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Headlight switch knob comes off

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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 11:53 PM
  #1  
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Default Headlight switch **** comes off

My 6'5 (read way to strong for his own good) son piloted my '79 the other evening. When I instructed him to turn the headlights on , he pulled the headlight switch **** right off.
Now when I pull the headlights switch , the **** no longer has any grip and pops off everytime. Any suggestions what to use? I'd like to use something that will still come apart if I have to replace the switch.
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Old Jul 25, 2011 | 12:35 AM
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I have the same problem with my 73. The plastic inner piece doesnt grip anything. I have lived with it for about 2 years now. Since I dont drive the car at night it doesnt bother me.

I thought about putting a small amount of glue on the end. Not so much as I couldnt take it off when the time comes to replace the switch itself, but enough to hold it in place when I do need it. I priced the cost of a new **** and it was about $20. So a little glue in my case makes better financial sense to me.

kdf
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Old Jul 25, 2011 | 12:39 AM
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If I understand you correctly, just the **** came off the metal shaft. You can re-attach the **** to the shaft with anything you like, because the shaft is actually supposed to be permanantly attached. Someday, when you have to replace your headlight switch, the **** and shaft will easily come out. There is a little spring loaded button on the switch assembly that releases the ****/shaft piece. Then you can remove the slotted nut that you see behind the ****. And then the switch assembly can be removed.

John
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Old Jul 25, 2011 | 01:39 AM
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Thanks JohnRR
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Old Jul 25, 2011 | 10:47 AM
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Same problem here, the **** does not rest savely in the new headlight switch. Sometimes it comes out.
It helps to turn it a little, then it holds. But im not happy with this Situation. Maybe i will also try to glue it.
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Old Jul 25, 2011 | 03:50 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnRR
If I understand you correctly, just the **** came off the metal shaft. You can re-attach the **** to the shaft with anything you like, because the shaft is actually supposed to be permanantly attached. Someday, when you have to replace your headlight switch, the **** and shaft will easily come out. There is a little spring loaded button on the switch assembly that releases the ****/shaft piece. Then you can remove the slotted nut that you see behind the ****. And then the switch assembly can be removed.

John
absolutely correct. when replacing the switch, the shaft (with the **** attached) is what remains to be re-inserted into the new switch mechanism.
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Old Jul 25, 2011 | 05:16 PM
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Two part epoxy should do it. You could cut some small grooves in the shaft for better grip.

Make your son repair it.
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Old Jul 25, 2011 | 05:22 PM
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My choice would be the JB Weld 2-part epoxy in tubes. Use a Q-tip with some lacquer thinner [or other solvent] to clean up the recess in the **** and the end of the shaft. Mix up a couple of drops, wipe just a bit on the shaft end and put the rest in the **** 'hole'. You may want to pull the switch shaft to ON position, just so you can wipe off any excess epoxy when you put them together. Then, push back to the OFF position. Let sit overnight and you should be "good to go".
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Old Jul 25, 2011 | 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by jcloving
Two part epoxy should do it. You could cut some small grooves in the shaft for better grip.

Make your son repair it.


Make my son repair it !!??? .

Think - Me : Barney Rubble
Son: Bam Bam.

If I need a Grand Piano lifted 5 ft in the air so I can vacuum -I go to Bam Bam.
If I want 2 part epoxy in a 1/4" hole - and not all over the car and garage and shop and kitchen - Barney does it.

Thanks all. A 2 part epoxy it is !
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Old Jul 27, 2011 | 10:00 PM
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I used JB Weld on mine. Works like a charm
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Old Jul 27, 2011 | 10:02 PM
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Barney Rubble all the way!
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Old Jul 27, 2011 | 10:14 PM
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I was hoping to add something insightful but all my suggestions are out there already... I used epoxy on mine, worked quite well.

Last edited by Dantana; Jul 28, 2011 at 08:58 AM.
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Old Jul 28, 2011 | 07:03 AM
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Same thing happened to me on my 74. I used JB weld about 1 year ago and I have had no problems since.

S.
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Old Jul 28, 2011 | 08:49 AM
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Now the real question is - does Bam Bam have his own Pebbles?

I think many of us C3 owners have been there with that headlight ****.
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