Replacing '68 headlight switch - need to remove steering column?

[Pete G.]

I need to replace the headlight switch (or see what issue is once I remove it, possibly rheostat cleaning as interior light dimmer quit working). Question, do I need to remove the steering column to give room for left lower dash removal? I read some Wilcox documentation that states when the steering column is lowered but not removed, the lower dash pad will sit on the column and distort the area around the lower collar. Wilcox also states that people that attempt to replace the headlight switch w/o taking out the lower dash pad will almost 100% of the time break the sub-straight of the dash pad between the speedo and tach.

How difficult is it to remove the steering column?

Thanks!

[Terry M.]

Re: Replacing '68 headlight switch - need to remove steering column?

I need to replace the headlight switch (or see what issue is once I remove it, possibly rheostat cleaning as interior light dimmer quit working). Question, do I need to remove the steering column to give room for left lower dash removal? I read some Wilcox documentation that states when the steering column is lowered but not removed, the lower dash pad will sit on the column and distort the area around the lower collar. Wilcox also states that people that attempt to replace the headlight switch w/o taking out the lower dash pad will almost 100% of the time break the sub-straight of the dash pad between the speedo and tach.

How difficult is it to remove the steering column?

Thanks!

Pete,

I must be one of those 1 per centers. I replaced the headlight switch on my 1970 by removing the upper dash pad. As best I remember (it has been quite a while ago) I left the instrument panel in place and didn't lower the steering column. I may have removed the screws on the far left of the IP -- the ones in the door jamb, I am not sure about that. All that said, lowering the steering column is not a big deal -- it just is not necessary for this job.

All the interior trim around the windshield (including the sun visors and rear view mirror) has to come out, then the right hand dash panel (the one with the pouch on my car). There is a "hidden' bolt behind the passenger's dash panel for the upper dash pad. There is also a screw in the wiper control switch that goes up into the upper dash. Maneuvering the upper dash pad out is a treat. Do not try to bend it. As old as they are now they will surely crack if you try to bend them. I think the FSM (Factory Service Manual) talks about bending the upper dash pad, and that was fine when they were new, but not now.

You will find the AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) a real asset. The drawings will show where all the fasteners, including that hidden one, are. Don't tug at anything until you are sure that ALL the fasteners holding it in are removed.

The C3 interior is one of the more difficult Corvette areas to work in. Take your time. Work when you are well rested, and do not be in a hurry. Keep strict track of which holes the screws come out of. The length of some screws is critical. Put a screw that is too long in one of the short holes and it will poke through the interior panel. That is very bad news.

There is a button on the side of the headlamp switch -- toward the center of the car as I remember, but I could be wrong about that. Push that button in and the headlamp knob and shaft will slide out of the switch assembly. Be careful of the plastic bezel around the switch shaft. As I remember I was able to unscrew it with a pair of needle nosed pliers. Don't tighten it too tight on installation, or you will be looking for a new one.

Good luck.

[Mike F.]

Re: Replacing '68 headlight switch - need to remove steering column?

Yep, what Terry said. I just replaced my 70 switch a couple of months ago. Once you get the top dash pad off it's pretty simple.

Mike

[Jerry B.]

Re: Replacing '68 headlight switch - need to remove steering column?

My 69 had serveral vacuum lines coming off the headlight switch. I made a diagram where they go. that,s an over 60 thing

[Edward J.]

Re: Replacing '68 headlight switch - need to remove steering column?

I need to replace the headlight switch (or see what issue is once I remove it, possibly rheostat cleaning as interior light dimmer quit working). Question, do I need to remove the steering column to give room for left lower dash removal? I read some Wilcox documentation that states when the steering column is lowered but not removed, the lower dash pad will sit on the column and distort the area around the lower collar. Wilcox also states that people that attempt to replace the headlight switch w/o taking out the lower dash pad will almost 100% of the time break the sub-straight of the dash pad between the speedo and tach.

How difficult is it to remove the steering column?

Thanks!

Pete, I have cheated a little before doing the switch just undo all the screws to the dash pad on the drivers side and the three on the gage cluster, Then pull the pad outward enough to access the spring loaded button to release the headlight knob. (pull headlight knob to park position then push spring release to remove knob).then unscrew the retainer for switch, and remove harness connector for switch. it will allow you to sneak out the switch.

[Jim T.]

Re: Replacing '68 headlight switch - need to remove steering column?

Pete I do believe that you can clean the rheostat in your light switch to make the dash lights work. I have replaced the headlight switch in my 68 and 70. The 70's rheostat wire was burnt into. The 68's rheostat's wire was good, but the piece of metal that moves on the rheostat wire was not making good contact on the wire when it was rotated.
I lowered the steering column and moved the lower dash to gain access to the headlight switch. If you elect to do the same there are two bolts at the bottom of the steering column that should be loosened but not removed in addition to removing bolts that support the steering column. My lower dash on the 68 and 70 did not receive any damage. I used this same procedure to remove the speedometer on the 1970.

[Don W.]

Re: Replacing '68 headlight switch - need to remove steering column?

I replaced my '69 headlight switch about 2 years ago. I'm going from memory without having the car in front of me. I removed the steering column bolts and lowered the column several inches. I then removed all the dash pads screws and any other screws to lossen all associated pads and panels. I was then able to pry the panels around the switch open far enough to get my hand in and remove and replace the switch. It was a tight squeeze.
I'm not sure that works on the '68 as there were interior changes between 68 and 69.

Don

[Joseph K.]

Re: Replacing '68 headlight switch - need to remove steering column?

I replaced my '69 headlight switch about 2 years ago. I'm going from memory without having the car in front of me. I removed the steering column bolts and lowered the column several inches. I then removed all the dash pads screws and any other screws to loosen all associated pads and panels. I was then able to pry the panels around the switch open far enough to get my hand in and remove and replace the switch. It was a tight squeeze.
I'm not sure that works on the '68 as there were interior changes between 68 and 69.

Don

That is what I did on my 69 also. It took me about 2 hours to complete. I only lowered the dash panel with the speedometer in it.

[Gary R.]

Re: Replacing '68 headlight switch - need to remove steering column?

That is what I did on my 69 also. It took me about 2 hours to complete. I only lowered the dash panel with the speedometer in it.

Did the same on our 69-75's