VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Fog lights wiring, 40 pickup

I got a set of original period fog lights for my 40 pickup. Was there a correct way to wire the fog lights, do they need to be on a fuse and is there a correct switch that was used on these fog lights. Thanks, Harold Pickett

I have the lever type fog light switch on my '46 pickup and there is a 15 amp fuse in it. The wire is 14 gauge and the hot lead comes off of the ammeter terminal.

The 1940 (and other year) fog lights are the same for a car or truck. The 1937-39 switch was the "turn" type and hung under the dash pointing straight down. The 1940 was the first year for the flipper type switch which matched the heater and defroster switch....All of these fog light switches had a fuse holder on the back.
The switch will have three wire terminals and will be marked something like road, tail and ignition.
One wire runs from the tail lamp terminal of the light switch to the fog switch. One wire runs from the + post on the ignition switch or ammeter to the fog switch. One wire runs to the fog light(s).
The switch connections are done this way so the tail lights always light when the fogs are on.
I really don't like that hook-up and don't use the tail light wire on my cars. I can use the fogs alone when ever the Ign. is on.
The 1940 flipper switch is impossible to find and you will probably need to resort to a turn type switch. I may have some that look like the 1939 switch.

The rotary switch being sold by Chevs of the 40s isn't fused & doesn't have the tail light lug on it. I've not found a source for the correct switch other than an occasional NOS switch on ebay.

Hello Haroldpickett

Send me a PM. I probably have an original 1940/1941 Fog Light Switch that I could sell.

There is a flipper-type fog light switch on ebay now under 1938 Chevrolet Parts. It is item #350159090999, and it expires Feb. 3. Beamer

Thats actually a 1949 switch. I have one just like it. The color changed several times between 1940 and 1949.....matching the general interior trim colors.
That switch was made for GM by Ark-less (spelling?) and was also sold under the Ark-less brand as well as others and by Sears.
I put a bid of $30.00 on the switch just for "kicks". sure it will go for much more than that. Bid (hidden) was up to $25.00.

Ark-Les is still in business but they've not replied to an e-mail I sent them a few weeks ago asking if they still make the original rotary switch.

Chevgene: I purchased a chev delux heater with the defroster assembly on it (1937-40 car, I think ) I am not sure of the correct years. There was no switch with the unit and I set it aside because the unit was a little rough but today I thought I would check it out to see if it was useable. When I took the heater apart a three wire switch fell out of the unit. The switch is 1 1/8" round with three wires attached, has a tear drop style knob in rose tan, and the switch is just off or on, rotory style. Could this be an original defroster fan switch? Thanks, harold Pickett

The 1937-1938 heaters are somehwhat different. The 1939 heater looks like a 1938 but the knobs on the doors are different colors.
All of the above heaters had verticle opening doors.
The 1940 heater was changed in looks. The doors opened at an angle.
If you PM me your email address I can send you pictures.
The 1937-1939 heater and defroster switches had a round knob, no pointer and had two wires.
The 1940 switch looked like the 1941-48 (and 1949 with cheap heater)....looked like the fog light switch on ebay.

Chevgene: Could this switch that I have be used as a fog light switch? Do you know the ebay number for the switch you mentioned? Where was the fog light switch placed? This switch that I have is a post type with a single nut. Thanks, harold Pickett

Toolman: Sorry that I didnt get back to you sooner. Let me know what you need for the fog light switch. You can email me at: picpockett_414@msn.com Thanks, Harold Pickett

Chevgene: Forgot to give you my email: picpockett_414@msn.com I would appreciate the pictures you talked about the heaters. Again thanks, Harold Pickett

Note that the switch on Ebay sold for $78.00