problem installing new headlight switch in 52
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 114
Likes: 1
From: Saraland, AL
problem installing new headlight switch in 52
I bought a reproduction headlight switch and headlight ****/shaft from Dennis Carpenters for the 1952 F-1, original 6 volt. I had found an original switch bezel that threads on to the front of the switch. I thought I was now in good shape to finish out the dash.
The problem I am having is that if I screw in the bezel all the way to make the switch not wiggle in the dash hole, the dash **** sticks out even in the fully off position. If I back the bezel off to make the dash **** flush when off, the switch moves when used. Something is amiss... Either the repop is not as accurate as it should be or maybe I am missing an adapter or spacer.
Hoping someone has some wisom on how to install the switch properly. I went through my shop manual and tried the archives on this forum with no luck.
Thanks, Fred
The picture below is kind of blurry, but it shows the switch, the bezel, and the dash **** in the fully off position.
The problem I am having is that if I screw in the bezel all the way to make the switch not wiggle in the dash hole, the dash **** sticks out even in the fully off position. If I back the bezel off to make the dash **** flush when off, the switch moves when used. Something is amiss... Either the repop is not as accurate as it should be or maybe I am missing an adapter or spacer.
Hoping someone has some wisom on how to install the switch properly. I went through my shop manual and tried the archives on this forum with no luck.
Thanks, Fred
The picture below is kind of blurry, but it shows the switch, the bezel, and the dash **** in the fully off position.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,571
Likes: 22
From: Oxford, Indiana
I'm not remembering a spacer or anything between the switch and dash, but it's been a long while since I've had a headlight switch out. I'd guess that there is some error in the production tolerances of either the switch or the ****/shaft. I think that you might be able to solve your problem by adding a washer or two between the switch and the back of the dash.
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 22
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From: wv
Hello, you are correct, there is a spacer that you are missing and no one repo's. i went through thison my model a with a 52 dash, I bought a used switch on ebay just to get the spacer. i wound up not using it and if i can find it you can have it for cheap... what i did was grind the bracing on the backside of the dash down until the switch will fit up tight against the back of the dash so you dont need the spacer. with the dash in the truck this is prob going to be hard to do as i could access the dash through my gas tank hole. let me know on the spacer and i will try to dig it out.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
All you need to do is go up to the hardware store and buy a nylon spacer/wahser (looks a little like an unbent macaroni noodle) that will fit over the bezel shaft but not through the dash hole. Then cut it to the shortest length needed to get tightness.
Then when you install the switch, put the bezel through the dash, then put the spacer on it. Then tighten until almost tight. Insert the ****/shaft to make sure it inserts, then out again and tighten down the bezel the rest of the way.
Then when you install the switch, put the bezel through the dash, then put the spacer on it. Then tighten until almost tight. Insert the ****/shaft to make sure it inserts, then out again and tighten down the bezel the rest of the way.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 114
Likes: 1
From: Saraland, AL
Thanks for the input. Once you all let me know that the spacer was needed and that the switch and shaft were okay, I ended up machining one that worked last night. I had to make up about 5/8" distance to make the switch snug and the shaft to get almost fully close in the off position.
BlueOval, 49f1fan, and Julie - thanks!
Fred
BlueOval, 49f1fan, and Julie - thanks!
Fred
