Fender light not working

[Ernbar]

The fender light on my 41 Columbia is in very nice shape externally. Internally had some light surface rust and minor battery acid damage. I sanded the battery contact points, cleaned and used new batteries and bulb but still it’s not lighting. The switch slides as it should with a positive click each way.

I soaked the light body in Evaporust which removed the interior rust. I did the same thing for my Delta Torpedo light on my 46 Rollfast and it cleaned it out very nicely and gave me a working light in return. I air blew the light, cleaned and wiped things but still wouldn’t light up.

I feel the issue is with the switch that may have dirty contact points inside so Is it possible to carefully bend the tabs to open the switch? I don’t want to damage this 80 year old light therefore I ask for guidance. It would be great if I can get the light to work again.

I still have to polish the light with Flitz metal polish.

I also will need a replacement plastic lens.

 

[Freqman1]

Are you sure the bulb is good? V/r Shawn

 

[Ernbar]

Are you sure the bulb is good? V/r Shawn

Yes, I tried several including the newer leds that work fine in my Delta light.

 

[whizzerbug]

have you tried jumping the switch

 

[Ernbar]

have you tried jumping the switch

Ok just did and the light works. So the switch is bad.
My next question is can the old switch be repaired or does a replacement even exist? I know repro lights were made back in the 90s for the 41 Superb reproduction bike.

 

[Ernbar]

Took the switch apart and cleaned the copper or brass contacts and BINGO!!!

Now I need the repro plastic lens!

 

[Ernbar]

Bummer, short lived victory. The issue is that the part in the switch that leads to the battery is loose and doesn’t make contact with the sliding tab. It held for a few minutes but failed pressed against the - battery post.
Looks like it needs a new switch then. So is there a switch available that can be adapted for this light?

 

[Ernbar]

Well a very interesting turn in events. I flipped the top part around and rotated the battery tab, then re installed it and works again, at least for now lol.