ConcoursMustang Forums

1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1969 - 70 Shelby => Topic started by: 427hunter on February 02, 2018, 02:19:30 AM

Title: Mercury switch for shelby trunk light ?
Post by: 427hunter on February 02, 2018, 02:19:30 AM
Hi all, my 69 gt500 mercury trunk light switch is not working, anyone know were to get a replacement ?
Title: Re: Mercury switch for shelby trunk light ?
Post by: TLea on February 02, 2018, 11:27:01 AM
As far as I know there is no replacement part. Good news is 67-70 trunk lights are same except bracket/wires so you can pirate a mercury switch from any
Title: Re: Mercury switch for shelby trunk light ?
Post by: 427hunter on February 02, 2018, 01:11:37 PM
Do you know who sells them?
Title: Re: Mercury switch for shelby trunk light ?
Post by: Bob Gaines on February 02, 2018, 02:41:46 PM
Do you know who sells them?
West Coast Cougar is a good source for used parts. The fact that you only really need the  mercury switch portion will help with possibilities in their inventory since many salvage switch's have the wires cut and are otherwise worthless to most.
Title: Re: Mercury switch for shelby trunk light ?
Post by: 67gtasanjose on February 02, 2018, 05:12:11 PM
Hmmm...
Hadn't ever seen a mercury switch fail unless the glass was broken & mercury was out of it....Of course, the mercury pellet is possible to put it in backwards but...
Title: Re: Mercury switch for shelby trunk light ?
Post by: Bob Gaines on February 02, 2018, 05:38:32 PM
Hmmm...
Hadn't ever seen a mercury switch fail unless the glass was broken & mercury was out of it....Of course, the mercury pellet is possible to put it in backwards but...
+1 . I suppose there is always a first time.
Title: Re: Mercury switch for shelby trunk light ?
Post by: Bossbill on February 02, 2018, 06:25:28 PM
How big is the mercury capsule?

The old (60s 70s) wall thermostats in houses used to have the capsules.
Title: Re: Mercury switch for shelby trunk light ?
Post by: 427hunter on February 02, 2018, 09:42:46 PM
+1 . I suppose there is always a first time.

The glass broke..

Are there any available?
Title: Re: Mercury switch for shelby trunk light ?
Post by: 67gta289 on February 02, 2018, 10:28:37 PM
I have an NOS 1971 or 72 Lincoln one available.  If you have yours apart include some pics.
Title: Re: Mercury switch for shelby trunk light ?
Post by: Bob Gaines on February 03, 2018, 12:54:42 AM
The glass broke..

Are there any available?
Re read reply #3 and call them.
Title: Re: Mercury switch for shelby trunk light ?
Post by: 67gtasanjose on February 03, 2018, 10:22:56 AM
I have worked on just a few trunk light or hood lights from original to Service Replacement NOS, including one reproduction hood light from Alloy Metal.

I am willing to offer this generalized information about these lights. First of all, no matter WHAT 1960's to early 70's car they came from, it seems their value isn't exactly "worthless" since many will sell for at least over $20 on eBay, (no matter what "usable" condition they are in). Certain ones will fetch over $75-up if they are rare (such as Mustangs).

Basically speaking, the Mercury pellet switch is the same between most any of them, so long as they do not have the plastic lamp base where the wire protrudes from out of the lamp. The original lamp assemblies are staked after being compressed together to retain the switch and wiring discs, then again compressed with the insertion of a bulb to keep all contact points pressed together.
Getting a lamp assembly apart without breaking the glass can be tricky and remember that Mercury can be dangerous if mishandled (even though many of us used to play with it at school as kids ;) ).

I know Alloy Metals sells at least hood lamps for 67 Mustangs the ones they sell have a NON-Mercury switch in them. Jim from Alloy metals said it is like the switch that is used in a smart phone, converted for use in the hood lamps (and no doubt other similarly designed reproduction lamps). I bought one of his hood lamps to use it for parts to rebuild my original one. I did not use his switch but instead reused an original Mercury switch. I practiced on another used one (pictured below) to learn how to take a "freebie" one apart. The glass in that one was already broken and the Mercury spilled out (caused me to investigate the hazards of handling Mercury!). I can see how easy it would be to crush one if it were done incorrectly. What I learned was to use a socket that is the same size as the inside of the lamp housing to work the "dimples" that are in the lamp body out. This will allow the parts to come out without using force.

FWIW, I have no "spare" Mercury switches by themselves nor any spare original Ford lamps available at this time.

I do have Alloy Metal's switch somewhere, I don't think I used it if memory serves.
Title: Re: Mercury switch for shelby trunk light ?
Post by: 427hunter on February 03, 2018, 06:46:08 PM
Thanks guys I just bough one from west coast cougar. Fingers crossed it works..