VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1940 Dome Light questions

I need to remove the bezel from my 40 dome light, so I would appreciate any suggestions as to how to do this without breaking it.I see there are no readily available replacement parts for the 40, so i was wondering about the switch, which is broken on mine.There is a small hole on the front side of the bezel which i am assuming was for the switch assy, as there are no door switches on the 40, according to my wiring diagram. Any help appreciated. Thank You

I'm not sure what a '40 looks like. My '38's light is shown below. If it's the same the little push/pull knob unscrews the the housing pulls straight down. It's held on my springy fingers similar to a wheel cover. The pictures pretty much show it.

Thank You for your reply. Yes, my 40 is the same as yours.
I now know what the small toggle switch under the dash is for.
The dome light now works fine.

It looks like there are three different dome lights for the '40; round '34-40, rectangular '37-52 and rectangular '40-'48. I suppose it could have to do with where the car was assembled and what they had available. My two door has a rectangular light with a slide switch on the passenger side pillar.

There were two different 1940 dome lights.
The Master 85, Master Deluxe (all body styles) and Special Deluxe coupes had a round light same as 1935-1939 models that had the switch on the light.
Then there was a square lamp, it was used on 1940 Special Deluxe sedans and 1941-1948 Master Deluxe/Stylemaster sedans.
The long narrow lamp with a point on one end was used on 1941-1948 Special Deluxe/Fleetmaster/Fleetline models.

Say Tiny, can I ask what # that bulb is you have for the dome light? Thanks,
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Joe's 37

#87 I believe. It fits but it's close to the lens so you don't want to forget & leave it on. 15 cp I think. Sure helps these old eyes see in the dark.

I hear you on that old eye thing! Now that the NightTime ice cream runs to Dairy Queen in Grandpa's "OLD CHEVY" are over, I'll put one of those's #87's in there. The grandkid's always wanted that light on---it looked neat???? Thanks agin Tiny,
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Joe's 37

Always happy to help when I can my friend.

Thanks for the advice. I was trying to remove my dome light cover thinking it might rotate and release, but now i see i just pull straight down. My 38's dome light cover does not have a screw to secure it to light assy.
I didn't want to ask a questions that was answered already so I had to search, but did find my answer. Funny how the answer came from a 1940 question, but answered from a 1938
Thanks again,
Mike A

The screw looking thing hanging down is the knob of the on/off switch. Pull down for on, push up for off.

My switch is on the pillar. Is that a hat holder peeking into the picture?
Mike A

Yep, used to have it mounted but now it's hanging on the wall of the garage.

I will end up picking one up because i do wear fedoras so it will be used.
Mike A

It must be nice to have a dome light,my 37 p/u did not come with one and I do not think one was ever offered for the trucks but I have one that I think came from a panel truck that wil be going in when I redo the interior.

Here is the hat holder in my 38 Master

Nice,
Did you ever find the trunk support spring for your 38? Do visit chevybombs.com? I'm on it often.
Mike A