'54 Commander Starliner - small hole for on left side of dash, to left of the gauges

[northern]

There is a small (1/2" or 5/8") round hole there with nothing in it. Obviously, it once had a use, probably for a switch.

I found one picture of a dash in a '53; it has a push button of some sort in that spot. What would that be for? The start switch is on the right in the row of switches.

[Dick Steinkamp]

There is not a switch or button to the left of the gauges in a stock 53-54 Commander or Champion.

If there is something there, it was added by a previous owner and could be most anything including the replacement of an existing switch that broke.

For a stick shift 53-54, the starter button was under the clutch pedal. Only the automatics used the switch position marked "Start" on your switch panel.

[rockne10]

In the '53 Commander, toggle switches left to right would be: fog lights, head lights, instruments, defrost air, heater air and starter.
As Dick mentioned, if yours is a standard transmission there would be a blank on the starter; likewise on the fog lights.

[StudeRich]

Something was added, Fog Lights, Parking Brake Warning Light, 4 Way Flasher, Electric Fuel Pump, Electric W/S Washer, Wiper Delay system who knows! Nitrous Oxide switch?

[northern]

Actually, I looked at it again today. Not that it likely makes a difference, the hole is to the left of the switches, not the gauges. It looks very neatly cut - like a factory hole - which made me think that it might have been there since the factory.

Any ideas how to creatively cover or fill the hole without welding it shut and repainting the dash?

[57pack]

Go to your local hardware store and buy a bag of those little chrome plugs. They come in all sizes or assorted in a bag.

[StudeRich]

I would put a simple plunger switch & bracket on the E-Brake shaft like the factory did, and install a round Red faceted Gem like, Glass E-Brake warning light in the hole.

[northern]

I would put a simple plunger switch & bracket on the E-Brake shaft like the factory did, and install a round Red faceted Gem like, Glass E-Brake warning light in the hole.

I like that idea, if I can find such a light and switch. Or just covering the hole with a chrome plug would work too.