Is there a headlight switch that I can substitute for the original 40 switch? The one that's available on the market now doesn't cut it. I put the knob shaft into the switch and couldn't get it out. I could alter the knob/shaft onto another switch if I could find a substitute.
40 Ford headlight switch
- Thread starter 243rem
- Start date
alanwoodieman
Well-known member
there is a small hole in the metal casing of the switch, stick a tooth pick or small nail in the hole to release the pull handle/shaft. Pull the knob all the way out and then use the tooth pick.
Bruce Lancaster
Member Emeritus
Before you spend any $ (and after you follow the secret directions for getting the thing out!) go through the old one. My experience is that these are very well made and so far in my experience can be returened to reliable operation:
Work inside a tray in a clean and well lit place...the kitchen while wife is out is ideal. She probably owns a nice tray too...
Pry back the several little tabs holding the bakelite terminal plate to the sheet metal body very carefully and as little as possible, slowly pull off the plastic.
Carefully extract the sliding parts and lay out the plastic bits, the little springs, and the contact sliding bras plates. By now you can see why I said "Carefully"... if you drop something or let the cat walk through your bits, you are doomed.
Degrease all parts one-by-one so nothing gets mixed up, something like paint thinner and a little acid brush will do fine.
Polish up all contact surfaces on plastic cover and on the little brass plates that move, reassemble with grease...I use white grease. Clickit a few times, reinstall in dash.
They are rarely actually kaput or heavily worn on the sliding surfaces, all trouble tends to be dirt, petrified grease, and more dirt.
Note that extra grease within on top to case joint and around hole for shaft may help seal out the dirt of the future.
Work inside a tray in a clean and well lit place...the kitchen while wife is out is ideal. She probably owns a nice tray too...
Pry back the several little tabs holding the bakelite terminal plate to the sheet metal body very carefully and as little as possible, slowly pull off the plastic.
Carefully extract the sliding parts and lay out the plastic bits, the little springs, and the contact sliding bras plates. By now you can see why I said "Carefully"... if you drop something or let the cat walk through your bits, you are doomed.
Degrease all parts one-by-one so nothing gets mixed up, something like paint thinner and a little acid brush will do fine.
Polish up all contact surfaces on plastic cover and on the little brass plates that move, reassemble with grease...I use white grease. Clickit a few times, reinstall in dash.
They are rarely actually kaput or heavily worn on the sliding surfaces, all trouble tends to be dirt, petrified grease, and more dirt.
Note that extra grease within on top to case joint and around hole for shaft may help seal out the dirt of the future.
Russ/40
Well-known member
Should you be unable to revive your switch, I have a NOS one. It is a special switch for cars with the radio, as the space there is very tight. PM me if you end up needing it.