M38 Light switch and levers

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ColKilgore2860
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M38 Light switch and levers

Post by ColKilgore2860 »

I am working on a late 1952 M38. I’m a little confused about the light switch.
It is the latest generation, #3 on one of Wes'es explanation photo, oblong with one connector on the back.
To begin with, I misplaced my 3 light switch levers. I ordered replacements.
2 out of the 3 replacements looked a bit smaller, and had a hex-like hole in the back, instead of the elongated “slots” with the rounded ends that my switch requires.

Upon removing the light switch assembly, I noticed that there were two wires that had the Packard ends. I would venture to guess that the light switch may be aftermarket, or updated.
In looking at what is offered for sale, I notice minute differences in these switches. Some have regular slotted screws on the levers, others have Phillips screws.

Rather than buying a new light switch, I will adapt the two Packard wires to Douglas connectors.
So what are the standard light switch lever-to-switch configurations, and how do I specify the correct ones. Do they have different names?

Finally, so I don’t “screw” up on my next trip to the hardware store, what are the screw sizes for (1) mounting the switch to the dash, and (2) mounting the levers to the switch.

Thank you!
Adam Jahiel
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Story, Wyoming
M38A1 & M38
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wesk
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Post by wesk »

The levers you purchased are for the early two Bendix switches. They are procurable because the two style Bendix switches were rebuildable in the field and their parts are listed in the ORD 9. The modern single plug switch that showed up late 1952 is a throw away switch and was not rebuildable in the field thus no individual parts listing for them. The screws for the levers were the same Fillister Head, slotted 8-32 x 1/2" The 4 mounting screws were the same for either switch.

Image
The full size easier to read version is at this link: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _photo.php

Image

You can use this photo to illustrate which lever and screw you are looking for in our wanted page.
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php
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