I installed my 'spare' dash this weekend so that I didn't have wires hanging out while I send the original dash off to be restored, and I had a bit of trouble removing the headlight switch.

I got it out and moved to the other dash, but now I have a short, and not headlights. I assume I messed up the switch in the process of removing it.

So, before I admit to how I did it, can anyone tell me the correct method for removing the headlight switch from the dash of a 68?

Thanks, Kurt

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The 68 Chevelle info page. [last updated Nov. 30, 98]
www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/6873/Chevelle/68_Chevelle_Info.html (http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/6873/Chevelle/68_Chevelle_Info.html)
Email: Kbyfield@terracom.net
A.C.E.S. #1352

Spare dash?? Whoa that's a big trunk! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

Well if it is anything like a 1970, I had to do the following:

1) took off the dash pad cover.
2) on the side of the switch assembly there is a small "button" I pulled the switch out to the fully on position and pressed in this little button, while holding it a gently pulled out the switch knob which is connected to a long shaft that comes free.
3)I removed the special nut that holds the switch to the dash.
4)disconnected the harness plug from the switch.

Here's a thought...on mine there is this little grounding "ring" that goes on between the switch and the dash. I guess it would easy to forget this when reattaching the switch. This is the only means that it gets its ground, without it I could see some problems.

For 68, steps 2, 3 and 4 from the previous post is about all you need to do.
I think step 2 is the key to what you are trying to get right.

Ah yes, infamous step #2.

Well, in my case, replace #2 with "Look at switch, fail to notice little button, and yank switch stem out of the switch".

Thanks guys. Looks like it's time for an new headlight switch. I've got running lights, but when I pull the stem to turn on the head lights, I short and blow the fuse.

I figure that I must have messed something up when I pulled the stem out.

Thanks, Kurt

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The 68 Chevelle info page. [last updated Nov. 30, 98]
www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/6873/Chevelle/68_Chevelle_Info.html (http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/6873/Chevelle/68_Chevelle_Info.html)
Email: Kbyfield@terracom.net
A.C.E.S. #1352

Ouch...that had to hurt.

What really hurts is knowing I have to drop the dash again in order to replace the switch. At least I didn't put in all the retaining screws/bolts since this is only an interm dash.

Kurt


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The 68 Chevelle info page. [last updated Nov. 30, 98]
www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/6873/Chevelle/68_Chevelle_Info.html (http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/6873/Chevelle/68_Chevelle_Info.html)
Email: Kbyfield@terracom.net
A.C.E.S. #1352

I would think that you could remove it without dropping the dash. Take out knob/stem, take out mounting nut, unplug harness. I know I've at least removed the stem and nut with the dash in place...what else stops you from getting it out?

The hardest thing is being able to reach up behind the dash to get the switch out.

If I recall, there's a nut back there which needs to come out, but I'll have to look at my other dash to check and be sure.

Either way, I don't look forward to doing it. Then again, it's my own damn fault, right. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

Kurt

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The 68 Chevelle info page. [last updated Nov. 30, 98]
www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/6873/Chevelle/68_Chevelle_Info.html (http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/6873/Chevelle/68_Chevelle_Info.html)
Email: Kbyfield@terracom.net
A.C.E.S. #1352

Kurt-

Don't feel bad. Happens to the best of us. One thing I can definitely say is go with a geniune AC/Delco switch. I tried to save a couple bucks with the local shop's one switch fits all and well, let's just say that switch was pulled more than what should have been. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

Agreed. I figure that the few extra $'s I spent up front is well worht the trouble it will save later.

Since the dash (real one, not the spare) is already out, I'm replacing anything I can. I found an NOS wiper switch, I'm replacing all the dash lights, etc since I know that as soon as I'm done with the interior, the 1 thing I dicided wasn't worth replacing will go bad.

Kurt

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The 68 Chevelle info page. [last updated Nov. 30, 98]
www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/6873/Chevelle/68_Chevelle_Info.html (http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/6873/Chevelle/68_Chevelle_Info.html)
Email: Kbyfield@terracom.net
A.C.E.S. #1352

For 68's with AC, its a little easier because you can pull the vent out of the dash to get easy access to the switch.

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Rainer
'68 SS396
'70 LS3 400 Malibu
rseitz@pacifier.com