What are these switches?? 55 Hornet

[Deleted User]

Okay, I'm crawling around under the dash of my 55 Hornet and I come across two switches, one is a yellowed knob, I suppose it is a reostat control knob for the dash lights, the other is a small toggle switch next to the stearing column, may dome light. I don't know as neither seems to control anything yet. Somebody enlighten me please.



Harry

Unknown

Harry Hill wrote:

Okay, I'm crawling around under the dash of my 55 Hornet and I come across two switches, one is a yellowed knob, I suppose it is a reostat control knob for the dash lights, the other is a small toggle switch next to the stearing column, may dome light. I don't know as neither seems to control anything yet. Somebody enlighten me please.



Harry

The Rheostat for the dash lights would have a coil and a wiper that rides across it. As for the toggle switch, you've got me. Where do the wires conencted to it go?

[Deleted User]

Okay, the knob is the dash lights rheostat, the toggle switch remains a mystery, I can't quite twist around enough to look up under the dash and see where the wires go, it's hell to get old.



Harry

Unknown

your right about the knob its for the dash lights, the toggle i think is after market. -john

Unknown

Harry Hill wrote:

Okay, the knob is the dash lights rheostat, the toggle switch remains a mystery, I can't quite twist around enough to look up under the dash and see where the wires go, it's hell to get old.



Harry

Harry,



The solution is simple, put your foot down and stop getting old. If that works, get back to me ASAP. And, yes, the toggle sounds after market. Maybe for an electric fuel pump or other accessory.

Unknown

Whatever you do, don't flip the toggle. It might be the self destruct switch a few early 55 hudsons came equipped with, and this might be one of the few cars that were not recalled, to have the feature removed/retrofitted.







Actually, I have no idea about the toggle, but felt a little more humor was in order.

Nevada Hudson

Harry Hill wrote:

Okay, I'm crawling around under the dash of my 55 Hornet and I come across two switches, one is a yellowed knob, I suppose it is a reostat control knob for the dash lights, the other is a small toggle switch next to the stearing column, may dome light. I don't know as neither seems to control anything yet. Somebody enlighten me please.



Harry

The toggle switch is probally for the underdash light, that lights up the floor. My '56 has one. The '55 dash is different, but probally has the same feature. Look for the bulb mounted under there. It might be burnt out , missing or broken.

Unknown

hudsonkid wrote:

Whatever you do, don't flip the toggle. It might be the self destruct switch a few early 55 hudsons came equipped with, and this might be one of the few cars that were not recalled, to have the feature removed/retrofitted.



Actually, I have no idea about the toggle, but felt a little more humor was in order.

I think A.E. Barit had a hand in that switch design.

[Deleted User]

You want humor you should see me crawling around trying to look under the dash. Actually, the floor is so big I almost laid down and took a nap. That switch might be what makes the transmission quit working. It could also be the onboard computer for self diagnosis. I should have taken that nap I think. I think I'll work on the tranny and forget the switch for right now. Or I'll look for that under dash light.

Harry

Unknown

Harry Hill wrote:

You want humor you should see me crawling around trying to look under the dash. Actually, the floor is so big I almost laid down and took a nap. That switch might be what makes the transmission quit working. It could also be the onboard computer for self diagnosis. I should have taken that nap I think. I think I'll work on the tranny and forget the switch for right now. Or I'll look for that under dash light.

Harry

I'm all for a laugh, so post some pics of you crawling around in the Hudson. take care with that switch, it may just operate the exclusive Hudson ejector seat.

[Deleted User]

Guess what I found folks, a light socket up underneath the dash. Who woulda thunked it? A light for under the dash, these Hudson designers were genius in their design features. I wonder what else I'll find. I have a linkage coming up from the trans that is disconnected and I think it is the kickdown linkage but I don't see where it was connected. I think I'm going to have to find a service manual for this car.



Harry

Unknown

I think it's to turn off the clock when you're not driving it.

[Deleted User]

Well, I thought the clock switch might have some merit but then I put a bulb into the empty socket and flipped the switch and lo and behold the floor lit up. Now at least if I step in some dog poop I can look at my boot without getting out of the drivers seat. Thanks for all the suggestions, since flipping the switch didn't start the clock what is the best way to get it going?



Harry

[Deleted User]

Contact Hudzilla, He posts on here often. He cleans and reconditions clocks, ranco valves etc. Does good work and is reasonable.
Bob