Light switch rod - at wits end!

[JohninKuranda]

I have been struggling to mount the retaining clip for some days with no success. I previously posted for assistance and received replies that gave some tips. Many thanks for that.

But.... there is still no clip fitted! The problem is that even using the special tool and maximum compression I barely have any of the piece of black before the groove exposed - let alone the groove for the clip. So I have been back to basics. Checked the rod length under the cap to the groove - 45 3/4" as it should be for a 1928 Phaeton. Checked that the light switch body is firmly fitted into the slot and the end of the steering shaft lower bearing and flange. It is.

Back to the steering wheel. It is fitted snugly with the nut to the top of the threads. I have lightly filed the spline grooves in the steering wheel to ensure a better fit.

It just seems that the Light Switch rod is not long enough! One idea that I have been entertaining is to grind some of the steering shaft flange away and the do the same with the light switch body. By doing this the light switch would end further up the light switch rod. Another idea is to modify the top of the light switch rod by grinding/filing/dremelling off the outside of the button/switch assembly - my thinking is that would allow more of the rod to disappear down the steering column and hopefully have extra length to fit the retaining clip.

Not sure what I am missing - save for some sanity. Ideas and thoughts gratefully appreciated.

Cheers
John

[Bob C]

Why do you have the light switch body on?? You need to put the clip
on before the switch body.

Bob

[jm29henry]

Just took off mine to have it plated .What I needed to,do was hold the light switch all the way down to the steering wheel I did this with a plastic hand vice, then I just pulled up the shaft flange . And i pulled off the retaining clip with ease .
Brattons catalog states that the new retaining clips might need to be filed.
I also noticed the rear part of your bail is still on in your picture if that is on while you are trying to,put that retaining clip on it would be a lot harder hope this helps please post your progress

[1crosscut]

What ever you do I would not suggest doing any grinding etc... Something is amiss causing your issues. I suspect as Bob said your having the light switch body in place is causing your problem. Take it off and install the clip 1st.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Always try the repro parts for fit before you fight the spring.

[JohninKuranda]

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Originally Posted by Bob C

Why do you have the light switch body on?? You need to put the clip
on before the switch body.

Bob

Bob, you had it in one. Cannot believe that over many days I did not look at how I "believed" it should be fitted! Did it the correct way - a 2 minute task.

Is there a smilie for "feeling stupid"!

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by JohninKuranda

Is there a smilie for "feeling stupid"!

NO NO a grin for education!!

[Big hammer]

Two thumbs up for FORD BARN!! A few minutes on the barn and you fixed it :-)

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by 1crosscut

What ever you do I would not suggest doing any grinding etc... Something is amiss causing your issues. I suspect as Bob said your having the light switch body in place is causing your problem. Take it off and install the clip 1st.

Excellent advice.