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Discussion Topic:
1941 Convertible - Newbie
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Kpyto71 |
08-21-2025 @ 9:28 AM
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Member
Posts: 19
Joined: Jul 2025
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Thanks TomO!
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TomO |
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08-11-2025 @ 11:20 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7384
Joined: Oct 2009
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It is more likely that the wire from the light switch became unplugged or the dash light dimmer switch is adjusted so the lights are too dim to see. Another possibility is that the bulbs were removed.
The instrument panel lights are on their own circuit after the dimmer switch. If the light switch were bad, you probably would not have any tail lights.
Here is a link to the wiring schematic of your car. You can download and print it and use colored pencils to trace the lines.
http://vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/FH_images/FH_electrical-pics/Flathead_Electrical_wiring1941car.jpg
Tom
This message was edited by TomO on 8-11-25 @ 12:02 PM
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Kpyto71 |
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08-06-2025 @ 10:47 AM
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Hi all. Haven't been able to look into the dash light issue (playing with learning the finer art of starting the car after a few days of sitting), but for sure I have no lights on the dash of any sort - nothing for the high beams, nothing for the gauge cluster, and nothing for the clock. Makes me think that it's a switch issue.
Is it possible to get a new switch, or repair/fix the existing?
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sq1954 |
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07-17-2025 @ 12:50 PM
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New Member
Posts: 106
Joined: Jan 2017
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There should be 2 dash lights plus one in the back of the speedo for high beam indicator. There is also another bulb lower in the dash to light up the ignition switch. The dash light dimmer switch was notorious for going bad. You could disconnect the two wires on the back of the switch and couple them to bypass the switch if needed.
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TomO |
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07-17-2025 @ 11:53 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7384
Joined: Oct 2009
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Very nice car.
There may be other mistakes in the labeling of the dash , that is why I recommended an Owners manual. There may also be differences o your car and the Owner's manual drawings. There were changes made during the 1941 year that may not be reflected in the version of the Owner's manual that you get.
You should have dash lights when you pull the light switch to either position. you should have 2 bulbs for the gauges, 1 for the High Beam indicator 1 for the clock. They are no. 53 bulbs for the instruments.
Tom
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Kpyto71 |
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07-17-2025 @ 10:49 AM
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Member
Posts: 19
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TomO...
Last night when I got home, I went over to check out my 41 with your information you provided on the two pictures. There are two differences for me...
On the first picture in red text you have two items:
- Dash light dimmer (for me this seems to be the "trip" for the odometer - turning it turns the numbers on the right side of the speedometer.
- Overdrive (for me, this is my button to operate the convertible top)
You mention the dash light dimmer, but in fact, at the moment, I don't have any dash lights - If I pull the lights, first stop pulling outward turns on the parking lights, and second stop pulling out are the headlights - with the floor push button for high/low beams. When should the dash lights come on? is there more than one bulb? I'm thinking that perhaps I have a bad bulb (or two?).
C.
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Kpyto71 |
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07-16-2025 @ 1:43 PM
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Member
Posts: 19
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First, thank you everyone for your responses... Some of you mentioned clubs... it's a next step of mine. I am part of an owner's group for older Chris Craft Commanders, and the forum and our club has been a huge help over the years.
For the battery hold down... does anyone have a size for the frame from Dennis Carpenter (I assume original battery size, but you know what happens when you assume)? I have already ordered an AM radio knob... should be here in a few days.
We took the car out for a few short drives last night (it was delivered yesterday morning), so it was interesting to start getting comfy with it. It'll take some time, but it was a blast, and we got lots of waves, thumbs up, and nice comments.
After driving, I can't see myself flying down the road anything more than about 50 mph at the moment. With a bit of play in the steering, and the rpm's, it seems comfortable at 45-50. I can totally see the stopping distance issue - it's like stopping a lead brick, but something I'll get used to (and keep in mind). I did noticed the picture Tom O that there is a knob/button for Overdrive. I didn't see your post until today, but I'll have a look tonight when I get home.
Again, thanks for the info everyone. In the meantime, I'll add a picture of it with me at the wheel this morning...
This message was edited by Kpyto71 on 7-16-25 @ 1:58 PM
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TomO |
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07-16-2025 @ 1:21 PM
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Senior
Posts: 7384
Joined: Oct 2009
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Here are 2 photos with the descriptions, but you will find better descriptions in the Owner's Manual. Original ones and reproductions can be found on Ebay, reproductions can be found at some of the supplier to the hobby,shown in the Vendors category found by clicking on LINKS on theleft side of your screen.
Tom
This message was edited by TomO on 7-16-25 @ 1:33 PM
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sq1954 |
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07-15-2025 @ 9:43 AM
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New Member
Posts: 106
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You should be able to drive your Mercury a normal highway speeds w/o a Columbia. Most Mercury owners say you don't need a Columbia. I have drive my dad's 37 pickup comfortably at 80 w/o a Columbia. Just remember to give yourself plenty of room to stop since it won't stop as fast as new cars.
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sq1954 |
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07-15-2025 @ 9:35 AM
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New Member
Posts: 106
Joined: Jan 2017
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I would use non-ethanol gas. The ethanol destroys the rubber parts and corrodes the inside of the fuel pump and carburetor.
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