VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1937 Hi-beam indicator

This might be a dumb question but were there high beams on the 37 Chev. My car has hi beams but I can't find a high beam indicator in the dash so I am wondering if there is one or not. I was getting flashed the other night on my first cruise with the car in the dark so I figured I'd better fix the problem!! Besides ... my father always said there s no such thing as a dumb question only a dummy that never asks!!!

Doesn't look like it...

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyowner/37om05.htm

It was an accessory that clamps under the lower dash lip. If you find one be ready to dig deep. They are rare and command ungodly prices. You can see mine below to the right of the steering mast. If you are interested I made one, that I used until I was finally able to buy an OEM piece, that I would sell. The only similarity to an OEM piece is the function and mounting. I used a window blind end bracket and a small 6v red LED. If you're interested I'll take a couple of pics and send them to you. Or if you want the pics so you can make your own I can do that too. Just let me know.

The first year to have a highbeam indicator built in was 1939.
For now you will haave to pull up to wall and see when the beams are the heighst and go from there.

That is quite interesting that 1937 Chev headlights can be too bright for driver's in this day and age.

Interesting question! Earlier this month I installed a new wiring harness in my '37 Master Coupe. I noticed that the complete harness did not include wiring for the high beam indicator.

I have since determined that the one in my car is indeed an aftermarket item mounted in the dash to the left of the instrument panel. It has small red lens with a dash bulb behind it. Yes, I did replace the wiring to it just to be sure.

Like Tiny, I made my own which is very similar to the original accessory it functions very well but is not correct for show. It clamps below the dash left of the steering column.

Some where in the archives I seem to remember someone posting that some Chevs had a small indicator reflector attached to the headlight itself. I dont know how it would differentiate between high and low beam though it would indicate that the headlights were working.
Tony

That was to confirm that the ligt was working....1937-through early 1939.

I still remember as a kid that my Dad had to leave the high beams on in the '38 in order to see anything at night. After the entire wiring harness was replaced and NOS bulbs were installed, the difference was very noticeable.

There are bulb alternatives available to get much brighter headlights & still use the prefocus base bulbs. In '38 the standard bulb was the #2320 w 21cp low beam & 32cp high beam. An option is the #2330 w 32/32 but a better option is the #2530 w 50cp high & 32cp low. I found a lifetime supply of NOS #2530s on ebay a year of so ago. MUCH better high beams at night. If you search ebay for "2530 bulbs" then click ebay motors you'll find a few listed right now. One seller is selling Chinese repops for much less that the NOS bulbs listed. Of course the effectiveness of any headlight depends on the condition of the reflectors.

Here is a picture of the High Beam Indicator light for a 1938 Chevy. I believe the one for the 37 is suppose to be a woodgrain or marble pattern.

Thanks for all the info. I have something to hunt for at the next flea market. I didn't think the headlights were all that bright but I guess the other driver thought so!!!

I would think someone would be reproducing that part by now.

Just the sort of thing I&I do .. might ask the question..

Even though my 37 is 12 volts the original style bulbs on high are usually not enough to bother oncomming vehicles but would be nice to know when they are on since I have a habit of hitting the dimmer switch and not even knowing it.

Tomorrow I'll take a few pics of my home made indicator & post them in case someone want's to make their own.

I would like to make one.

Everything you need you should be able to find at your local hardware store. You'll need a roll up window blind end bracket <CLICK> , a small flat reinforcement bracket <CLICK> , a thumb screw, two nuts same thread as the thumb screw, a 6 or 12 volt (depending on your application) LED and a dab of epoxy or JB Weld.

First drill out the center of the roll up blind bracket to accept the LED. Second bend the flat bracket into a "U" shape. Third sharpen the end of the thumb screw to a point. Bond the two brackets as shown using the epoxy or JB Weld. Bond one of the nuts to the bracket as shown. Attach the LED and solder the ground wire to the "U" shape bracket. Screw the second nut onto the thumb screw (used as a jamb nut if necessary, if not necessary you can discard it). Extend the LED hot wire with a light grade wire (I used speaker wire) to reach the high beam side of the dimmer switch. Assemble as shown, attach to your lower dash lip and enjoy.

Thanks for the design. I'm going to try to make the indicator light.

I just got a new in the box aftermarket high beam indicator off ebay for 10 dollars to put on my 37,I was hoping to find a original but I doubt I could have found a NOS original version for 10 dollars.

The originals I have seen go pretty high $. I made one for my 37 using the frame from an old clamp on under dash heater switch, with a red light mounted in it. I just used the frame and threw the no good switch away. It works great and looks similar to the real thing, I really like it and can tell when my lights are in hi beam.

I was going to make one when I got bored over the winter but when I found one for 10 dollars I got lazy real quick.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/281274232331?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

have purchased these 6v led's on line .. red/orange/blue etc.. very good quality and very bright .. was thinking of doing a reproduction of the original with one of these fitted inside .. turn the molded piece out of colored nylon/plastic on a lathe ... next project

Ollie

ps you have to insert .com into the URL