Light switch bail

Lawson Cox

Lawson Cox

Well-known member
I believe I have everything set to go on the horn situation, EXCEPT getting the switch housing bail to hold the switch cover on. Everything seems to be in proper position, fully seated, however the bail wire just will not go on. It seems like it needs to be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch longer. (If I remember correctly, it was not fully in position when I started fooling with it, and everything worked except the horn.

My set up is a 38 steering column and 37-39 worm gear set up, and I believe a 37 wiring harness. That doesn't seem like it would be the cause of my problem.

Apparently there is only one bail wire for these switches covering this period. Is that correct? I think I need to put a spacer of about 1/4" to 1/2" in each "Leg" to allow it to go on, or use zip ties, or something. Any suggestions??? Would be hard, delicate job to weld in such a short spacer on this relatively thin wire.

It's driving me nuts. (More so as I am half nuts already.)
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Last edited by Lawson Cox; Today at 04:00 PM
 
Lawson, As you know, without seeing it, it is difficult to tell you exactly what the issue is. However, I can tell you this: Ya got sumpin' wrong in there my boy.
Go back when ya feel refreshed and carefully inspect each and every piece.
Only a guess but I'd bet you don't have the terminal plate seated far enough in to the housing.
Did you manage to install the rotating "key", spring and horse shoe clip?
 
Lawson, If you want to put me up at your place for a few weeks and show me around your area then I will fly over from Australia and fix your horn. LOL. There are actually at least two types of switch bails, maybe more, I will have to check that out for you. There are also about 3 different shaped lower headlight switch housings from model T through to 1938-9. These have to match the bail size and shape. I would guess you have a miss match here somehow and need to have the correct bail. Can you do any close up pics or may be some one else could take some good close up pics for you to post. Regards, Kevin.
 
Kube said:
Lawson, As you know, without seeing it, it is difficult to tell you exactly what the issue is. However, I can tell you this: Ya got sumpin' wrong in there my boy[]
Go back when ya feel refreshed and carefully inspect each and every piece.
Only a guess but I'd bet you don't have the terminal plate seated far enough in to the housing.
Did you manage to install the rotating "key", spring and horse shoe clip?
Click to expand...


Terminal plate fully seated, the "spider" is in the correct position, and the "C" or horseshoe clip is in proper position and holding. Only problem is the bail, and it looks to be correct configuration but just a tad short.
 
koates said:
Lawson, If you want to put me up at your place for a few weeks and show me around your area then I will fly over from Australia and fix your horn. LOL. There are actually at least two types of switch bails, maybe more, I will have to check that out for you. There are also about 3 different shaped lower headlight switch housings from model T through to 1938-9. These have to match the bail size and shape. I would guess you have a miss match here somehow and need to have the correct bail. Can you do any close up pics or may be some one else could take some good close up pics for you to post. Regards, Kevin.
Click to expand...

My computer crashed and I lost all of my pictures. For some reason I cant get new pictures to download, or, I can't find them once downloaded to post them. I guess I am going to have to get a new computer or get this one fixed. At my age I hate to do that. Not much time left, and less money. LOL
 
koates said:
Lawson, If you want to put me up at your place for a few weeks and show me around your area then I will fly over from Australia and fix your horn. LOL. There are actually at least two types of switch bails, maybe more, I will have to check that out for you. There are also about 3 different shaped lower headlight switch housings from model T through to 1938-9. These have to match the bail size and shape. I would guess you have a miss match here somehow and need to have the correct bail. Can you do any close up pics or may be some one else could take some good close up pics for you to post. Regards, Kevin.
Click to expand...

I know the bail must be incorrect because it was not fully seated when I started this project, but it was holding everything together. I'll have to scout around and see what I can find that may work. Really getting tired of working on this particular project.
 
Lawson Cox said:
Yes. The configuration is the same as the one pictured on Mac's web page showing part # 32-17611-1, bent sort of like rockers on a rocking chair.
Click to expand...

Lawson, I have a bunch of those clips. Tomorrow I'll look through them for differing lengths. At that time we can compare who's is longer. Smart money says it's mine.
 
Lawson, Don't know if it will help but here is the one from my '38 PU. It measures 3 1/2" as shown (the photo angle makes it a little hard to tell).

Went out and found the light switch housing for ref. The measurement shows just the length of the bottom half but the OAL of housing is 3 1/2" (same as the bail).
 

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38bill said:
Lawson, Don't know if it will help but here is the one from my '38 PU. It measures 3 1/2" as shown (the photo angle makes it a little hard to tell).

Went out and found the light switch housing for ref. The measurement shows just the length of the bottom half but the OAL of housing is 3 1/2" (same as the bail).
Click to expand...


Thanks a bunch 38Bill. My bail measures 3 5/16, so it is just a tad short it seems. (The one I measured is a spare, but comparing it with the one I'm trying to put on the truck, just eyeballing it, they are the same, so, both are a tad shorter than yours.) Neither snugs up exactly with the switch housing, maybe 3/16 gap. I have pushed on it as hard as this small feeble frame of mine can push, and I just can't get it close enough to snap on.

I just may put it in a vice and try to flatten it a tad and see if I can lengthen it a bit. If push comes to shove I may bend the tabs on the end out straight, and then weld a little *** on the end of each arm, pointing inward, to slip into the hole on the housing.

I'll see what Kube comes up with out of his stash. I'll crawl under the truck tomorrow and do some measuring on the housing on the truck but I'm sure the housing length is the same as yours. The housing on the truck fits together nicely, and twists to lock.

Again, thanks for the photos. They are a great help.

Lawson
 
Kube said:
Lawson, I have a bunch of those clips. Tomorrow I'll look through them for differing lengths. At that time we can compare who's is longer. Smart money says it's mine.
Click to expand...

We will still be comparing lengths of light switch bails won't we Kube. LOL
 
38bill said:
If you need a bail you can have the one pictured. I have a couple of them.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll take it. Maybe the little extra length will work. If not, I'll try and modify mine.

My address is

Lawson Cox
971 Cochran Rd.
Covington, GA 30014.

Will be glad to reimburse you for the ride.
 
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