Stupid headlight switch

[LazerStang760]

I have a bad headlight sitch in my 65. I bought a new one and can not get the old one out for the life of me. Making things worse is that i just got the dash painted and dont want to scratch it. I did a search on the forms for a how-to, and figured out i need to push the little spring loaded button on the back of the switch to get the know out but now I cant get the switch out itself. the other post say that it should just pop out. it seems to be attached to some kind of screw in "knob" in the middle of the bezel that has a opening in a + shape.

looking at the new know it looks like it should just unsrew....but when i try the whole switch turns inside with it. I try to stick a screw driver in there and the middle is so soft it just gives ......i'm stuck and frustrated what do I do to get this thing out.????

 

[dennis112]

You have the right idea and usually a screwdriver works. The X part of the bezel is threaded into the switch. The larger outer bezel ring (that says "lights") is keyed to the dash and must remain upright and stationary in the dash.

In the past I have been able to carefully attach a set of vice grips to the outer ring of the small X bezel (not the outer bezel that says lights) to gain more leverage. It might leave a little mark but normally works.

I suppose a person could make a "wrench" by notching a large cheap screwdriver.

 

[1966conv]

You should be able to pull the wires off the back and just unscrew it from the inside. I have also had to use visegrips to hold the bezel though.

 

[LazerStang760]

thank you guys.....I ended up just jabbing a screw driver into the cross tipped "bolt....strippped it out a little but got the bolt out....do they sell replacements for that,,,,i looked but didnt see them....might have to try a junk yard