Topic: light problem
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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Hi Everyone,
I have a 75 L 82, 4 speed, really nice shape.
The other night, I turned on my headlights, and I noticed my dash lights did not work. Neither did the tail lights.
The next night, The headlight knob only pulled out partially to turn on the parking lights. The tail lights work this way, as do the dash lights. But the knob will not pull out fully to turn on the headlights.
GM apparently no longer makes these switches. Where can I get one. Does the dash have to be removed to install the switch?
Any comments appreciated.
John in Milton, Ontario
I have a 75 L 82, 4 speed, really nice shape.
The other night, I turned on my headlights, and I noticed my dash lights did not work. Neither did the tail lights.
The next night, The headlight knob only pulled out partially to turn on the parking lights. The tail lights work this way, as do the dash lights. But the knob will not pull out fully to turn on the headlights.
GM apparently no longer makes these switches. Where can I get one. Does the dash have to be removed to install the switch?
Any comments appreciated.
John in Milton, Ontario
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Former Member
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DOWNINGTOWN, PA - USA
Joined: 11/24/2001
Posts: 962
Vette(s): 1969 Monza Red Black Conv / Black Vinal hardtop
454/480 Tremec 5 Speed 308 Posi.Black Leather Interior, PS, PW, Air cond., tilt/tele,AM/FM Cass.-5 Pack CD, Hurst Shifter, side pipes
2004 Yellow convertible with black top and black interior
There are many retailers who seel parts for Corvettes. You could try Ecklers, Mid America, Corvette Central, Zip...that is just to name a VERY FEW. You could also try on e-bay. All the retail places I listed have web sites with full on line catalogs. Pricing is fairly close from all of them. You will find it is almost as much fun to shop for parts as it is too drive your vette ( did I actually say that ? ) . Good hunting. 

Like Glenns said, you can find one from one of those retailers. On my 77 to get to the swtich, I'd have to remove the center gauge console, and the piece of dash with the tach and speedo. I don't think its too hard. I had it partially off before, but didn't need to take it completely off to do what I was doing. Luckily back then, they just used screws. Not plastic clips and stuff like they do now days.
1977 Corvette EX-L48
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's
(click to see a bigger version)
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's

(click to see a bigger version)
Thanks for the suggestions. taking the console off really scares me, but what the heck. I'll get the switch first, though. Thanks again.
John
John
Its really not bad. I was really scrared too, but like I said, its just a bunch of screws. I just pulled the center gauge console out while rotating it a bit towards me so it would lay down around my shifter. Maybe you'll find your build sheet stuffed between the speedo and tach while your in there. That would make it worth it. I want to check mine when I get some free time.
1977 Corvette EX-L48
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's
(click to see a bigger version)
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's

(click to see a bigger version)
I guess I was really luck when I changed the headlight switch on the 82. I was able to access it from underneath the dash. Only had to take out a vent/cold air tube and reach up there. Of course I had to be upside down to do it. I guess every once in a while a good blood rush to the head isn't too bad 

Former Member
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Eastern part of, CT - USA
Joined: 1/29/2002
Posts: 319
Vette(s): White 73 convertible - 350/auto, A/C PS, PB, PW, leather, t/t, two tops
Also had a 69 t-top 20 years ago
To remove the switch, there is a button on the side you press in to release the knob and its shaft from the switch. Then remove the nut holding the switch from the dash. The wires plug into the side of the switch. You might be able to do all this from below, it is worth a try.
I read somewhere the actual switch is a standard GM switch with the vette vacuum controls piggy backed on it.
Joe
I read somewhere the actual switch is a standard GM switch with the vette vacuum controls piggy backed on it.
Joe
Former Member
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Joined: 1/30/2003
Posts: 6
Vette(s): 1970 Daytona Yellow Convertible. L46 4-speed w/Air Conditioning
1972 Steel Cities Grey Coupe. LS-5 w/auto and Air conditioning
I'm new to the site, so this is late. To replace your headlight switch properly,,, Remove the windshield pillar mouldings R & L, remove all the screws that hold the upper dash pad on including those in the center gauge console. When all screws are removed, pull forward on the dash pad, bend it up in the center and pull one end of the pad out. Once the dash pad is removed, it is a simple matter to replace the switch and you don't have to lay on your back to do it. Replacement time... About 1 hour. Two tips. 1) Be sure to mark the headlight vacuum hoses so you know which is front and which is rear. Second, Remember, to get the knob out, you must push the detend pin in by the vacuum hose outlets.

Hi! When you replace your switch, just make sure to DISCONNECT THE BATTERY!!!
I didn't, & when I was putting the console back in, it shorted against something, & I fried the new switch!


Aside from that, it really wasn't hard at all.
Any questions, just ask!


John - (Jp42Vette) - '76 Coupe
www.luvmyvette.com
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BRADENTON, FL - USA
Joined: 8/4/2002
Posts: 669
Vette(s): 1972 convertible 350 auto trans, delux int, air, ps, pb, t/t wheel, pw, 79,000 org miles Rare one year only color
Shopping for parts is fun until they ask "How will you be paying for all of this ?"
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in Forum: C3 Electrical
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