Chev HUW door switch question

[maple_leaf_eh]

I recall the door seals on the modern MLVW SEV boxes was a series of little fingers that were not unlike the conversation about, except not a continuous strip but 1/4" fingers perpendicular to the motion of the door. Same thing only different.

Likewise, the red light on/off switch was high up on the box like you've illustrated. The switch was different, just a spring finger that was closed when a door latch (a big interconnected set of latches actually) pushed it closed. Turn the door latch without thinking about the light colour, and there was enough of a closure seal to get the lights switched over before the door swung open.

But .... getting back to the repurposing suggestion, why not? The idea of wartime production was to use available commercial or industrial products that were suited. So a plunger light switch mounted in the door frame isn't far off.

[David Dunlop]

One more crazy thought before I call it a night, Bruce.

Following on what Terry just said. The wheel was very likely not reinvented when the CMP’s were designed and built. Commercially available items would have been used wherever possible to save time and money.

The blackout switches used on the 15-cwt Wireless 5 2K1 and 2K2 Bodies were a thicker style than those on your HUW. The plungers on them also functioned directly against the inside face of the rear entry door and Generator Compartment door, so much simpler operating action.

I wonder, however, if the same company perhaps made both switches commercially pre-war? If Gord Falk, or any other WIRE 5 owner with original blackout switches still available could check them for maker stamps, it might help trace the switches you need. Could be LEVITON, or any other prewar electrical supplier.

Also just a thought. If your generator is running, the exterior hatch would be open. Was there a blackout switch on the inner compartment door somewhere as well?

David