Horn button/light switch (repair)

[Charles Reese]

1. Any tips on bending the tabs to remove the horn button retainer ring for plating ('28)? Can’t seem to get a ‘bite’ with pliers/needle nose.

2. Also need tips on rebending the tabs when reassembling the button/retainer ring/faceplate. How critical is it to get them flat down to the faceplate ... am afraid of breaking the tab(s)?

3. Is there an article on this in past club magazines? If so, a scan would be greatly appreciated.

4. If anyone has one disassembled (’28-29), I would appreciate a pix looking down inside the faceplate where the tubular rod is attached to the faceplate. One of my rods seems overly loose at this connection and wonder if this is a press fit or soldered.

 

[Ray in La Mesa]

I've used a sharp knife blade to lift the tabs a bit then go the rest of the way with needle nose pliers. Use an old knife in case you mess up the edge. Going back in, I've used a pair of small needle nose vice grips to gently close tab in stages. You get a controlled amount of movement that way, of course, protect the front face with soft wood and padding.