Headlamp dimmer switch revisited.

[tcarollo]

My most recent project was to fix the headlamp dimmer switch on the column of my '77 and remove the stomp-style dimmer switch that bubba stuck on the floor and wired in before I owned the car. I've managed to pull the wheel and get down as far as the turn signal cancel cam and I can almost see the base of dimmer rod inside the column, but can't seem to actually get to it. I don't even know what's broken yet other than the dimmer switch doesn't work and when I pull back on the lever, it's loose, there's no clicking. Is there something I'm missing here? Is there an easier way to get at the dimmer switch? I'm wondering if I'm going to have to take the column completly out of car or if there's a way to remove some of the column covers to access this part Any help, suggestions, or step-throughs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, TC.

 

[69MyWay]

TC,

It is possible I am wrong here, so check it out first.

However, 99% of the time, the dimmer switch is down on the column next to the ignition switch. There is simply a mount and rod that goes from the lever you flick down to that switch. Believe it or not, it can simply be out of adjustment causing the lever to feel limp. The switch could be bad (return spring broke), causing the same problem. In other words, you problem may be down below where you can access it from standing on your head in the floorboard, and not having to take the column apart at all.

In the same regard, you may have a broken socket in the lever pocket in the column.

If this is the case, you will have to take the blinker return, key lock, and tilt/tele shaft out to drop deep enough to access it.

Check the actual switch out first before you take any more of the column apart. YOu might be pleasantly surprised.

 

[tcarollo]

Well I crawled under there and "stood on my head" I saw what I think is the dimmer switch. It's mounted on the left (if you are sitting on the driver seat) side of the column under the dash panel just above the air duct. It's green, right? I might be looking at the wrong thing, but if I'm not, then the end towards the wheel that has a hole in it has no rod going up column. When I move the dimmer lever I can't see anything moving under there either. Does it sound like I'm looking at the right thing to you? I do see one short crooked little rod higher up on the under side of the column, but I think it might have something to do with the key lock as it moves everytime I mess with the lock.

 

[69MyWay]

I think you found it.

Sounds like the rod is missing, therefore there is no pressure against the lever and it just flops.

 

[tcarollo]

I can't for the life of me find anyone (shop or junkyard) who has or can get the rod that I am missing. The switch is there and good, just rod. How hard would this be to make? Do you know where I might be able to pick one up at? I can't actually get to the underpinnings of the lever yet to see what it looks like there because I'm not sure how to remove the column covers, but I know the rod is most definatly gone.

 

[69MyWay]

This will sound strange....but either call your insurance company's claim department, or call a few local body shops. Ask them who they use to repair steering columns after a theft/attempted theft resulting in steering column damage.

In most cities there are specialist and mose are mobile. They carry new and vintage parts to help you out. If your column is a little loose as well, for about $175 they will strip it down, and rebuild it at your house or office.

This should included finding the missing lever.

 

[tcarollo]

Well I got a rod from a corvette company in WA that is supposedly a 77 dimmer rod. So, I figured I'd attempt to do this project myself before putting in an inquiry to my insurence company about column rebuilds. I'm to the point now that the lock cylinder, turn signal cancel cam, hazard switch, and upper housing or all off or at least dangling away from the column so I can work. I can now, clearly see the inner workings of the dimmer, turn signal lever. The pivoting function of the lever is good. On the back of the white plastic pivot section that the dimmer/ turn signal lever plugs into it kind of a hook. This hook is what pushes "something" when the dimmer lever is pulled towards the driver. Does anyone know if the dimmer rod is suppoed to run all the way from the dimmer switch under the lower column housing, through a couple holes, and directly to the plastic pivoting section that the dimmer lever is plugged into? I still think that maybe I'm missing one more part. Suley that rod does just lean up against the plasit pivoting section. I can see I large hole maybe a 1/4" though the remaining section of the columns guts, and through that a smaller hole that looks like a guide for the dimmer, but being the the dimmer rod bends all different directions I've yet to figure out how to get it down through there.

 

[tcarollo]

Nevermind, for now. Someone figured out what I was missing for me.