I seem to be snake bit when it comes to the headlight switch for my '56 Country Sedan. I've purchased 3 of them over the last couple of years and they all seem to have the same problem, the knob and rod pull completely out when I try to turn on the headlights. A couple of nights ago, I tried to turn on the lights as I was heading home and of course, it pulled out again. Had to drive home w/o lights, a dicey situation. My thanks to all the folks that flashed their lights, at least those folks could see me coming. I'm ready to order yet another replacement but I'd like to hear from the community if there is a fix out there.
Headlight Switch
- Thread starter tsanborn
- Start date
I seem to be snake bit when it comes to the headlight switch for my '56 Country Sedan. I've purchased 3 of them over the last couple of years and they all seem to have the same problem, the knob and rod pull completely out when I try to turn on the headlights. A couple of nights ago, I tried to turn on the lights as I was heading home and of course, it pulled out again. Had to drive home w/o lights, a dicey situation. My thanks to all the folks that flashed their lights, at least those folks could see me coming. I'm ready to order yet another replacement but I'd like to hear from the community if there is a fix out there.
New old stock basically check old ford parts store like the one in San Dimas Ca. The old ford store or others that might sell NOS parts or find the part number and plug it into eBay and find the original part in the box.
Perhaps you didn't lock the knob all the way in till a click on the old ones. They are usually hard to remove once the knob/shaft assemble is installed.
Perhaps you didn't lock the knob all the way in till a click on the old ones. They are usually hard to remove once the knob/shaft assemble is installed.
1942deluxe
Well-known member
P/N B5T-11654-A, there are several on Ebay.
paul2748
Well-known member
NOS (new old stock) parts are original parts manufactured by the automaker. NORS (new old replacement stock) are replacement parts made back when there were good parts to buy i.e. U S made parts. Both would be unused (i.e. new)
rotorwrench
Well-known member
Some of the light switches have a release button that is depressed to allow the knob to be pulled out. The knob then locks when reinstalled to the switch. This is to allow the bezel and nut or clip to be removed or installed when replacing the switch assembly. Just make sure it engages and locks in place. The knob stem should have a groove around it near the tip that the button mechanism locks on to.
It helps to have the original manuals that cover the 56 Fords when performing maintenance. Sometimes that's the only way to figure some of this type of stuff out.
It helps to have the original manuals that cover the 56 Fords when performing maintenance. Sometimes that's the only way to figure some of this type of stuff out.
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dmsfrr
Well-known member
Another possibility?
When I got a '55 Bird I noticed the headlight switch knob stuck out 3/8 inch farther than the rest.
Turns out there are 2 different lengths of headlight switches and matching knob shaft. The short ones being earlier ('55/'56) and the longer ones being '57+. I'm not sure when in '56 Ford updated them.
The last replacement headlight switch I bought came without a knob & shaft.
Unless you're getting a new knob & shaft included with the headlight switch... I suspect you are receiving the new replacement style 'long' switch and may be using the previous 'short' style knob shaft. If so that would not allow the shaft to lock into place because it doesn't quite reach.
The 'short' version headlight switch may have been discontinued years ago in favor of the improved & updated version.
.
When I got a '55 Bird I noticed the headlight switch knob stuck out 3/8 inch farther than the rest.
Turns out there are 2 different lengths of headlight switches and matching knob shaft. The short ones being earlier ('55/'56) and the longer ones being '57+. I'm not sure when in '56 Ford updated them.
The last replacement headlight switch I bought came without a knob & shaft.
Unless you're getting a new knob & shaft included with the headlight switch... I suspect you are receiving the new replacement style 'long' switch and may be using the previous 'short' style knob shaft. If so that would not allow the shaft to lock into place because it doesn't quite reach.
The 'short' version headlight switch may have been discontinued years ago in favor of the improved & updated version.
.
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KULTULZ
Well-known member
KULTULZ
Well-known member
B5T 11654-A is a 1955 6V SYSTEM HDL SW
B7A 11654-A is a 1956 12V SYSTEM HDL SW
Either take a different KaNOB AND SHAFT ASSY.
If someone is selling NOS B5T 11654-A and saying also fits a 1956 FORD, they are misinformed and there is your problem.
I have read of this malady before but never thought anything of it. My bad ...
The ADV clearly states 6V but will also fit 1956.
There is cataloging showing 6V for 1956. There must have been an early production changeover somewhere along the line.
B7A 11654-A is a 1956 12V SYSTEM HDL SW
Either take a different KaNOB AND SHAFT ASSY.
If someone is selling NOS B5T 11654-A and saying also fits a 1956 FORD, they are misinformed and there is your problem.
I have read of this malady before but never thought anything of it. My bad ...
The ADV clearly states 6V but will also fit 1956.
There is cataloging showing 6V for 1956. There must have been an early production changeover somewhere along the line.
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1942deluxe
Well-known member
KULTULZ, you are correct. I forgot about 56 being 12 volts. My 1962 O.S.I. book shows B6T-11654-A being superseded by the B7A-11654-A. Guessing that's what a 56 Ford probably came with but not aware of the reason for the part number change.
1942deluxe
Well-known member
Actually, June of 1961. There was a 1955 I think on eBay and they wanted $45 or so for it and the cheapskate in me came out so I didn't buy it. Very much regret that...
rotorwrench
Well-known member
I have the YOM manuals that affect my own cars of the late 40s/early 50s and they are invaluable when used in conjunction with the later type manuals that are multi model inclusive. A lot of part numbers changed when newer year models came out and in a lot of cases, the older number was obsoleted if the newer part would fit. It can make finding NOS parts a lot more complicated.
I started looking for other original year model and body type manuals due to this. You can never have too many original publications. My stuff is mostly for flatheads but I ended up with a lot of Y-block pubs as well.
I started looking for other original year model and body type manuals due to this. You can never have too many original publications. My stuff is mostly for flatheads but I ended up with a lot of Y-block pubs as well.
paul2748
Well-known member
paul2748
Well-known member
dmsfrr
Well-known member
The photo of the two switch shafts & knobs on green with rain drops was from an ad on ebay. I bought the short one. It fit right in without sticking out like the other one