Light SWitch install

[Steve Seidl]

Is anyone familiar with the way to install a light switch at bottom of steering column along with the bail on old Fords?. Sid

[Bob Bidonde]

The parts you need to be concerned with are the A-3643 Light Switch Spider that is attached to bottom of the steering column, the A-3647 Bail, the A-11657 Light Switch Body (Upper), the A-11673 Contact Plate (part of the main Harness) & the A-11655 Switch Body (lower & part of the main harness). Here are the steps to put it all together:
>In the car, move the light switch lever to the OFF position at 6 O/clock. This will position the A-3643 Spider so its 2 prongs are vertical;
>Align the A-11657 Upper Switch Body has a raised detente on its throat. Position the upper body so the detente is down at 6 O'clock;
>The internal rotating part of the upper switch body has 2 slots which go completely through. Align these slots so they are vertical to accept the spider's prongs;
>Slide the A-11657 Upper Switch Body into the bracket on the bottom of the steering column so that its detente goes into the slot in bracket at 6 O'clock. The spider's prongs should go through the slots in the upper switch body. Make sure the prongs go through! If the engagement of the spider prongs is not right, there will be a short circuit & lots of smoke when the power is switched on;
>The A-11673 Contact Plate has a notch in its circumference. This notch engages a detente in the upper switch body. Push the contact plate into the upper switch body making sure it engages the detente;
> The A-11655 Lower Switch Body engages the upper body via a bayonet locking. Twist the lower switch body to lock onto the upper body;
>While holding all of the switch body parts together, pull the bail up to engage the bottom of the lower switch body which locks the whole assembly to the steering column;
>Before turning the power ON, test the light switch lever on the steering wheel. Make sure it goes into the detentes for the parking lights & the low & high beams. If the lever does not feel right, reassembly the light switch;
>Turn the electrical power ON, operate the light switch lever & turn signals if so equipped, & observe the ammeter. The ammeter should indicate normal current discharges for the lights & signals.

Unfortunately, I do not know of any detailed installation sketch / drawing for the A-11654 Light Switch Assembly. However, I do have some pictures of its parts. Good luck!

[old31]

I think that the light swich is the worst engineeered part that Henry ever came up with. Garbage, junk, bad, sh&t, terrible, I hate it!

OK, know let me tell you what I really think of that useless hunk of junk.

[Steve Seidl]

Thanks, bob. This is quit helpfl.

[Rob Doe]

I purchased the $50 set that is made to the Ford drawings. Order the correct bale that goes with it. It all works if your contact plate is .310 - .315 thickness.

[burner31]

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Always buy two spiders, you are bound to bust one
When installing...rotating switch at 12/6 o'clock...spider at 12/6 o'clock

[nkaminar]

In my 60 + years working with Model A's, the light switch has never been my favorite part of the car. It was always difficult to get it installed and working correctly. I have gotten better at it but it is still not a favorite job.

[700rpm]

I have always struggled to get that lower bale pulled up, and getting older hasn’t made it easier, but after my 60 years of playing with these cars I too have just learned to accept it and the struggle.