1949 M-47 Dash questions
 

Hi Hope you all have had a great weekend!
As some of you know I just got this truck with a bunch of boxes of parts, everything stripped down by the previous owner..... so I'm not really sure on a few things....Now I'm working on the wiring I have a few questions..... Any help would be appreciated.
Zac

1) I have 2 instrument clusters 1 is just the standard one you see everywhere and then there is this one. Do you know what it's out of? Mercury? Canada?
Here's a picture.....

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...56d40cf8d3.jpg

2) In one of the boxes there is a lighter. Did these trucks come with one? If so where was it located? It looks the same as heater controles and choke knob.
Here's a picture.....


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...ff743e13af.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...8b69eeb7ec.jpg

Thanks again

If it was a Mercury it wouldn't have said Ford on it, my guess..

The cross-hatching is missing from that instrument cluster face so someone has been in there, but the gauges and speedo needle look authentic. I think someone made an overlay for the speedo face.
If you look closely you will see a flat spot on the dash just under the ash tray - that's where the lighter goes.

Here is a pic of Marks speedo restored no Ford
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...130e184468.jpg

48 F3

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...8c0ec81a55.jpg
Restored gauge cluster.

I suspect it is from a Mil application. The flat black painting of the instrument cluster plate sort of gives it away as a Mil application. The Canadian military in the era was using mostly Fords for COTS vehicles. I have seen other Milcots Fords from the era with unique bits. The Canadian Military even had a hand full of Ford trucks converted to half tracks to use as artillery tractors.

Thank you everyone for all your responses you guys are awesome!!!

Military would never have thought of that but it makes sense. There's a good size base here in town. It really looks like it was done like that right from the factory I've looked close and I can't see any marks around the trim ring..... like scratches on the tabs for the bezel that would indicate someone was in there at a later time.
Thanks
Zac

Was the lighter in a hole under the ash tray or hanging?? I don't see a hole there. Also was this something that was added after would they drill the dash? I have a hole just to the right of my cluster and left of radio grill.... looks like the size of the lighter once the case is unscrewed.
Thanks
Zac

By your description, that should be the location of the ignition switch.

At the expense of tiring out you all from answering questions..... I have another one....
Re: Heater. I have the 3 door heater with the reversing motor for defrost. I know I need to replace the motor since I'm going 12v but what do you think of using the original switch? And if so does anyone know how it was wired it looks like 4 wires and a resistor on the back but I didn't think these old trucks had a fan speed control.... just on and off. Here's a picture of the back...
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...694bc80d9f.jpg

Also what is this.... 1 wire knob missing

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...6ba87055be.jpg

Thanks again..... appreciate any help
Zac

Sorry should have clarified.... The hole is near the top of the cluster not along the bottom. I'd post a picture but I'm nowhere near the shop now.
Thanks
Zac

The lighter was a factory option, but they were also installed by the dealers. The flat spot on the dash curvature is very subtle, but that's where it goes. You will have to make your own hole. I recommend using a 3/4" hole punch instead of a drill, but make sure to measure first. Aftermarket clamp-on lighters were also available at the time.

That's great I will check that out tonight.... thanks for the info.
Zac

You can just barely make out the flat spot in these pics.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...679a0ce4e2.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...fbbc49bb80.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...2690020196.jpg
Cab interior is cleaning up nice.