78-82 Corvette Headlamp Switch

[drquazar]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7959396451&category=33710&sspagename=WD1V

Just took my Vette out of storage. Every year around this time, I start to see what repairs will need to be done. ( Seems something always stops working after a winter storage in Vermont.
This year its the instument panel lights. They worked last year. Although turning the light knob to dim and brighten has always seemed a little crunchy feeling. I checked the fuses, all seemed fine. The switch still activates the headlights fine, and the dome light. But I am guessing the connection for the instrument light control is toast on the switch. ( I could be wrong for sure..
The link is to the part I am guessing I should replace. My question is. How the heck would you remove the old one. I certainly cant at from under the dash. It almost seems like I could get at it by removing all the trim around the speed and tach. Does anyone know exactly how the switch can be gotten to, to swap in a new one?

Drquazar
Black on Black 1981 Corvette
The only Black on Black in the registry with Black Cloth seats...hoooray!

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Here's the closest link I could find that described removing the switch.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34093&highlight=headlight+switch

 

[drquazar]

Very nice thank you. I will check my Haynes book closer. I likely will have same question as that post. I can definately remove the bezel and trim....disconnecting the speed and tach sounds daunting, but at least its a start.

 

[Nut]

I know you checked the fuses but did you actually swap out the Instrument Panel fuse with a known good one? I've actually seen them blow on the sides of the fuse metal near the folk leg and not easily seen in a visible inspection. Just a thought.

......... Nut

 

[drquazar]

good point, maybe a good idea to just replace all the fuses with fresh ones.....There are these new "Glow" fuses available. http://www.spmotorsports.com/ATCmisc_fuses.html

They light up when the fuse BLOWS...

I will check and replace em all today and see what happens. I am a
Chef by trade, so I handle a knife far better then a screwdriver....but I have
suprised myself in the past with some self done repairs. (Windsheild wiper motor, all new vacuum lines etc...)

 

[Tom Bryant]

They don't cost much either. Great idea.

Tom