Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Millie Vanillie]

In my 1955 Austin A35 there are 3 buttons below the speedo -

W = Wipers

H = Heater

P = haven't got a clue !!

At the moment it doesn't seem to activate anything - I assumed it might be 'parking' lights but maybe disconnected so not working ? Any thoughts ?

Thanks!

[47Jag]

Millie,

From memory it's the dash lights (panel lights). Turn on the sidelamps and then try it.

Art

[Millie Vanillie]

Aha !!

Thanks Art that makes sense as up until now when driving in the dark the interior is completely black ! Most odd when you consider that most modern cars light up like Christmas trees at night ....

I will give it ia go, thanks again.

[Phil - Nottingham]

All older cars had panel light switches to save the battery particularly when parking on the road at nights on all roads as until approx 1969 was illegal without side /tail lights being on (as it still is where there is a speed limit above 30mph with or without street lights - as some non-locals find out round here when they do not notice the 40mph signs and are ticketed).

Even though most panel lights were only 2-3w - unless there were several instruments - but every one counted in the winter to save battery load

This why single parking lights were sometimes built in or side lights switchable to one side only or even the window clipon plug in versions were used.

Rover's panel lights were wired into the ignition circuit rather than the light circuit but still had a switch
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[Millie Vanillie]

Well I am pleased to report that the P switch does indeed operate the panel lights as you suggested.

So, now I can see just how slowly I am driving in the night aswell as the day ! Fantastic
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Life's too short to keep your car in the garage, get out there and drive it !