55-59 headlight switch "points"?

[dyno]

Putting in a new headlight switch in my 58 and noticed what looks like two sets of "points" inside the switch. Are those like a fusable link for the lighting circuits? The small fuse I believe is for instument lights only.

[mr48chev]

I believe those are bi-metal switches that break contact if the load causes the temperature of the bi-metal spring to exceed a certain point. Somewhat of an exposed circuit breaker.

[1project2many]

Exactly. If a fuse was used and it "popped" due to a short you'd have no lights. The breaker allows the lights to flash on and off, potentially allowing one to make it to a safe area to check out the lighting circuit.

[dyno]

Thats what I figured. Do they protect all the lights (headlights, tail lights, stop, park and dome?

I replaced the wiring harness with a ''stock" V8/ hei harness from classic parts. I'm putting in my own fuse block to protect accessories (heater fan, radio, wiper motor, ect.) I just wanted to make sure my lighting circuit is protected through the contact breakers on that switch.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by dyno

Thats what I figured. Do they protect all the lights (headlights, tail lights, stop, park and dome?

yes.
the fuse block was optional on task force trucks if you had; radio, heater, turn signals or elect wipers
i believe the optional cigarette lighter was inline fused
if you installed an aftermarket fuse panel with a headlight auto-reset breaker
you can tweak the thermals so they never open

[OrrieG]

Changing to relays at the headlights and other big power users takes the load off of the switches which instead of carrying full current are just a signal circuit to the relay.