Empty hole in 1958 861D dash panel

[MitchellB]

I got to wondering what went in the empty hole in my dash panel below my proof meter that has a metal cap plug in it now.



I saw some tractors online that had a dash light that stands up and points toward the proof meter that seem to be what Ford originally put in there. I found some of those little light fixtures for sale, and they were pretty pricey I thought.

I did not need to fill that hole that bad and besides except for my oil pressure gauge, all the other gauges have lights in them.

So I began to think of something useful I could use that 1 1/8" hole for and discovered these on eBay for $3.

I wasn't really sure it would fit until it arrived in today's mail and I was able to measure it. It is plastic, so I don't guess I can light a cigar with it, but I don't smoke anyway. However there are many other things that I use a standard 12 automotive auxiliary socket to power devices since my 861D is powered by 12 volts too.

Then I found these LED meters for a couple bucks also that I could plug into the socket and be able to tell at a glance the voltage the battery or generator is producing.

However when mine arrived from China the bezel was busted and I'm waiting on a replacement, but the meter still works. When the weather warms up some, I'll install these in that hole.

Anyone else pull the plug and put anything in that hole?

 

[Soundguy]

Fyi, the hole was for a lamp, though certainly can be re tasked.

A dealer option cigar lighter was available, but didn't mount there.

 

[MitchellB]

Fyi, A dealer option cigar lighter was available, but didn't mount there.

Where did the dealer option cigar lighter mount?

It warmed up some today so I piddled with installing a couple items on my tractor. I picked up the Harbor Freight 12v work light they had on sale yesterday for $7.99 and mounted it in an old hole in my right rear fender and ran the wire for it. (I still got to pickup a switch and mount it, but got the wires run for it)

12 Volt Halogen Vehicle Work Light

I also installed the little accessory plug in the dash. It was a tighter fit than I thought, requiring me to screw it into the hole in the dash, but it went in fine that way and makes it a little more firm too. I wired it so that the switch has to be on before it works.



Just for testing, I plugged in my meter with the broken bezel (new replacement has not arrived yet)

 

[Soundguy]

http://www.oldfordtractors.com/acc/clighterb.jpg


Under e dash. Here's a pic of one on a ford 8n.

It was a dealer option.. etc

 

[MitchellB]

Under dash. Here's a pic of one on a ford 8n.

Thanks. Looks like they just used a L bracket to hold the cigar lighter. Since the 8N was originally 6 volts (my 8N is still 6 volt too), I wonder what else could be powered from a 6 volt power supply receptical? I know the gas versions of my 861 were 6 volt also, but lucky for me the diesel version uses a more modern 12 volt system.

I got my new work light switch installed today in the front hole beside the headlamps switch.

That terminal block was a PITA to get at for me. I had to take out the battery and then I could only get one hand in there to work at a time. I should have done all this when I had the sheet metal off a few months ago.