Frequently asked questions

Can you match my handles to my steering wheel?

The short answer is we can get pretty close. The problem arises when we are asked to match to a photograph, that someone took on their phone, with terrible lighting. That usually just does not work, it is very hard to capture the true color of an item with a photo, and then to match a color to that becomes next to impossible. If you are trying to match handles to something, we really require a sample in hand of some sort to match to. A good example of this would be if you are having a steering wheel recast, you can ask whomever is providing that service for you to provide you with a small resin “puck” to be used for matching. You can send that puck to us and we can match from that. If you are painting your wheel, a small test panel sprayed with the same color used would work in that situation.

Should I purchase the 112 handles with the switch covers that have the metal tag or Appleton lettering debossed ?

That is a matter of personal preference, however, typically the metal tagged versions were found on the earlier style 112 handles with the die-cast portion that has 3 flutes or ribs on the backside. The debossed versions were usually found on the later die-cast pieces that were smooth on the backside and more blimp shaped.

Why is the Appleton logo flipped 180 degrees on one 112 switch plate when compared to the other?

That has to do with the orientation of the lettering on the actual on/off switch. Some Appleton (and Lorraine) lights were equipped with a different switch for a passenger side light. When we make a set of the debossed Appleton switch covers, we make them as a true driver/passenger side set. However, when we make a set with the metal tags, we now include an “extra” switch cover that has the tag placed the same as the driver side, in the event you have 2 driver on/off switches (a lot of people do.) So, you will be receiving 2 switch plates that have the tags oriented to match a left hand/driver on/off switches, and 1 switch cover that has the tag flipped 180 degrees if you have a driver passenger set.

What is the micro switch conversion on the 552 Push Button Appleton?

In a nutshell, the 552 micro switch conversion replaces all the internal switching hardware located inside the end cap with a 6A rated micro switch. The old hardware, while being extremely neat and creative for the time it was produced, can be finicky and hard to make function reliably when making your spotlights operational. If you look at the handle assembly when it is all put together after converting to the micro switch, you would never know anything has been changed. It appears exactly as the original, but just functions better. We realize the importance of this. In the event you ever want to switch back to the stock style switching mechanism, the micro switch can be taken out, as there are no permanent modifications made to your 552 die-cast handle piece.

Why don’t you offer the “propeller” style handles for the later 552’s ?

Initially, there was less demand for that style so we put off producing those for awhile. However, we are currently working on it and have every confidence that we will be able to offer these at some point soon.

What’s up with Appleton’s? What are 112’s and 552’s? What is their significance?

Appleton is a brand of Automobile Spotlight that were produced by the Appleton Electric Company located in Chicago, Illinois sometime in the 30’s -50’s. There were 2 models in particular that gained a cult following and popularity among automobile customizers of that time, those were the 112’s (in earlier years) and the 552’s (in the later years.) Both of those models are very desirable due to the elegant teardrop silhouette that both styles share. Appleton did produce other models of spotlights such as the 550, 551, and 451 (to name a few) however, those never had the appeal of the 112 or 552 models and a lot of times those other models are relegated to “parts” lights to bring a set of 112’s or 552’s to their former glory as there are some parts that interchange.