'86 Light Switch knob
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 33
From: Cohasset MN
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
'86 Light Switch ****
I have a simple question. Often when I turn on the headlights, the **** comes right off into my hand. There doesn't seem to be anything broken in the plastic core or the switch stem. Any of you have this problem?
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Flint MI: Birthplace of the Corvette
The factory **** has a small flat metal spring release that lets you remove the **** from the rod. There is a small notch in one side of the **** where the release spring is visible. It sounds like this spring is missing from your **** or the plastic around the spring is cracked and not letting the spring 'bite into' the shaft.
To release it you use a small screwdriver to depress the spring toward the face of the **** while pulling out the shaft. On an 86 you have to remove the **** in this manner before you can remove the dash trim plate to access the switch. Therefore I wouldn't epoxy the **** to the shaft.
There is also a push button type release on the switch itself which will release the **** and shaft as one unit, however I'm not sure it's possible to get a human hand up under the dash to accomplish this without the trim panels removed. Kind of a "Catch 22."
If you bought a generic headlight **** at the parts store, the **** may be molded onto the shaft and therefore it is not possible to separate it from the shaft. You will find an original or reproduction **** from a Corvette dealer much easier to install. You just push it on. Only problem is the price! Good luck!
Dave T
To release it you use a small screwdriver to depress the spring toward the face of the **** while pulling out the shaft. On an 86 you have to remove the **** in this manner before you can remove the dash trim plate to access the switch. Therefore I wouldn't epoxy the **** to the shaft.
There is also a push button type release on the switch itself which will release the **** and shaft as one unit, however I'm not sure it's possible to get a human hand up under the dash to accomplish this without the trim panels removed. Kind of a "Catch 22."
If you bought a generic headlight **** at the parts store, the **** may be molded onto the shaft and therefore it is not possible to separate it from the shaft. You will find an original or reproduction **** from a Corvette dealer much easier to install. You just push it on. Only problem is the price! Good luck!
Dave T
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 921
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
The factory **** has a small flat metal spring release that lets you remove the **** from the rod. There is a small notch in one side of the **** where the release spring is visible. It sounds like this spring is missing from your **** or the plastic around the spring is cracked and not letting the spring 'bite into' the shaft.
To release it you use a small screwdriver to depress the spring toward the face of the **** while pulling out the shaft. On an 86 you have to remove the **** in this manner before you can remove the dash trim plate to access the switch. Therefore I wouldn't epoxy the **** to the shaft.
There is also a push button type release on the switch itself which will release the **** and shaft as one unit, however I'm not sure it's possible to get a human hand up under the dash to accomplish this without the trim panels removed. Kind of a "Catch 22."
If you bought a generic headlight **** at the parts store, the **** may be molded onto the shaft and therefore it is not possible to separate it from the shaft. You will find an original or reproduction **** from a Corvette dealer much easier to install. You just push it on. Only problem is the price! Good luck!
Dave T
To release it you use a small screwdriver to depress the spring toward the face of the **** while pulling out the shaft. On an 86 you have to remove the **** in this manner before you can remove the dash trim plate to access the switch. Therefore I wouldn't epoxy the **** to the shaft.
There is also a push button type release on the switch itself which will release the **** and shaft as one unit, however I'm not sure it's possible to get a human hand up under the dash to accomplish this without the trim panels removed. Kind of a "Catch 22."
If you bought a generic headlight **** at the parts store, the **** may be molded onto the shaft and therefore it is not possible to separate it from the shaft. You will find an original or reproduction **** from a Corvette dealer much easier to install. You just push it on. Only problem is the price! Good luck!
Dave T
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Flint MI: Birthplace of the Corvette
The epoxy is still a quick easy fix. If somewhere down the road you need to completely remove the trim plate, you can break/cut the **** off. Afterall, it's hosed anyway.
Dave T.
