1980 Headlight and Wiper Switch replacement
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Joined: Mar 2016
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1980 Headlight and Wiper Switch replacement
I just purchased a 1980 L48 and I am beginning to perform some minor repairs to switches/instrument panel lights etc. I have parts on order already. I am trying to find out how to replace the Windshield wiper switch and Headlight switches. Any suggestions? Looks like I may have to remove Speedo/Tach first, do I need to remove steering wheel as well? I guess I'll replace all the instrument panel bulbs while I am in there as well.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
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I just purchased a 1980 L48 and I am beginning to perform some minor repairs to switches/instrument panel lights etc. I have parts on order already. I am trying to find out how to replace the Windshield wiper switch and Headlight switches. Any suggestions? Looks like I may have to remove Speedo/Tach first, do I need to remove steering wheel as well? I guess I'll replace all the instrument panel bulbs while I am in there as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,427
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Here's a picture that ODB74 posted.
Pull the shaft OUT, then press the button and pull the shaft again and it will come out.
Pull the shaft OUT, then press the button and pull the shaft again and it will come out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
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From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
Once you learn the location of that shaft release button, the headlight switch is fairly easy to remove.
Unfortunately the wiper switch isn't so easy. It's secured by a single hex-head screw below the switch body. The screw is angled up and towards the front of the car. According to the service manual you can replace without removing the cluster and/or dash pad but I gave up in frustration. The cluster is easy to remove and you don't have to remove the steering column--you merely loosen two bolts that you see after you remove the trim panel that contains the headlight override switch. As I was doing other work I replaced mine with the entire dash pad removed.
I highly suggest that you get a wiring diagram and fully test the replacement wiper switch before replacing--particularly if you have intermittent wipers. The replacement I received only varied resistance to the intermittent delay module with the wiper switch "off". I wound up cleaning my original switch as the problem was intermittent resistance to the module with the switch in the "delay" position.
Unfortunately the wiper switch isn't so easy. It's secured by a single hex-head screw below the switch body. The screw is angled up and towards the front of the car. According to the service manual you can replace without removing the cluster and/or dash pad but I gave up in frustration. The cluster is easy to remove and you don't have to remove the steering column--you merely loosen two bolts that you see after you remove the trim panel that contains the headlight override switch. As I was doing other work I replaced mine with the entire dash pad removed.
I highly suggest that you get a wiring diagram and fully test the replacement wiper switch before replacing--particularly if you have intermittent wipers. The replacement I received only varied resistance to the intermittent delay module with the wiper switch "off". I wound up cleaning my original switch as the problem was intermittent resistance to the module with the switch in the "delay" position.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
On cars 1978-1982 you should remove the speedo/tach housing to access the wiper switch and headlamp switch. It's the easiest way for sure. Once you have this out you can then reach right inside and remove both switches.
He is a detailed instruction sheet on how to remove the housing with ease.
1978-1982-corvette-speedometer-and-tach-housing-removal-instructions Once you get to this link just click on the pdf file.
Now just couple of warnings for you.
The headlamp **** release button, shown above can be cantankerous at times and you may end up having to flick it a few times to get it to release.
The wiper switch has a screw that holds it in place. Be extra careful not to strip the screw out when you install the new switch.
-Willcox
He is a detailed instruction sheet on how to remove the housing with ease.
1978-1982-corvette-speedometer-and-tach-housing-removal-instructions Once you get to this link just click on the pdf file.
Now just couple of warnings for you.
The headlamp **** release button, shown above can be cantankerous at times and you may end up having to flick it a few times to get it to release.
The wiper switch has a screw that holds it in place. Be extra careful not to strip the screw out when you install the new switch.
-Willcox
