1960 headlight switch

[Joe M.]

The headlight switch no longer turns on the courtesy light by twisting the knob. Can this be repaired? Or would I be better off purchasing a new headlight switch for $38?

[William C.]

Re: 1960 headlight switch

Pull the switch and check the contact for continuity/cleanliness. If you look at the wirewound rheostat built into the ceramic block near the handle end, it will be obvious how it works. An ohmmeter can verify if your wound wire rheostat is intact, and if it is, look at the point where the rotating arm connects the terminal to power the courtesy lamps.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 headlight switch

Thanks Bill. I have not looked at the switch in a long time. Is it easy to open up the switch case?

[Jim D.]

Re: 1960 headlight switch

It's been 35+ years since I looked at my 1960 switch but if I remember correctly, the rheostat is on the outside of the switch and they tend to get dirty. Yours probably just needs to be cleaned.

[William C.]

Re: 1960 headlight switch

Don't need to open the case, the rehostat is integrated into a ceremac element (wirewound resistor) that performs the dimming function.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 headlight switch

Thanks to all for the information. If dirt is a culprit, that is probably the root of the problem as I have never cleaned it.