And the parts come rolling out . . .
 

In the process of tracking down a short in my headlights, this little horseshoe part fell out of the light switch. Does anybody recognize said part? Many thanks in advance.

Re: And the parts come rolling out . . .
 

Light switch spider retainer clip.

Re: And the parts come rolling out . . .
 

Yup


Joe K

Re: And the parts come rolling out . . .
 

I guess I had better not toss it then. ;-) I'll see if I can locate it's original location.

Re: And the parts come rolling out . . .
 

Bottom of the light switch rod. Holds the light switch "spider" in place.

Spider is BEFORE the entire light switch "bulb" is placed. The light switch rod should be sticking out at the center of the "tophat shaped" component bolted to your steering housing.

You have someone (or use a thin stick) to hold the light switch rod in its normal position at the center of the steering wheel. Then put on a small spring AROUND the lower end of the light switch rod. Then place the spider (which has a square recess) OVER the square on the bottom of the light switch rod. Then PUSH UP the spider compressing the spring (and why someone is holding on at the top.) Then SLIP the C-shaped spider retainer into the groove in the bottom of the light switch rod. Then RELEASE and relax the spring allowing the spider to come down and the C-clip find its way into the recess in the spider.

The spring serves to locate and retain by friction the light switch rod/operators lever.

THEN the upper half of the light switch can be placed engaging the forks on the spider.

More discussion of the challenge of this at https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21635

There is a tool which can be bought for cheap which allows the ham-fingered to do this easier. See below which shows the tool, and to the right the spring, the spider, and possibly the clip also.


https://www.mikes-afordable.com/mm5/...0001/T3643.jpg


Joe K

Re: And the parts come rolling out . . .
 

Wow, thanks mucho for this info. :-)

Re: And the parts come rolling out . . .
 

In your picture, the more rounded side is showing. When you install it be sure it faces the steering wheel, as the shaper edge will hold better when it faces down to lock against the horn rod groove.

Re: And the parts come rolling out . . .
 

I've had good luck using a yard stick over the button and through the steering wheel . The yard stick will hold the button and switch rod in place . This makes the removal of the light switch rod C clip and spider operation a one man job .

Re: And the parts come rolling out . . .
 

When you install the "C" retaining clip the two prongs on the spider should be at the 6 o,clock and 12 o,clock position so are vertical . This aligns the lever at the steering wheel so the lever is down for "off".

John in Suffolk County England.

Re: And the parts come rolling out . . .
 

If the switch works don't worry about it.