Headlight switch replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Auburndale Florida
Headlight switch replacement
How much of a PITA is replacing the headlight switch on a 72 C3. I guess what I'm really asking is how difficult is it to get the drivers side of the dash removed or open enought to get to the switch?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Here is the way I do it. Remove battery cable, remove all the upper dash screws , all the center cluster screws,the 2 screws inside the drivers door jamb,unscrew the tach cable at the distributor,remove the 2 bolts holding the column up, loosen the 2 bolts going through firewall holding bottom of the column,loosen the cinch bolt above the rag joint,carefully work the tach/speedo cluster out , remove electrical connector ,pull the headlight **** out-remove hand from ****-press release button on switch-pull **** out and free,unscrew slotted nut the ****/shaft went through,remove switch. Probably missed a few items but hopefully you get the idea. Would that be considered a PITA ? 
Yes it is but not horrible. 
Yes it is but not horrible.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,214
Likes: 4,302
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Ken,
Roger's instructions are RIGHT ON!!!!
I'll only add to be VERY careful with the dash pad because if it's an original they've become pretty brittle from age and only make a gentle 'pop' when the break from too much much pressure!
Regards,
Alan
PS: Almost forgot... take note of the position of the 2 vacuum hoses (blue stripe and black) on the original switch so you put them on the new switch correctly.
Roger's instructions are RIGHT ON!!!!
I'll only add to be VERY careful with the dash pad because if it's an original they've become pretty brittle from age and only make a gentle 'pop' when the break from too much much pressure!
Regards,
Alan
PS: Almost forgot... take note of the position of the 2 vacuum hoses (blue stripe and black) on the original switch so you put them on the new switch correctly.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 28
From: Tallmadge Ohio
C3 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
Oldtimer
I could not get to mine without pulling the dash pad as explained. I had the seat out and was laying down on the floor and still could not even see the switch. Just follow the instructions and it's not that hard. I only loosened the two bolts that hold the column under the dash and removed all the screws in the lower dash pad, pulled out the corner and removed the switch.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I could not get to mine without pulling the dash pad as explained. I had the seat out and was laying down on the floor and still could not even see the switch. Just follow the instructions and it's not that hard. I only loosened the two bolts that hold the column under the dash and removed all the screws in the lower dash pad, pulled out the corner and removed the switch.
As a younger man I used to be able to get my hand up from under the dash and release the headlight switch ****.
