Headlight switch knob
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
Headlight switch ****
I just bought a 1973 L48 convertible and have owned other Corvettes over the years but this is my first C3. The headlight switch **** is missing and I’m already tired of grabbing the stub on the plunger. I bought a replacement ****/plunger and want to install it without tearing out the dash. I know how to release the old plunger but don’t think I can get to the back of the switch to press the button. Should I lower the steering column or remove the upper dash? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,319
Likes: 720
From: Marietta GA
You can loosen the drivers dash panel along with lowering the steering column. My suggests that you employ Google to get step by step instructions. The plastic / vinyl parts are 50 years old and it’s imperative that you not allow any of the parts to be placed under any stress. When you lower the steering column, use a box to keep from letting the column dangle. There is no easy way to get to the back of the switch.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Very doable. You just need to work carefully to not put the dash panel in a bind. It might be worth removing your driver's seat to gain freedom of work space for this one.
An alternative solution would be to buy a new ****/shaft and cut the shaft off. Then drill out the remaining shaft and epoxy the **** onto your old shaft. Or you could drill and tap for a set screw on the under-side of the **** (if you go this route, also drill a dimple into the bottom of the existing shaft for the set screw to seat into).
An alternative solution would be to buy a new ****/shaft and cut the shaft off. Then drill out the remaining shaft and epoxy the **** onto your old shaft. Or you could drill and tap for a set screw on the under-side of the **** (if you go this route, also drill a dimple into the bottom of the existing shaft for the set screw to seat into).
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jul 12, 2024 at 01:11 PM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
Thanks for the suggestion. That was my first thought - drill out the new assembly and attach it somehow to the “stub”. In reading the thread lots of folks are advising doing some TLC on the Speedo, tach and dash lights as long as the dash is exposed. My Speedo is oscillating so bad you can’t read the MPH. And there are dash lights that are out and the others are dim. Love the idea of removing the drivers seat for better maneuverability. Looks like I’m all in. Again, thanks for responding!!!!
