What's that odd light

[mbavers]

M1008. While modifying the front grill in order to reroute hoses for my external transmission cooler I removed what at first looked like a horn. Inside is nothing but a standard auto light bulb. Very well made, with its own grounding wire. The hood of the cover has one small slit to emit a small amount of light. What in heck could this be for??

 

[jcollings]

It's considered a military blackout light for low light conditions when Conditions are warranted

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[jcollings]

Should be a switch on the left hand of your instrument panel with select or switches pertaining to that item

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[WWRD99]

M1008. While modifying the front grill in order to reroute hoses for my external transmission cooler I removed what at first looked like a horn. Inside is nothing but a standard auto light bulb. Very well made, with its own grounding wire. The hood of the cover has one small slit to emit a small amount of light. What in heck could this be for??View attachment 922026

Looks to be in great shape! Most of mine the bulb socket was rusted out. It's purpose is the front headlight when you're using the blackout lights. It's gotta be extremely cloudy and dark out to see it without nods...but with a basic pv7 its ok light. You may have 2 in each bumper as well if they haven't been removed.

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[G744]

US military blackout lighting systems were engineered for use in night combat convoy ops.

The BO drive headlamp was always on the driver's side, and painted a small light pattern so the driver could see the road edge, and blackout markers were on each corner, front and rear.

The rear markers were also known as 'cat-eye' lights, as the two red slits would turn into a red triangle if too close.

 

[cucvrus]

On the CUCV and other military vehicles there are 4 red slots of LED light and a single amber slit that lights in the middle when the brakes are applied. Up front each BO lamp on the bumper has 2 amber slits of light. Good Luck with the project.

 

[byrdman1312]

Game wardens all over the US call these "sneak lights." If you're going to use one of these, it's nice to have a big winch on the front of your truck. Because it's a matter of time when you lose a little concentration and wind up in a ditch. We were forbidden to use these on public roads for fear someone would rear end you. Of course we always followed the rules. The objective was you could see someone shining a spot light and turn off your BO light before they saw you. The darker the night the better you could see. If the moon was full, you didn't need it.
Of course, NVGs work better but have some limitations if you're trying to drive. If you're in a boat, there's nothing better! It was always a thrill to slide up next to a boat and watch the looks on their faces when they were sure they were the only ones out there.

 

[mbavers]

Thanks to all for responses. I figured it was important considering the wiring with its own fuse. The four bolts holding it on seem a bit overdone. The bulb seems to still be good.