Headlight Switch replacement in 79
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,881
Likes: 9
From: staten island ny
Headlight Switch replacement in 79
Found a vacuum leak in my headlight switch and I just ordered a new one from TLD . How hard is it to replace? ANybody done one before with tips for doing it?
ESU in NY
ESU in NY
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Sayreville New Jersey
Replaced my headlight switch in my '78 last year with a little difficulty. You have to remove the speedo/tach cluster to reach. here's a good step by step from bams12. I didn't know to lower the steering column also check your circuit board why you have the cluster out. -Pete. 
KEEP DRIVING!!! [ Hwyst*r- I have removed my cluster many times and after the first try I have it down to a science. I do not remove the steering column. I first remove the small plastic panel on the dash under the steering column. Next I remove the black plastic vent tube that goes from the center console to the drivers vent. Now you should be able to see the 2 bolts the hold the plate that holds the steering column. Loosen bolts and steering column should drop 1/2 to 1 inch.You can now reach up behind the cluster and pop off your speedo cable. There is a little metal retainer that you push toward cluster and cable will pop off. Now remove screws that hold the lens in the cluster followed by lens cluster screws . Pull the cluster out enough that you can reach behind and release the connecter for the electrical. Now the tricky part is in the proper tip, twist and turn to get the cluster out . It seems impossible at first but you will find the right tilt and twist will work. Good Luck Mike Mercury- I checked my settings for receiving emails etc and hopefully it is turned on. Don't know how that may have been turned off. Always ready to accept any emails or pm's from forum members . Please try again . Thanx Brent[/COLOR]
KEEP DRIVING!!! [ Hwyst*r- I have removed my cluster many times and after the first try I have it down to a science. I do not remove the steering column. I first remove the small plastic panel on the dash under the steering column. Next I remove the black plastic vent tube that goes from the center console to the drivers vent. Now you should be able to see the 2 bolts the hold the plate that holds the steering column. Loosen bolts and steering column should drop 1/2 to 1 inch.You can now reach up behind the cluster and pop off your speedo cable. There is a little metal retainer that you push toward cluster and cable will pop off. Now remove screws that hold the lens in the cluster followed by lens cluster screws . Pull the cluster out enough that you can reach behind and release the connecter for the electrical. Now the tricky part is in the proper tip, twist and turn to get the cluster out . It seems impossible at first but you will find the right tilt and twist will work. Good Luck Mike Mercury- I checked my settings for receiving emails etc and hopefully it is turned on. Don't know how that may have been turned off. Always ready to accept any emails or pm's from forum members . Please try again . Thanx Brent[/COLOR]
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 1
From: Brandon Manitoba
I also replaced my headlight switch. I believe the toughest part of that job was to find the little metal release button for the **** that slides out of the switch on dash. On the main body of the switch there is a little release button that will allow you to pull your light switch **** straight out. Then you need a wide blade screwdriver or tool to thread off the retainer nut that is on the front side of dash. Next pop off the 2 electical connectors, they have small plastic release tabs on them. Then there are 2 vacuum lines that need to be removed. A word of advise from experience is to check operation of your headlights before reinstall of your dash cluster. I thought that I had paid attention to proper vacuum line location but I was wrong. Imagine that. Good Luck Brent
