[C2] Headlight switch
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 321
From: Clarksville TN
Headlight switch
My headlight switch is operating erratically. I want to replace it, but have read that so many aftermarket switches are very poor. Is there an aftermarket switch I can buy that is considered high quality?
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 2
From: Grass Valley, Ca
So much of todays aftermarket parts are POS that certain items are best to buy NOS. You may pay a bit more but it's well worth it. Headlight switch, ignition switch and turn signal mechanism are case in point that I ordered aftermarket and they did not come close to operating correctly. Installed a new ignition switch in my 68 Chevelle SS that was made in Mexico and it immediately shorted out. Thank God for the fusible link that saved the the wiring harness and perhaps the entire car. I got a NOS switch off e-bay and it worked correctly.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 364
Likes: 158
My original (64) switch finally gave up the ghost - the ceramic insulator behind the curved spring in the front just crumbled - switch would not work properly. I got a replacement from ZIP Corvette - fit and function is perfect. The only visible difference between the repro and original is that the original had a number stamped on the bottom plate, the number is "131" -- repro does not have any number. I took my old original apart - thinking, just switch the plates - not that easy. The plate comes off the switch assembly easy enough but..... so do a lot of other things, little plastic gizmos, springs, etc - difficult if not impossible to determine their correct position in the switch - when trying to reassemble, which is critical to the switch functioning correctly. I just put the repro in my car - works like a charm..
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 321
From: Clarksville TN
I’ve got a 66 complete restomod with DetroitSpeed headlights. If I don’t move the switch very carefully, the lights will turn off. I’m just assuming it’s a switch problem. Where can I get an NOS switch?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 998
Likes: 388
From: Tyrone, GA
I bought an ignition switch from ZIP and it wouldn't even fit the dash opening. It had a metal tab that should not have been there. ZIP gave me full credit and told me to keep it. I took the lock set out of it and put it into the old cylinder and it works great. It was not even close to the original and was much junkier. I haven't had good luck with Chinese repos of anything.
