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

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.

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

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.

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

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'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! I was lucky & found both switches on EBay. Just was frustrating having to wait for the part, due to my inattention to details...

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

Shopping for parts is fun until they ask "How will you be paying for all of this ?"