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[rscbrowland]

Have high beams on my 73 but lights out when I swtich to low beams (just went out one night on the way home).  I bought a new switch and am trying to figure out if there is a trick, or any short cuts, to replacing it without dismanteling the entire steering column.

Thanks, Randy

[herald948]

You shouldn't need to dismantle it, but it will help greatly if you slacken the upper clamp (near the switch escutcheons) and the one screw and nut clamping the wire cover on the underside of the column enough to slide down and remove that cover. That should give you sufficient (if not unlimited) access and room to work. Do carefully note what wire connects to what before removing the old one, and do disconnect the - terminal on the battery just to be safe (and don't ask how I know to suggest this)!

[rscbrowland]

Appeciate the tips.  I too know all about not disconnecting the battery before working....will report back once the switch is replaced.

[trglory]

Before you replace the switch, clean up the contacts and see what happens. May save you some work.

[rscbrowland]

TRGLORY - Thank you!  I was able to pull the switch out enough to clean the contacts and voila -lights.

Brief document on how to do this for those who find themselves in a similar situation.

1. Remove the switch cover on the steering column (screws top and bottom).
2. Remove screws that hold the high beam switch in place (one top and one bottom)
3. Wiggle the switch out enought ot work on.  You will notice a small spring connecting the plastic base to the metal cover.  Carefully disconnect and set aside.
4. The top cover is hinged which allows the switch th erock forward to flash high beams.  There is a long pin the you need to push out (I used small needle nose pliers to do the trick).
5. With the pin out you can remove the top cover.  The inside part of the switch has the lever and the base with the contacts.  I was able to slide the plastic base out without much difficulty.
6. Take care when removing the base to hold the swich upside down.  There is a triangular copper contact attached to the switch and a tiny spring under that contact.  I dropped it and searched for 15 minutes before I foudn it in the seat track...
7. With the switch apart you can use a small brass bristle bruch to clean the contacts.  Assemble in reverse order.
8. I did have some difficulty putting the hing pin back in but managed to wiggle it while putting pressure with channel locks to get it to slide in place.