Just need some clarification as I come to a critical point in my 69 frame off restoration. I have the wiring installed with the exception of the vehicle grounds (Engine to frame and instruments to the dash header). I have ordered a new headlight switch shown on the right in the first picture that has a grounding tab on the left side (as you are looking at it. My old switch does not have the same tab but did come with the metal object between the two switches. After doing a bunch of searching here and other forums, there is never a real good explanation for the metal retainer gadget. is it a ground and if so, what does it ground to? I ask because it only screws to the gauge bezel (bottom picture) to a plastic assembly. Or............is it just a stabilizer of sort for the switch to just secure its mounting? I looked in the AIM and it simply calls it a "strap" which is not very descriptive.

The follow on question is; if this metal retainer is not a ground, where does the switch ground to (without a tab)?

BTW, the new switch has loose electrical tabs so I will probably just stick with my old switch. I don't want to get this interior all assembled only to find out I have to pull it apart because i installed a "new" junk switch.

Thanks everyone in advance.

Terry (HOOAH)

 

The original headlight switch needs #7 (ground strap) to bring a ground to the headlight switch when you turn the ROD (#4) to turn on the courtesy lights.
If you are correct that the new switch has a tab that most likely is the new ground connection, then run a wire from the left front door jamb screw to the tab on the new switch.

 

YOu need the ground for the dimmers to work. Just run the ground from the tab

 

I will be using my old switch that doesn't have a tab because the new one has loose electrical connectors and I just dont trust it. For the old one that has the metal retainer, is that a ground of some sort? The AIM even has it connected to a plastic assembly that cant possibly work unless i am misreading/understanding this whole thing.

thanks again

Terry

 

Yes that is the old style ground, it usually grounds on the speedometer housing. You will need to establish a ground. Either solder a wire to the strap and attach it to a bolt on the speedometer provided you have all the gauge grounds attached or improvise one from the switch

 

Thank you again my friend. i will fix something up. I have installed dakota digital gauges but that mounting point should be the same. Regardless, i will run a ground from that metal strap to the drivers door jam and see what I get.

Terry

 

Rotating the switch **** should dim the lights and full rotation to the lock will turn on the courtesy lights with the doors closed....it probably will not dim LED bulbs

 

The terminals/prongs on the new switch seem different,,,

once you ground and plug the main electrical connector into the old switch make sure the lights work correctly.
(but you knew that )