The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Interior Light Questions 46 GMC/Chev

Hello all,

I'm new here so please forgive me if I posted this in the wrong question, or if there's already a thread for this (I did search for one).

I was doing some disassembly on my '46 GMC, and found there is a small light on the back side of the dash that shines through a slit in the middle of the dash over the switches and cables in that area. I didn't know this bulb was there, and am wondering if anyone knows what this is called, and how it operates? I'm wondering if it's wired in with the dash lights, or if it only works with the switch it's wired to under the bottom lip of the dash? It appears to be factory.

Also, is the dome light wired to work with the headlight switch?

Any help on how it was wired and how these lights worked stock would be greatly appreciated.

While I will be rodding my truck, I think these are neat features to retain to work as they would have originally.

I have a 46 chevy it is likely the same. The one through the slit in the center top is the high beam indicator light. It goes to floor high beam switch. The dash lights go to a switch on the bottom right of the dash near the steering column. There is another light over the choke and throttle knobs. That one is on the other side of the switch under the dash.

Send me an email address and I'll send you a wiring diagram for 46 chevy. [email protected]

For future reference: most people have their email address in their Profile. You can find their Profile (View Profile) by clicking on their name at the left of their post.

Thanks GWWirth for the information and wiring diagram. That's a huge help. The bulb I'm referring to, because it's connected to a switch, looks more like the Ignition Lock Light and Instrument Light Switch referred to in the wiring diagram you sent.

Can you help me with the comment under the dome light in the diagram? I can't read it, but mine does have a dome light right behind the drivers head.

Thanks again.

Ahh you must have a 461/2 - 47 or an AD Advanced Design. The truck I have does not have a dome light. The wiring diagram I sent would not necessarily be the same. If I am right you have a one piece hood that is hinged by the firewall. Mine is hinged down the center. 1946 and 1/2 is when the AD's came out. They ran till 1954 I think. I had a 53 years ago.

No, I don't have an AD. It is a '46, and is the same body as yours except for the grill and different hood sides.

The interior light on an AD is in the middle at the back curve of the cab above your head. My interior light is almost directly behind the driver's head. My truck is definitely the "Art Deco" series.

It may be because it's a GMC, they had several features that the Chevs didn't in these years.

my 46 GMC was the same as a Chev, as Gene says, the one behind the dash louver is to light the dash controls, and the switch there is a 2 way that powers either the "Instrument Lights" [gauge lights] or "Ignition Lock Light" [controls] - a dome light was standard on panel bodies only but may have been optional for the pickup cabs, or yours was added by the dealer or original owner

Bill

Is it still glowing