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HOW do I remove the headlight switch (not ****) from my 1988 vette?...
The plastic that provides the hole is cracked and my intent it to apply JBWeld to that surface and add a very large thin washer to it as to provide a strong mounting structure for the shaft of the switch...The "nut" has 2 "slots on it that is apparently for some tool to grab onto....
As it is right now. the entire switch will rotate.....
Ya think I should remove the dash board itself and, remind me how that is accomplished...Thanks
Last edited by Da Mail Man; May 26, 2026 at 04:17 PM.
Reason: spelling
Remove the tilt wheel lever.
Remove the instrument cluster bezel.
The FSM shows (5) fasteners (screws) across the rear edge. (2) in the defroster duct. (The FSM does not stipulate to remove the center trim.)
Lift the rear edge slightly and pull back. There are clips across the front edge that release when the pad is pulled about 1" aft. It can be a little fussy to get all the clips back under their retainer when reinstalling.
The FSM shows (5) fasteners (screws) across the rear edge. (2) in the defroster duct. (The FSM does not stipulate to remove the center trim.)
There is also one screw on the passenger side. You have to remove the panel around the fuse box to reach it. But it is probably already broken from the last guy that didn't know it is there. I didn't remove the center trim.
Thanks for the reply(ies)...
I thought that there were a few screws along the area farthest from the windshield and, that the top dash somewhat slides into a few clips at the windshield area......
I took a pict or two earlier today and will try to post tomorrow (Tuesday).......
Remove the tilt wheel lever. ALREADY DONE WHEN I REMOVED THE LIGHTED DASH AND CENTER ALSO REMOVED.
Remove the instrument cluster bezel. BEEN OUT FOR A FEW MONTHS SINCE I "RE-FILMED" ALL OF IT.
The FSM shows (5) fasteners (screws) across the rear edge. (2) in the defroster duct. (The FSM does not stipulate to remove the center trim.)
Lift the rear edge slightly and pull back. There are clips across the front edge that release when the pad is pulled about 1" aft. It can be a little fussy to get all the clips back under their retainer when reinstalling.
High threat of rain today so, the continued attempt to fix this is on hold....
Below is what I am working with - to reinforce the area around the hole of the switch and then, to epoxy back the loose missing piece that is not yet in place... Should this fail, I will get a piece of hard plastic, make a right-angle bend in it, and epoxy in place...
If anyone has removed the switch, notice the nut, how did you unscrew that nut?...
All that chatter regarding removing the dash pad, I see that you haven't removed it.
Originally Posted by Da Mail Man
If anyone has removed the switch, notice the nut, how did you unscrew that nut?...
With this?
It's a Snap-On. I last purchased any Snap-On when I was still at the dealership. I left in 1978, so this tool has been in the roll-away for over 50 years. I'm sure I used it on my 85 when I replaced the switch in 2006.
You stated: "All that chatter regarding removing the dash pad, I see that you haven't removed it".
##########################
What do ya mean "still haven't"?....
As I stated, it is either raining or, a high threat of rain and, since I do not want to work out in the rain, of course no direct attempt has been made...
Looking at the pict that has been posed, this is "close" but, would not work because the length of the switch shaft would prevent the "posted" tool from engaging the nut..
I have to wait 'till all this lets up to re-attack the problem....
Has anyone else removed this nut holding the headlight nut in by different means absent that tool displayed?
Last edited by Da Mail Man; May 26, 2026 at 04:09 PM.
Found a link regarding the removal of the switch...
Also found that what appears to be a small nut, is actually long in length......
Looks like removal of the top dash will be mandatory to be able to reach around to grab the switch to keep it from turning and see if I can grab retaining nut with needle nose or forceps.....
I started trying to use needle nose but, the switch was very unstable because of the cracked area around it......
As I stated, when weather permits, dash top comes off and, I pray that I can grab the switch from the top of the dash...
I was tempted to use PB-Blaster but, I did not want to hinder the JBWeld in any way......
I was thinking about taking a "stout" putty knife and cut/grind the center out of it from the edge almost up to the handle to accommodate the switch shaft, leaving 2 "edges" that could fit into the slots on the nut.........
Last edited by Da Mail Man; May 26, 2026 at 10:31 PM.
Reason: spelling
All that chatter regarding removing the dash pad, I see that you haven't removed it.
With this?
It's a Snap-On. I last purchased any Snap-On when I was still at the dealership. I left in 1978, so this tool has been in the roll-away for over 50 years. I'm sure I used it on my 85 when I replaced the switch in 2006.
You did time with VW I believe also. Correct? That tool(S5908) is actually I believe a VW/Porsche specialty tool. I've only ever seen VW/Porsche mentioned in the eBay for sale offers etc. There was also a MAC SC1 that was a socket driver attachment.
Oh?........It clearly looks like a typical socket where it (the depth) only goes just so deep.... There is no mention by you that the tool is hollow prior to you posting of the pictures!
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88 headlight switch removal
