BLACK OUT DRIVE SWITCH
Blackout drive switch
Push-pull switch for instrument panel
Push-pull switch for operating the blackout driving light on the instrument panel. This switch controls the shielded headlamp on the left front wing during blackout conditions. Essential component for jeeps equipped with a blackout driving light system.
|
Type Push-pull switch |
Position Left on dashboard |
|
Function Blackout driving light |
Knob marking O. DRIVE |
Features
- Push-pull switch for blackout driving light
- Mounted on instrument panel, left of main light switch
- Knob marked 'B.O. DRIVE' in white
- Early version with metal knob (mid 1942), late version with plastic knob
- Ready for installation in 6 volt system
★ Correct reproduction of the original blackout drive switch for an authentic restoration of the electrical system.
Application
Applied to Willys MB and Ford GPW jeeps that were equipped with a blackout driving light (shielded headlamp on left wing). Early production jeeps had no blackout driving light and therefore no B.O. DRIVE switch. From early 1942, many jeeps were supplied with this system or retrofitted via installation kits. The switch only works when the main light switch is in blackout position (1st position).
Installation notes
The switch is mounted in the instrument panel, to the left of the main light switch (if present) and to the left of the choke knob. The switch receives voltage from the main light switch when it is in blackout position. Knob and lock ring should be painted in Olive Drab. The 'B.O. DRIVE' marking must be filled with white paint.
Compatibility
This switch only applies to jeeps equipped with a blackout driving light system. Vehicles with the later rotary main light switch (from June 1944) do not require a separate B.O. DRIVE switch — the function is integrated into the rotary switch. Early jeeps without blackout driving light had the same main light switch, but no B.O. DRIVE switch on the dashboard.
Historical context
The blackout driving light was an essential component of the military lighting system during WWII, designed to enable convoy driving at night with minimal visibility to the enemy. The shielded headlamp on the left wing provided just enough horizontal light to see the road without being visible from above.
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This part is intended for the restoration of historic military vehicles. Fitting, aligning, deburring or reworking is part of that work and is inherent to the nature of these goods. Dimensional variation also exists between original vehicles.
Installation requires technical knowledge of the vehicle. Unsure whether this part suits your version? Ask us before purchase at info@willys.be.
ALL_CATEGORIES : 09 DASHBOARD MB/GPW, electricity dashboard dodge closed, electricity dashboard open cab
This part fits:
| Model | Years |
|---|---|
| Military jeeps | |
| Willys MB | 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 |
| CJ series | |
| Jeep CJ-2A | 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949 |
| Jeep CJ-3A | 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953 |
📐 Diagrams & technical drawings
From the original Technical Manual TM 10-1513 — Maintenance Manual — only for Willys MB / Ford GPW (1942)
From the original Technical Manual TM 9-1803B — Ordnance Maintenance — Power Train, Body & Frame — only for Willys MB / Ford GPW (¼-ton 4×4)
