Securing the "LIGHTS" bezel around headlamp pull switch?

[Daniel K.]

1971 car. The plastic bezel labelled "LIGHTS" around my headlamp pull switch is not secured to the dash -- and has not been since I bought the car from the original owner. See pic.

IMG_2548.jpg
Page L265 of the AIM raises more questions than answers for me - maybe I have the wrong bezel or wrong assembly? A broken part? The AIM seems to show a nut retaining the bezel...
The second picture shows the backside of the bezel.
IMG_2572-1.JPG
Before I break everything trying to take the rod out for a better look, anyone have any advice on addressing this?
Thanks.

[Mark E.]

Re: Securing the "LIGHTS" bezel around headlamp pull switch?

Daniel,

The nut securing the switch to the dash (seen in your first photo) should be in front of the bezel so it also secures it to the dash.

Remove the knob, bezel and nut; then install the bezel, nut and knob (in that order).

EDIT: I first thought the nut was in your first photo securing the switch the the dash. But the second photo shows what looks like the nut on the backside of the bezel. Either way, install the nut in front of the bezel.

[Daniel K.]

Re: Securing the "LIGHTS" bezel around headlamp pull switch?

Thanks Mark. I had a feeling you'd know the answer to that one.

[Gary B.]

Re: Securing the "LIGHTS" bezel around headlamp pull switch?

I think the bezel is broken. The end is closed off for the switch retainer screw to tighten against.
The remains can be seen under the "nut" (screw) with the slot in it.
Order a new bezel before you take it apart. You'll be glad you did.
Gary B

[Mike E.]

Re: Securing the "LIGHTS" bezel around headlamp pull switch?

I am with Gary all the way on this one. As the recipient of a broken bezel, and as the creator of one, I can see that you are the owner of a not-so-rare two-piece bezel.

[Daniel K.]

Re: Securing the "LIGHTS" bezel around headlamp pull switch?

Thanks guys. Tempted to wait for Carlilse 2021 (50th Anniv for the 71s) and look for a bezel. But, assuming I order a new one:
I'm having trouble finding the thread this morning, but yesterday I found a thread which said the best way to remove the rod is to reach up under the dash and use your fingers to depress a small button on top of the switch assembly. Am I on the right path? I take it there is no way to just unscrew the rod or the knob?

[Gary B.]

Re: Securing the "LIGHTS" bezel around headlamp pull switch?

The headlight knob is not screwed into the stem. The stem is a triangular shaped rod and is pressed into the knob. If you try to pull the knob off the stem, you'll probably break the switch.

Your correct about a small push-button on the side of the switch. But.. you will need a pretty small set of hands to get up there and push that rascal. I know my hands don't fit.

I remove the two lower steering column bolts, the lower steering column trim panel that holds the pull, over-ride switches. Remove the 5-dash pad screws, then gently pull the upper left corner away enough to get your hands in there. It's also a good time to replace the switch so the dimmer works.

You can also remove the dash pad, but that involves much more work.

Gary B

[Daniel K.]

Re: Securing the "LIGHTS" bezel around headlamp pull switch?

Thank you Gary.