Headlight Switch Removal

[1970FordTK]

Ok folks, I just spent ten minutes trying to find the "how to" on the site for this with no luck. I have a 1970 F-100 Ranger Package truck, all the other switches had an allen head set screw holding the knob on them. The headlight switch doesn't, and I don't see how the knob is held on. I know that later models have a metal tab that has to be bent back to slide them off, but I can't tell how this one is held on. Any ideas, thanks.

[mrsnicks]

There is a button behind the dash that you press down, and this allows you to remove the assembly (knob and shaft). Once that is removed there is a ring on the front of the dash that you have to unscrew using the slots in the ring.

There was a special tool that was made specifically for this purpose, but most people use a flat head screw driver. VERY carefully or you will scratch the hell out of everything if it slips out.

Patrick

[kaptnkaos]

Hey 1970FordTK...

Just to clarify on mrsnicks directions...
The button is on the switch itself, that is behind the dash.
It can be a bugger to get to.
You have to push the button in and sorta twist & pull on the knob at the same time.
The knob is fused onto the shaft... and comes out in one piece.
Rather than a screwdriver, I use a small punch and leather hammer, and tap it little by little ... there's less chance of damage.
There is a proper tool to remove the benzel nuts, but I have never seen one and am not sure where where a guy could even pick one up...

Good luck,
KaptnKAOS

[ERICLDUFFEL]

The tool you are talking about is the retaining nut tool (item#s2063) from (eastwood.com).

[kaptnkaos]

Hey Eric...

I went to Eastwood and tried to look up that tool by the number you posted...
The site didn't recognize the number...

Please check it and repost

Thank you
KaptnKAOS

[studdmstr]

The tool you are talking about is the retaining nut tool (item#s2063) from (eastwood.com).

The item# is 52063. In the printed catalog for July, the tool is on page 15 in the middle of the page. The price is $24.99.

[1970FordTK]

Thanks guys, I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow on that. Only things left in the dash right now are the light switch and the wiring. In fact, the whole cab is now sitting on saw horses where I can get to the underside of the floor pans to finish welding them in. I personally found that a set of snap wring pliers works good on those sloted rings. At least it worked good for me on the emergency switch and wipers.

[FORDification]

Since a picture's worth a thousand words, here's one I took a while back showing this tool, the same used for also removing the wiper switch:

[kaptnkaos]

Hey Keith, U da man...

Thanks for the pic... I wuz kinda thinkin' that's what it might look like.
Looks like it might take 15 minutes or so to fab one outta some 1/2" conduit...


KaptnKAOS

[1970FordTK]

I feel like an idot now that I know where the button on the headlight switch is. It came out slick as a whistle once it was pushed, thanks guys. I only have 8 pictures left on the roll so as soon as thats done I'll post some pictures when I figure out how to do that. Cab looks funny pointed to the sky, made it easier to finish welding up the floor pans that way. Once again thanks guys.

[flistr8]

I was just scratching my head over how to get those buggers out of my dash. Thanks to all.

[1970FordTK]

Glad my ignorance help out someone more than me.

[FORDification]

I got that tool second-hand along with bunch of others at a yard sale, I believe. I've had that for a long time...but never knew what it was for. Then when I got my first Ford and started disassembling it, I was looking at those switches, and trying to figure out a way of manufacturing something that would work without scratching up the bezel. I'm digging around my toolbox looking for something to modify, when I ran across that...and the light bulb suddenly went off.

[rjewkes]

also that tool should work on the cargo lamp if your truck is so equiped.