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Old 10-30-2020, 05:56 PM   #1
Bob from Northport
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Default Light switch question

Shop needs a light switch for a early 30 coupe. Any recommendations as to where to get one??
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Old 10-30-2020, 06:08 PM   #2
Mister Moose
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Default Re: Light switch question

Since we're on light switches, why is mine so stiff to turn, especially the headlight direction.
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Old 10-31-2020, 11:06 AM   #3
frank55a
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Default Re: Light switch question

Bob from Northport - If you are looking for a repo any good Model A parts dealer has them.


Mister Moose - Your light switch rod is probably bent.

Last edited by frank55a; 11-02-2020 at 09:18 AM.
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Old 11-01-2020, 11:39 AM   #4
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Default Re: Light switch question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mister Moose View Post
Since we're on light switches, why is mine so stiff to turn, especially the headlight direction.

Is your harness new? The new discs are .030 too thick.


Bob, if you need a new switch body most vendors carry the A&L made one which is correct for an early 30.
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Old 11-02-2020, 08:59 AM   #5
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Default Re: Light switch question

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Originally Posted by ryanheacox View Post
Is your harness new? The new discs are .030 too thick.
My light harness is new as of 1998ish, how would I check for that, and fix it?
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Old 11-02-2020, 09:14 AM   #6
Badpuppy
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1998ish shouldn't have that problem. Thick switch plates prevent the cover from assembling properly.
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Old 11-02-2020, 09:23 AM   #7
KenBolton
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Default Re: Light switch question

Some suppliers advise using a Dremel to knock down the hole edges on either side to facilitate switch movement.
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Old 11-02-2020, 11:25 AM   #8
katy
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Default Re: Light switch question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mister Moose View Post
Since we're on light switches, why is mine so stiff to turn, especially the headlight direction.
Quote:
Mister Moose - Your light switch rod is probably bent.
Remove the switch from the bottom of the steering column, if the switch handle turns easy it's not a bent rod.
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Old 11-02-2020, 11:49 AM   #9
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Default Re: Light switch question

I don't wish to quibble with Badpuppy but the latest higher-cost, US made repros, advertised as best quality, have only been out for sever years. No denying the plates offer problems too.

Man oh man, hardly a month goes by that a restorer writes here with light switch issues. The site ought to open up with an index of all those comments.
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Old 11-02-2020, 03:09 PM   #10
Mister Moose
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Default Re: Light switch question

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Remove the switch from the bottom of the steering column, if the switch handle turns easy it's not a bent rod.
The switch rotated finger easy when the light switch housing was off. Had trouble getting it on, the retainer ring would pop off if you didn't have the legs lined up with the slots just so and then compressed the spring. Took me about 8 tries.

Is the switch easily disassembled so I can file down the contacts some as suggested?
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Old 11-02-2020, 03:48 PM   #11
ryanheacox
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Default Re: Light switch question

Yeah that's the issue you likely have like Badpuppy said. The detentes on the plate are probably too "sharp" and need the edges eased over. The switch body comes apart easily. Just turn the 2 halves and pull them apart.
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Old 11-02-2020, 07:27 PM   #12
Bob from Northport
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Default Re: Light switch question

I asked for a recommendation s to where to buy switch. Not all the rest of this balony. Maybe read the original post
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Old 11-02-2020, 07:52 PM   #13
Mister Moose
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Default Re: Light switch question

Sorry for the thread drift, I thought it was a similar subject.

Not sure which light switch you mean, there's the dash, and some cars had dome lights. Here's a source for the headlight switch:

https://www.brattons.com/light-switch-body.html
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Old 11-02-2020, 09:20 PM   #14
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Default Re: Light switch question

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Originally Posted by Bob from Northport View Post
I asked for a recommendation s to where to buy switch. Not all the rest of this balony. Maybe read the original post
I talked to Snyder's about the US-made light switch when it came out (more expensive than the foreign-made) and they claimed it was indeed a quality repro. they also stated that the flat plate can cause problems otherwise ascribed to the switch.
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