, crossed wires, full moon, voodoo, bad grounds, racism, etc. etc.
Check the headlight wiring first.
I'm not sure about the 58 switch configuration, I know it changed from the 55-57 switch, but here's a drawing of the 55-57 switch anyway just so you can see the letter symbols on the switch and understand what lights they actually go to - that should be the same. Check these and let us know.
Good luck,
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Thanks for the heads-up on the light switch diagram.My switch is a little different
because it doesnt have an A brake light terminal.I didn't know the switch was labeled with letters, and after looking my wiring that should have been on my H terminal, was on the P terminal. Now my lights are working the way they should. I'm so happy. I have had this project torn apart for a couple of years and it is finally getting close to the end. I still don't have turn signals or brake lights but I've put in a cadillac steering column and I must have some other wiring screw-ups to figure out. Rutrows appreciates the help
because it doesnt have an A brake light terminal.I didn't know the switch was labeled with letters, and after looking my wiring that should have been on my H terminal, was on the P terminal. Now my lights are working the way they should. I'm so happy. I have had this project torn apart for a couple of years and it is finally getting close to the end. I still don't have turn signals or brake lights but I've put in a cadillac steering column and I must have some other wiring screw-ups to figure out. Rutrows appreciates the help
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
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From: Poway, Ca.
Super!
Also just FYI for all concerned, I looked at an NOS 58/59 headlight switch today at C&G and it is EXACTLY the same as their repro 56/57 switch both in configuration and rating (12V/12A) - even though they do not list a 58/59 repro switch. There's a very healthy price difference between the 56/57 Repro switch and the 58/59 NOS switch.
Also just FYI for all concerned, I looked at an NOS 58/59 headlight switch today at C&G and it is EXACTLY the same as their repro 56/57 switch both in configuration and rating (12V/12A) - even though they do not list a 58/59 repro switch. There's a very healthy price difference between the 56/57 Repro switch and the 58/59 NOS switch.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
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From: Poway, Ca.
Some of the 58/59 switches have the second fuse clasp and an extra set of tabs on the bottom. On the two NOS 58/59 headlight switches one had the extra and the other did not. Plus the extra fuse was controlled by the porcelien rheostat for the instrument lights (turns on the same way as the dome light) After looking at the wiring diagrams we discovered that that the extra fuse holder and extra set of prongs on the bottom were for marker and inside trailer lights - used on the "Big Trucks."
That fuse btw does not protect the headlights - pull it out and check the headlights. There are internal circuit breakers that protect the headlights and all the hot items powered off the headlight switch. The fuse is inline with the brake light power tab - so it protects brake and signal lights only. Power connections for the headlights are inside the switch.
The other NOS 58/59 switch did not have the second fuse holder or bottom plugs, and was identical both in configuration and ratings to the 56/57 - as I noted above.
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Thanks for the clarification. That makes a lot more sense. I have been curious what that extra set is for, I have pretty much only seen pictures of the switches in parts catalogs.
I have the wiring diagram for the brake and turn lights posted on a different forum.
I have the wiring diagram for the brake and turn lights posted on a different forum.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
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From: Poway, Ca.
I'm going back up ther this weekend and I'll take the meter just to confirm and try to get some pics. At $110, they were way too expensive for me to buy one and disect it. Normally I'll find an "El Cheepo" on e-bay or something and tear them apart, but there haven't been any.
Here's a pic of the double fuse switch you were talking about. You can actually see the connection between the fuse holder and the "A" terminal (second one from the back on the left side) which goes to the brake light switch. The first tab is for the dome light and it is insulated from the shunt running under it.
OBTW, are you talking about a lights signal wiring diagram for your 57? or a 58?
Here's one for a 56/57. I don't know how different 58 is - take a look:
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Wow, that is quite a premium price. Most of the listings I have seen they usually are just over half that price. Must be because they are NOS.
The diagram is for a 1957. It is a diagram for just the turn signals and brakes lights.
Julie what program do you use to make you wiring diagrams? I want to make a complete on for my truck show how I have replace my generator with an alternator and to keep track of any wiring done by the PO.
The diagram is for a 1957. It is a diagram for just the turn signals and brakes lights.
Julie what program do you use to make you wiring diagrams? I want to make a complete on for my truck show how I have replace my generator with an alternator and to keep track of any wiring done by the PO.
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From: Simi Valley, CA
1956/57 F100/900 = Same: B7A11654A / Same as 1956/57 Ford Passenger Cars & T-Bird's.
1958/59 F100/1100 = Same: B9AF11654A / Same as 1958/59 Ford Passenger Cars & T-Bird's / 1960 T-Bird.
1960 F100/600 = One year only: C0DF11654C / Same as 1960 Falcon/Comet.
btw: B9AF11654A = Last MSRP: $115.02 // Last FoMoCo dealer net cost: $51.76.
There are 16 of these switches available, 8 from Ford Dealers, 8 from obsolete parts vendors.
The dealers are usually cheaper than the obsolete parts vendors as they are STUCK with the part.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
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From: Poway, Ca.
Wow, that is quite a premium price. Most of the listings I have seen they usually are just over half that price. Must be because they are NOS.
The diagram is for a 1957. It is a diagram for just the turn signals and brakes lights. Yep, that's what it was made for - to show 56/57 signal lights wiring.
Julie what program do you use to make you wiring diagrams? I want to make a complete on for my truck show how I have replace my generator with an alternator and to keep track of any wiring done by the PO.
The diagram is for a 1957. It is a diagram for just the turn signals and brakes lights. Yep, that's what it was made for - to show 56/57 signal lights wiring.
Julie what program do you use to make you wiring diagrams? I want to make a complete on for my truck show how I have replace my generator with an alternator and to keep track of any wiring done by the PO.
Interesting point about the different part numbers Bill! But physically and electrically, the two switches are exactly the same. I sat there for an hour and tried to find any diffeence in the two - there was none! What's worse, as was mentioned, the price for the 58/59 was about double! Which is kind of why I brought up the similarities (and interchangeability).
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