Mystery parts ID

[ray_mcavoy]

Hi folks,

I was wondering if anyone recognizes these parts:



I found the trouble light w/wind-up cord attached to the passenger side fender of my 71 parts truck. Just rearward of the positive battery wire junction block. Is this an aftermarket or factory/dealer accessory? I'm guessing aftermarket.

The metal bracket was bolted to the top edge of the frame of my 72 project truck. Right alongside the engine. Is this thing even a 67-72 truck part? If so, what purpose does it serve?

Thanks,
Ray

[pritch]

Hey-I have one of those around here somewhere. I got it from my dad, I remember him always transfering it from old truck to newer old truck each time he traded up. I'll have to hunt that down, I don't remember where I saw it last. The light twists out of the bracket, and there is a spool of wire behind the light.

[LockDoc]

The metal bracket is a heat shield... I've also heard it called an air deflector to direct cooling air to that side of the engine... Take your pick.

LockDoc

[suprachrgd82]

Some sort of antique "trouble light"?

[Papa Smurf]

Don't know what the little can piece is called, because I have never been able to find it in the old parts catalogues. I grab up every one I can find and try to have them on all my small block trucks.

What I have figured out is that they help save exhaust manifolds. If you look at your engine, there is nothing between the elbow on the exhaust manifold and the wheel opening. More than one time I have been driving on wet roads and hit a puddle of water and heard a lot pop and then the "puff-puff" of a leaking exhaust. I have had this happen and the manifold break completely off. Cold water on hot cast iron doesn't go together. The little tin can bolts to the frame(there is a hole for it) and wraps around the elbow to give a little protection. Most folks probably threw them away the first time they tried to do a tune up and they were in the way.

Don't really know if they were original, aftermarket, optional, regional, or a service fix. I have seen ultra-original trucks that didn't have them, and I have seen trucks that have been stripped to nothing but still have them. I personally think they are a nice touch if you want to be really stock(like all the crap abound the top of the manifolds).

I would be interested in hearing from some of the guys who know what the real story is.

Papa Smurf

[cdowns]

aftermarket underhood light mount in hood and if u need a closer look twist and take light where u want to see

[ray_mcavoy]

Thanks for the info guys!

I had thought about puting the trouble light in my 72 but considering the fact that its aftermarket and that the glass lens is cracked I probably won't bother.

After reading Papa Smurf's & LockDoc's replies, I'll clean up that metal shield, re-paint it, and bolt it back onto the frame. This truck isn't going to be a 100% stock restoration. But it'll be a daily driver that'll definitely be exposed to wet roads & puddles.

[PanelDeland]

Lots of newer Trucks have the trouble light in them.I'm thinking i'll get one at the JY and put under my hood.Might be just the ticket when the flashlight batts are dead.

[chevy72pu]

I had a '90 silverado with a new version of that trouble light from the factory. Had a magnetic base and enought wire to reach the back of the truck. Wasn't very bright, but better than nothing.