has anyone figured out a way to backlight the column shift indicator?

[suckerpunched]

maybe a tiny LED or something. It's so dark in the cab at night, I can't see what gear it's in.

 

[tirewater]

maybe a tiny LED or something. It's so dark in the cab at night, I can't see what gear it's in.

There's a light bulb in it already (if you have stock steering column and turn signal switch). Remove the steering wheel to change it.

 

[suckerpunched]

I will check it out. thank you

 

[rydog1130]

There's a light bulb in it already (if you have stock steering column and turn signal switch). Remove the steering wheel to change it.

yup, what he said!

 

[thegreatjustino]

No light bulb on the '73 auto column. Only on the 74-77 columns.

 

[suckerpunched]

Yup, bad bulb.

Easy fix

Thanks guys

 

[PaveBronco]

No light bulb on the '73 auto column. Only on the 74-77 columns.

Any ideas on the pre 74 columns?
I've thought about tapping into the turn signal power for an LED, or horn...haven't looked at the wiring layout yet...too many other projects going on...

 

[chuck1022]

Any ideas on the pre 74 columns?
I've thought about tapping into the turn signal power for an LED, or horn...haven't looked at the wiring layout yet...too many other projects going on...

I converted mine to LED, feel free to use my idea.

 

[Jaxgtc]

You should have patented the idea!

Great to have a laugh on a Monday!

 

[DirtDonk]

Any ideas on the pre 74 columns?...

Do you have a '73? If so, was it a late-build by any chance? Just wondering if it's late enough, whether you have a turn signal switch that was designed to have a bulb in it already.
The '73's were odd ducks, but if late enough, perhaps it was going to be a running change at Ford?

In a pinch, it's just possible too that a '74 and later turn signal switch could be retrofitted. But it would only work if you also installed a '74-later single-trace horn circuit and notched the column "bell" to accept the hazard flasher switch sticking out of the side.

But hey, even though confidence might be low, some things can still work out!

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Actually, I remember thinking originally that the '73 indicator was lit at some point. Though that might have been incorrect, perhaps that's why there were so many variations on the '73 switch to begin with.
I've worked on wiring for several '73's (just worked out that way for some reason) and have run across at least three different versions of the turn signal switch. The only difference I made note of was the wiring however, and never really paid attention to the switch itself.

Paul

 

[sprdv1]

Yup, bad bulb.

Easy fix

Thanks guys

Love it when a plan comes together..

 

[sprdv1]

I converted mine to LED, feel free to use my idea.

can't go wrong w/ LED right

 

[chuck1022]

can't go wrong w/ LED right

I am an idea guy, they may not all be good ideas. ;D

 

[BigB]

I converted mine to LED, feel free to use my idea.

Thats Gold!

 

[Jdgephar]

Until it falls off the column. Needs more duct tape.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[mustanggarage]

On my yj Jeep the light bulb socket and wiring were corroded so I bought one of those little LED lights from Walmart and wired it to the instrument light circuit. It has worked well for 2 years now.