68 Headlight switch removal

[Jeffrey C.]

Trying to remove the headlight switch on my 68 basket case. I know you pull the switch to the on position and then depress the spring loaded retainer pin to remove it the rest of the way. My problem is that I can't get the switch to the on position. The knob turns but it just won't pull out. Any ideas?

[Edward J.]

Re: 68 Headlight switch removal

Jeff, maybe you can try and take the switch apart to find out whats jamming the switch, I don't have a switch in front of me, but maybe the metal plate has some tangs that are bent over and you can take a screwdriver and bend them over to access the internals, If you plan on replacing the switch anyway no harm done,but sometimes it pays to fix the original if possiable, a NOS switch maybe hard to come buy.

[Jack H.]

Re: 68 Headlight switch removal

Sometimes the HL release button can get 'sticky' and fail to release the knob/rod. Try moving the knob/rod back and forth between its three positions to get it freed up. Then, pull the knob to the middle position (parking lights), depress the release knob and pull the knob/rod the rest of the way out.

If the switch is truly 'hosed' (knob/rod) will NOT move between positions, there's a major problem inside the switch. The only ways I know to remove a HL switch with this kind of problem are:

(1) Remove the dash assy to gain access to the back side of the switch. De-crimp the tangs that hold the switch cover to the switch body and physically free what's stuck inside. CAUTION: when the switch plate comes off, expect small internal parts to 'scatter'...

(2) Cut the knob from the rod/shaft and remove the switch. Once out of the car, execute #1 above and source a replacement knob/rod.

[Jim T.]

Re: 68 Headlight switch removal

Jeffery interesting about not being able to pull your light switch to an on position. I replaced my original owner 68's light switch years ago because the dash lights would not always stay on. The little dealy that slides on the reostat wiring coil would not make constant contact when turned. Never experienced being unable to pull the light switch out. Let us know if you discover what the problem is.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Headlight switch removal

I replaced my original owner 68's light switch years ago because the dash lights would not always stay on. The little dealy that slides on the reostat wiring coil would not make constant contact when turned.

Jim------


This kind of failure is the one that has probably caused the "death" of more 68-76 headlight switches than any other mode of failure.