M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

1950 - 1952, M38, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38.
Jerseyhawg
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M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by Jerseyhawg » Sun Mar 07, 2021 4:30 pm

Light switch, refresh the face print. Has anyone ever made the print on the face of the light swich white again? So you can read it? If so, how did you do it?
I am trying to make the switch on mine legible again.
Glenn
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by Ron D » Sun Mar 07, 2021 6:47 pm

Mine could use it too, so following this thread.....

I haven't tried one yet, but heard that Sharpie makes an oil-based paint pen marker (in white) that will do a nice job using a fine or extra-fine tip. I'm guessing a steady hand under a magnifying glass would probably help. Them letters are pretty small.
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by Ken Perkins » Mon Mar 08, 2021 8:09 am

On mine, I painted the lettering white, over painted O.D. and when dry lite sanded the letters to bring the white up...looks pretty good.
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by Jerseyhawg » Mon Mar 08, 2021 2:44 pm

I was eyeballing that print today. EVEN with my new eye lens AND glasses I had a hard time figureing if I could manage redoing those tiny letters. LOL

Would you guys recommend battery disconnect before dusconnecting that cannon plug in the rear to pull that switch out? I guess yes, 24V.
Glenn
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by Ken Perkins » Mon Mar 08, 2021 4:42 pm

:( yes
1951 M38 #22936
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by dpcd67 » Mon Mar 15, 2021 3:34 pm

All the time; I use Bic White Out; it has a little V shaped sponge; easy to use. Don't get the ones with the little brush. I use it mostly on radio faces.
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by Jerseyhawg » Fri Mar 19, 2021 7:53 pm

That white out sponge sounds good to try. I havent been having much luck. Even with jewlers magnifiers on. I shake a bit from prior strokes. Thanks for the tip. Appreciated.
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by dpcd67 » Sun Mar 21, 2021 8:48 am

Have to have a steady hand.
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by Joe Gopan » Sun Mar 21, 2021 9:20 am

Some of these switches are done in silver paint.
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by mdainsd » Sun Mar 21, 2021 11:30 am

M38 light switches don't have paint on the letters. Not white, not silver.

Im holding a spanking new M38 two connector light switch.The letters are surfaced off to reveal the raw aluminum of the case.
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by dpcd67 » Sun Mar 21, 2021 12:59 pm

That is interesting! I never had one that didn't have 8 layers of green paint on it anyway.
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by Joe Gopan » Sun Mar 21, 2021 2:13 pm

Many M-38/M-38A1 Jeeps had an OEM single plug switch manufactured by UCINITE, not all came with DELCO. UCINITE can also be found OEM on M-35 REO 6X6's dated 1953.
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by mdainsd » Mon Mar 22, 2021 4:55 am

The light switches for the M38 are Bendix. Starting with the two connector and moving to the single connector later on. You can spot them across the parking lot. They have a large raised triangular section that the three levers protrude from. Fully rebuildable too.
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Mar 22, 2021 5:34 am

And after chassis number 66735 they are UCINITE, check your ORD 9 SNL G-740. I have observed this on M-Series Jeeps since the 50's.
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Re: M38 Light Switch. Make the print legible.

Post by mdainsd » Mon Mar 22, 2021 8:54 am

Ive never had one that late in the production run. I prefer the very early ones. But good info none the less.
52 M38 2X, '52 M37, '44 WC51, '42 WC 56/57, '50 CJ-V35(U), '42 GPW, '44 M3A1 Scout Car, 2010 M-Gator


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