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Headlight Knob Removal

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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 10:42 AM
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Default Headlight **** Removal

I know this has been covered before but i couldn't find the thread.

On a 71 how do you remove the headlight ****? The **** comes out with the shaft and there is some release to push but I don't know where it is.

Thanks
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by hzz
I know this has been covered before but i couldn't find the thread.

On a 71 how do you remove the headlight ****? The **** comes out with the shaft and there is some release to push but I don't know where it is.

Thanks

First, pull it out like you're turning the headlights on. Then , on the body of the switch, I don't remember orientation, just feel for it, is a small metal button. While the switch is pulle dout, push the button and hold it while pulling on the ****. It will slide right out. It goes in in the same fassion.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 10:52 AM
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On the backside of the switch, there is a little spring loaded button, you press the button while pulling out on the ****/shaft.
Go to your local parts store and act like you want to buy a new switch, when the guy brings it out take it out of the box and look at where the button is, then say you don't think that is the right one and say you will have to go look again.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 10:56 AM
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Both responses are correct, but in all likelihood you will have to drop the driver's dash pad far enough to get your hand behind it and reach the light switch.

Go slow in there. There are two vacuum lines on the switch which are easy to knock loose if you're not careful.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by 427basketcase
On the backside of the switch, there is a little spring loaded button, you press the button while pulling out on the ****/shaft.
Go to your local parts store and act like you want to buy a new switch, when the guy brings it out take it out of the box and look at where the button is, then say you don't think that is the right one and say you will have to go look again.
Good idea

Heres the original thread.......Hope the link works

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...php?t=1505587&

Last edited by Bob Onit; Oct 3, 2006 at 11:02 AM.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 11:05 AM
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Not sure on a '71 but on my '69 there is a detent pin w/spring located on the same side of the switch as the vacuum lines. Push and hold that pin in, and then the **** & shaft should just pull out.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by eileenthevette
Not sure on a '71 but on my '69 there is a detent pin w/spring located on the same side of the switch as the vacuum lines. Push and hold that pin in, and then the **** & shaft should just pull out.

That's correct, but if the switch is not already at full extension the button will not release it. You have to pull it out, then push the button, and then finish pulling it out.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Durango_boy
That's correct, but if the switch is not already at full extension the button will not release it. You have to pull it out, then push the button, and then finish pulling it out.

Correct
Then you have to act fast or disconnect the battery as the headlights will be on

Putting it back in is easy.........Just shove it in
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Bob Onit
.........Just shove it in

That's very dirty Bob...

Buying it a drink first may help it go in smoother but that's up to you...
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 11:25 AM
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I've got to give GM credit for consistency. That button didn't move much on any headlight switch since before time began.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 11:29 AM
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Thanks for the responses!
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 12:48 PM
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Was there something wrong with your switch that prompted this change? It's a rough removal being that it's so high on the knee pad. It really is a lot easier to have it off but I think it can be done with reaching.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 03:21 PM
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The **** keeps falling off when I pull on it.

Also, the dash speaker on the driver's side doesn't work, so I figured I will have to remove the dash to get at it.

And....this is silly..the needle on the speedo has a little bend in it. Being the perfectionist I fugure this will all make a nice autumn project.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 03:36 PM
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Good luck with all that. Sounds like you have some fun planned. Let us know if we can help with anything else. This place is a treasure trove of knowledge.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 04:08 PM
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Here's another one....to remove the left side dash(tach and speedo) do you have to drop the steering wheel, or can it be finessed out without dropping it?

I've done some dash work on my 69 cutlass and the wheel had to be dropped....2 bolts and it was down.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by hzz
Here's another one....to remove the left side dash(tach and speedo) do you have to drop the steering wheel, or can it be finessed out without dropping it?

I've done some dash work on my 69 cutlass and the wheel had to be dropped....2 bolts and it was down.

You can get it out without dropping the wheel but you run the risk of damaging it. Much better idea to drop the coluimn...very easy with two bolts as you said. That's how I do it every time I need in there.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by hzz
Here's another one....to remove the left side dash(tach and speedo) do you have to drop the steering wheel, or can it be finessed out without dropping it?

I've done some dash work on my 69 cutlass and the wheel had to be dropped....2 bolts and it was down.
Its a mother of a job th get that dash apart and considering the age of your car you must be very careful as the dash pad will be brittle
I had my '73 apart recently and I'm surprised I diddnt destroy anything
10 hours (half of that was on my back with my arms twisted like a pretzel) to change the speedometer.

You will never get the dash out on a '71 without dropping the steering wheel which is nowhere as easy as your 69 cutlass (I had a '70)
Good luck
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 04:51 PM
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Also, original poster...if you have any brake work that may include getting the booster removed...now is the time to do this. With that pad in, it's VERY hard to get to all four nuts that hold it in. Same goes for any fuse block work, signal flashers, or duct work. Take advantage of having that pad out because you won't want to do it more than once.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Durango_boy
Good luck with all that. Sounds like you have some fun planned. Let us know if we can help with anything else. This place is a treasure trove of knowledge.

....or sarcasm.
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Old Oct 3, 2006 | 10:17 PM
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Push here.

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