My instrument clusters lights had died so I ordered a replacement switch from Blue Oval - as a good board member. The switch arrives and I go to install it and it doesn't fit. The spacer is larger than on the original switch. I call and to find out what I can do and I'm told - That's a universal switch, it fits lots of years, and you have to modify it to work. I said that it doesn't say 'universal' on the web site - it says 'replacement' for the correct year range for my truck. He says in the industry 'repalcement' means it doesn't necessarily fit. What a bunch of crap. I know the difference between OE and replacement and not fitting isn't one of them. Having been brow beaten by a moderator here to "buy from sponsors" I've bought 3 things from Blue Oval and 2 have been wrong and I have yet to see how the third turns out.

So I do as he instructed and snap off the end of the new switch and, with a great deal of effort, manage to snap off the end of the original switch and beat it back into a semblance of it's original shape. An hour later I'm back where I was. I set the new switch with the old 'stand' back in, screw in the bezel and when I slide in the **** I get sparks. I try several things, including sliding the plastic sleeve in the bezel back - but still sparks.

What's the deal? Is there power in the ****? Does the sleeve need to be in a specific spot?

Peter

 

Main reason i Ignore the buy from junk dealers.....

Sounds like a defective switch, which will get blamed on you as you modified it. It should not spark.

The dash lights on my 69 are starting to go on and off to so i will need to do this also.

Garbz

 

I went thru this with e-brake cables. Got a "replacement" that was "universal". It had rubber hose with two screw clamps to "slide" to length. It was JUNK! The casing would collapse evertime you stepped on pedal, and the brake would not hold. I then went to local Napa and they found a TRUE replacement that was ONE piece and fit perfect. You really have to watch what you buy and if it doesn't fit, SEND IT BACK! You found out if you have to make it fit, then you'll likely screw it up and then TWO broken parts.

I'm sorry for your hassle. I'd take the "buy from sponsors" with a grain of salt. Try, but if you get the wrong part, send it back and find the right one. They are NOT god, and you have the right to do as you please.

 

Thanks for the commiseration. I'll buy the OE part - wonder if I can get it from Napa?

Peter

 

TRY NPD they carry a lot of OEM parts. Or even green sales a sponsor that carries NOS ford stock.

Garbz

 

I went down to my FLAP and they had the OE part with the right end on it for $39 bucks. Went right in no problem. Should have started there.

Peter

 

Wells Brothers is another OEM supplier. Most parts house carry them. I got a replacement for $12. May be time to add the relay mod to keep from burning the switch out.

 

Yes, I ordered this cool Hella 4 relay housing to do the conversion. I've had extra lights installed by the PO on the truck for years that I've never hooked up. I'll get it all at once.

Peter

 

"Universal" in choctaw means "POS." My dad told me so many years ago in Durant,Oklahoma!