Customs Buick 1949 map light mystery

I own a 49 Buick Super Sedanette and most of it's ****ons and switches are working.

But it has a map light that does nothing. Does anybody know if that means to be connected to the dome light? I can't find a map light or even a spot where a map light could be installed. All 49 Super and Roadmasters have this switch but I've never seen a picture of a map light or a used map light for sale.

If anybody has information about this, or remembers driving one with a working switch, it would be great. Thanks.

 

I don't know if they changed over the years, but my 54 has a map light and it is run off the headlight switch. You can turn it on with the dome light or by itself depending on how far you turn the dial.

 

Mine too with my 1956 buick station wagon. Bruce.

 

I would guess a map light should work all the time(have power to it).
Does it have power to one side of the switch? Have you shorted between the two contacts to by p*** the switch? Is the bulb good?
Let us know what you find. Good luck

 

If '49 is like the '50, and I bet it is, turning the headlight switch counterclockwise will do the trick.

Ben

 

The way I read this is...The poster sees a switch for map light but cannot find the map light itself...Read again and see if I am correct

 

That's correct. I got that map light switch, like in the picture below (not my Roadmaster, but it's the same dashboard, the switch is in the lower right) and can't find a place where a map light should be installed.

Thanks for the answers so far.

 

.... two things >> is that one of those 6 volt switches that controls an accessory light for say a cigarette lighter ? Those old jeweled light sticks that go into said cigarette lighter port.

Second, what does the underside of the pull switch look like ? Does the underside have a cavity that takes a bulb ?? Something from memory, which of course doesn't mean sh#t .... but I think the light is a right knee illumination. I don't remember anything hanging or dome related. I almost want to bet the second question ....

I'm a 44 year old yahoo that has never owned one of these cars. My uncle cared for Grady Whitlock Ford's owner's car collection for years. I remember sitting in the front seat cruising it back to the dealership after hours. He lit up the map light exactly as I recall .... but what did I know ? I was a stupid kid. Now, I'm just a stupid man.

 

I believe the light bulb goes in the pull out handle and shines from the bottom of the pull out knob.

 

Hooray! That must be the answer. I never looked from below when the switch was pulled out. But I wondered why it could be pulled out so far. I've got to check that the next time I'm in the garage.

Thank you so much! Another puzzle part in the restoration is found.
You guys are awesome!