Home page
SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors!  |  Advertise Here

Topic: headlight switch removal

in Forum: C3 Electrical


Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

headlight switch removal (1/15)
 9/26/22 1:19am
WayneG67
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Murrieta, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Blue Coupe 2017 Z51


Joined: 8/17/2021
Posts: 11

Hi,Has anybody removed a headlight switch from a 1973 corvette?

Our Sponsors help support C3VR
Re: headlight switch removal (2/15)
 9/26/22 11:16pm
F4GaryGold Member
Gold Member
Send Private Message

Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1406

You have to pull the dash panel forward to get access to the switch.  There is a button on top of the switch that you push to pull the knob out, then you can remove the switch from the backside.



______________

   

Re: headlight switch removal (3/15)
 9/29/22 12:23am
WayneG67
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Murrieta, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Blue Coupe 2017 Z51


Joined: 8/17/2021
Posts: 11

Thanks that's what i'm hearing.Do you remove all the screws around the speedo/tach panel?

Re: headlight switch removal (4/15)
 9/29/22 12:48pm
F4GaryGold Member
Gold Member
Send Private Message

Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1406

Going from memory, first you remove the bolts holding up the steering column so it drops a bit.  Then the screws to the cluster in the door jam, the 3 across the top and the two black screws in the driver side of the center gauge cluster.  There may be more, I can't remember.  Then you should be able to pull the speedo/tack panel forward but you also may have to get behind it and disconnect the speedo cable to pull it aft enough to work on the light switch.



|UPDATED|9/29/2022 9:48:02 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________

   

Re: headlight switch removal (5/15)
 9/29/22 12:40pm
manchestersharkLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.


Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2382

There is the possibility of removing the top dash pad. Easier access, but a tad more stuff to disconnect. The detriment of the front attempt is breaking the cluster panel, plus the steering wheel does not seem to lower enough to get the pad out far enough to reach all areas. The switch may not seem big until you have to remove it in such s small area. Top pad approach is more friendly.



______________


Click on image for full view

Re: headlight switch removal (6/15)
 9/29/22 3:24pm
WayneG67
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Murrieta, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Blue Coupe 2017 Z51


Joined: 8/17/2021
Posts: 11

Thanks,I'll give it some thought on which way to go!

Re: headlight switch removal (7/15)
 9/29/22 3:24pm
WayneG67
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Murrieta, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Blue Coupe 2017 Z51


Joined: 8/17/2021
Posts: 11

Thank you!

Re: headlight switch removal (8/15)
 9/29/22 5:16pm
RedwingvetteLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Waterford, MI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Red coupe


Joined: 9/13/2002
Posts: 1735

To get more room from the steering column you need to losses the bolts on the firewall after you remove the bolts under the dash panel

this will allow the column to drop down out of the way. If you don’t loosen the bolts in the firewall the column will not drop enough for the panel to pull out enough to get to the switch and you will break the lower part of the panel ( ask me how I know)

 



______________

Brian - NCM Lifetime Member

73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System

Dewitt radiator and dual electric fans
Borgeson Steering box
 


Re: headlight switch removal (9/15)
 9/30/22 12:14am
WayneG67
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Murrieta, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Blue Coupe 2017 Z51


Joined: 8/17/2021
Posts: 11

Thanks for the response.Does the steering column support bolt to the firewall?Not sure what you're saying to loosen?My car has A/C!

Re: headlight switch removal (10/15)
 9/30/22 1:27pm
F4GaryGold Member
Gold Member
Send Private Message

Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1406

It bolts to the dash and it bolts to the firewall.

Do you have an AIM?  (Assembly Manual)



______________

   

Re: headlight switch removal (11/15)
 9/30/22 3:08pm
WayneG67
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Murrieta, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Blue Coupe 2017 Z51


Joined: 8/17/2021
Posts: 11

Okay,Thanks.I do have an assembly manual.I haven't dove into this project yet.I just ordered the switch the other day.I just wanted to get an idea of what i'm getting into.

Re: headlight switch removal (12/15)
 10/1/22 7:16pm
Steevo
Limited Member
Send Private Message

San Diego, CA - USA

Vette(s):
'73 L48 Coupe, 383, M20, A/C, Electric Windows. Matterhorn White Jet-Glo w/ Dark Blue interior. Rochester, Edelbrock, Blackjack Ceramics, Borlas w/ 2.5" mandrel X over, Cooper Cobras on both OEM Steel and Aluminum Wheels.


Joined: 11/10/2013
Posts: 53

Hi Wayne.

I've had to get to it in my 73 twice, once in replacement for a burnt rheostat and once for securing the electrical connector. Yeah, it's not easy. Like Gary said I removed the gauge panel screws, dash screws on the door jam, and the 2 steering column saddle trim screws at the bottom dash. I don't remember loosening any steering column support bolts though: was able to flex the panels enough to get to the switch connector and vacuum tubes. The nut that holds the switch in place is like a barrel nut, requiring a 2-prong deal to insert and torque. My "deal" was a little deep socket with shaved edges that made 2 prongs that fit. Might get by using a needle-nose pliers in the nut's slots. 

Take some care with the dash/panel flexing; might be extra brittle and may break easy. Mine didn't, but .....

Good luck.

Steve 



______________

 

 

Re: headlight switch removal (13/15)
 10/3/22 3:39pm
WayneG67
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Murrieta, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Blue Coupe 2017 Z51


Joined: 8/17/2021
Posts: 11

Thanks Steve,I'm waiting for my switch to get here.I'll dive in when it gets here!

          Thanks again,Wayne

Re: headlight switch removal (14/15)
 1/30/23 6:01pm
blu72
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Pasadena, MD - USA

Vette(s):
72 Coupe L48 4 sp Air Tilt Leather


Joined: 6/16/2004
Posts: 287

I was going to ask this same question myself today....

I do remember replacing the radio speaker just above the headlight switch. That was not easy and yes loosening the steering column under the dash and on the firewall was required to gain access to the switch/speaker. (1972 Coupe)

And now another question. I see different switches sold for replacement. The import, which I assume is junk, and another about $80 which is USA.  They also confuse you more with 7 prong and 8 prong. What's the story before I start on this?     Thanks



______________

Bruce
72 Coupe L48 4sp
Custom Blue/Silver/Pearl

(Click for a larger pic)

Re: headlight switch removal (15/15)
 1/31/23 10:33pm
sdinino
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Rock Hill, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1977 White/Red


Joined: 8/2/2017
Posts: 59

Definitely loosen the steering column. In fact, if you're going to loosen the bolts, you're only  a hop skip and jump a way from just taking it out. That's my route, because I try to not let it hang unsupported as it puts a lot of stress on ball bearings in the column that are a real PIA to replace. When they go, it's like gravel in the column when turning the wheel. Been there, done that. Twice.

My real reason for piping up on this thread is the tool for getting that dang barrel nut out and back in to the switch itself. Turns out there's not a single flat blade screwdriver in my arsenal that will hit both sides of the nut... but I do have a paint can pry bar that is just perfect:

Vaughan Mini Pry Bar

As far as the 7 or 8 prong switches go, I'd get the old one out and look at it before ordering. I think it had something to do with parking lights, but my memory is hazy on that detail. I'd just make sure you know what you need first.

And DO NOT FAIL TO MARK THE VACUUM CONNECTOR orientation - BEFORE you pull it off. There is nothing more discouraging than discovering that your headlights don't pop up after you have this all put back together. 

Been there, done that. Twice.

 

Steve



______________
Our Sponsors help support C3VR