MTFCA Forum

hi I have a 1922 centerdoor looking for were the location of the switch for the dome light and what it may look like thanks mike

To the best of my knowledge and belief, a centerdoor had no dome light. I believe dome lights were introduced by Ford much later and only in the four doors.

The dome light switch, IF so equipped, was located in the pillar on the passenger side, between the door and rear window, about 3/4 of the way up, between the floor and roof. If you are installing a dome light in your car when it was not originally supplied, place the switch on the pillar where a person would NOT grasp when entering/leaving the car. Run the wire up a channel in the pillar, under the upholstery, to the light in the roof, and down the pillar to under the floor and then to the power supply of your choice.

I highly recommend installing a battery cut out switch to ensure the battery will be disconnected when not in use. This will prevent any short circuit from causing a fire when the car is not in use. It will also prevent you from finding out you left lights on and drained the battery. If you can "hide" the switch, it will also be a theft preventative. There are inexpensive ones available from Harbor Freight or higher quality ones available from automotive and heavy equipment suppliers. I have used both and have had no troubles nor could I see much difference between them. I do believe the heavier duty ones will last much longer but, with the limited use of our Ts, I expect the HF switches to be very adequate.

Good Luck,
Terry

But....if you do want to add one to your Centerdoor, here is the schematic for the Fordor cars with those dome lights!




(Click on image to enlarge)

And photos of a 1926 Fordor showing the wire staples ( old time paper staple) holding the wire to the dome lamp. The lamp, and the switch type.

Great info Dan !!

For what it's worth, my '22 Centerdoor has no dome light and it is an original unmolested car.

Bruce's "big book"...has a section on Center Doors. Two cars were profiled...one under the care of Dave Huson in CO., the other was cared for by Dave Simmering of NH. I believe both cars were original. The NH Center Door...a 1922 did have a wired dome light...the switch being part of the fixture itself.
Dave S. sometimes reads this Forum,,,perhaps he will see this post and tell us if the car was unmolested. Pictures of the car is in that section, but I forget if the dome light is pictured.
Dave D.

thanks guys it may have been added but it matches the original interior so it will stay for now