Headlight switch

lamar · « **on:** August 24, 2009, 10:16:14 PM »

Anyone ever changed out a head light switch on a 71 or 72 Super Beetle?

Any advice welcomed...beside getting rid of a Super Beetle and getting a standard... :lol:

Bugthug · « **Reply #1 on:** August 24, 2009, 10:55:16 PM »

Hey Lamar, I've heard that's the hardest job ever so if you decide to get rid of it I'll do what I call a "reverse clunker deal". You bring that Super Beetle down here and you can drive off in my clunky old '96 Dodge Caravan. We aint skeerd to deal down here in LaF-at-it!

Russ · « **Reply #2 on:** August 24, 2009, 11:02:36 PM »

An escutcheon tool probably helps.

certdubtech · « **Reply #3 on:** August 25, 2009, 08:58:43 AM »

The tool is pretty much required on a padded dash car like yours. i have a couple of them, lamar, and i'd be glad to help if you need it. big thing... disconnect your battery cable before starting. once the switch starts moving around, it's all too easy to tag a hot terminal to metal in the trunk area.... gas fumes, sparks, you get the picture.... :wink:
To quote Marvin the Martian, you should try at all costs to avoid the earth- shattering kaboom.....

cindy · « **Reply #4 on:** August 25, 2009, 08:49:42 PM »

Sounds like he needs your help Rick to keep from blowing everything up.

Will you be at the show committee meeting Thursday night?

certdubtech · « **Reply #5 on:** August 26, 2009, 08:07:54 AM »

possibly. ran into a scheduling prolbem with thursday evenings. Due to the updated school scheduling, and the girls living with me during the school year now, There are too many things aligning on that day of the week, any other day of the week would be a possiblity. i still may make it to the meeting this week, though. i'll try and remember the tool, or one of you guys could just swing by work one day at the end of the day, something like that.
Let me know how you want to try to do it, we'll also need to take the fresh air box loose, no biggee...

lamar · « **Reply #6 on:** August 26, 2009, 08:29:14 AM »

Thanks for the advice Rick. Cindy is always concerned about me setting the house on fire when I start on of my mechanical projects. :shock: I would appreciate the loan of the tool. If you don't make the meeting Thursday night I will swing by your place of work and pick it up. I have not ordered the replacement switch yet, still researching were to buy from. CP1 has one for 19.99 which is the best price so far, but the quality is always a mystery. If you have any opinions on were to buy from, that would be appreciated as well. And, I may very well need you to bail me out if my attempt at this goes south.

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #7 on:** August 26, 2009, 09:02:25 AM »

Get the best one you can afford . I replaced one a few years back that was cheap( China) and the dang thing almost burned the car up when the switch caught fire. I would ask where the switch was made before I would buy it. Remember ,most places won't warrant electrical stuff if something happened.

certdubtech · « **Reply #8 on:** August 26, 2009, 09:23:40 AM »

what david said... i have actually seen some cheap new ones that the terminal plate wiggles loose, and the support bracket behind the dash runs right beside it... you get the picture. one tip, before you go to put the new one in, always give the plate a little wiggle, make sure it doesn't feel loose, they can pop free as they get some use on them.
The tool is at home now, but i'll make a note to swing by the house and pick it up before tomorrow....

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #9 on:** August 26, 2009, 11:53:06 AM »

Rick , Remember the emer. 4 way switches - V - radio. I didn't think those little wires could make that much smoke :lol: :lol:

Proverb Of The Day: " Strike While the Bug is Close"

certdubtech · « **Reply #10 on:** August 26, 2009, 12:28:06 PM »

first contact sparks, scares the crap out of you, then you drop the wire against the brace, then more sparks, smoke......

No, i have no idea what you're talking about.... :wink:

:lol:

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #11 on:** August 26, 2009, 01:22:30 PM »

Quote from: "certdubtech"

first contact sparks, scares the crap out of you, then you drop the wire against the brace, then more sparks, smoke......

No, i have no idea what you're talking about.... :wink:

:lol:

You lie like the Cur Dog you are :lol: Is there something in your past that you don't want to be known on this subject ? :oops:

lamar · « **Reply #12 on:** August 26, 2009, 01:55:17 PM »

Whoa....now you are scaring the crap outta me..sparks..smoke...maybe Cindy does have a good reason to be concerned!!!

certdubtech · « **Reply #13 on:** August 26, 2009, 04:09:51 PM »

Don't get me wrong, Lamar... fire is great as long as you meant it to be there.... :wink:

Never have burned one up, but i have most certainly zapped myself a time or two.

:oops:

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #14 on:** August 26, 2009, 04:53:38 PM »

The secret is being careful which you are , a GOOD replacement switch, checking condition and position of the wiring around the switch all with a disconnected Battery.
Wasn't trying to scare the "crap" out of you. Just to make you aware that you may be working in close quarters. The biggest problem I had was making sure that wires didn't get tangle up with the wiper linkage on some cars
I have replace lots of those switches with no problems. Its not rocket science. you will do just fine.( Just keep a fire ext close by.)
:lol: :lol: :lol: Just kidding

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Topic: Headlight switch (Read 4201 times)

lamar

Headlight switch

Bugthug

Headlight switch

Russ

Headlight switch

certdubtech

Headlight switch

cindy

Headlight switch

certdubtech

Headlight switch

lamar

Headlight switch

Ret.Bugtech

Headlight switch

certdubtech

Headlight switch

Ret.Bugtech

Headlight switch

certdubtech

Headlight switch

Ret.Bugtech

Headlight switch

lamar

Headlight switch

certdubtech

Headlight switch

Ret.Bugtech

Headlight switch

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