Has anyone removed their headlight switch to replace the old with the new? There must be a trick to remove the knob and special tool to turn the slotted button underneath.
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I have an original VW headlight switch from my '69 donor car.
Turn the knob all the way to the left (anti-clockwise) and then keep turning and it should remove the knob. The knob has a threaded insert into the end which threads onto the switch shaft.
The slotted bezel does, indeed, have a "special tool", but none of us have one.
I use a pair of needle-nose pliers and carefully, gently turn the bezel off. It threads into a receiving collar on the nose of the switch and doesn't usually get corroded and tight, although it's possible.
If you have something other than a VW switch, the knob might be different but there are only two types of knobs used: A simple, threaded, spin-on as I just mentioned, and another type that has a set-screw screwed into the side of the knob - you should be able to see it and, after loosening the screw the knob should slip off the shaft.
Good luck!
You can cut a washer to make a tool for the bezel. Of course, the knob will have to be removed first.
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Or you can go even cheaper and cut a slot in a penny while listening to Judas Priest's "Breaking the Law."
LOL thats GREAT Ted
I just use a big screwdriver that just fits the slot on one side. It can help to hold the screwdriver and attempt to turn the switch behind the dash to get it loose. Should spin off with your fingers after you break it loose.
Have a old(rusty junk) large standard screw driver, grind the center out to just end up with prongs on either side. The missing center give enough clearance to set the prongs into the slot and safely turn the cover. Thank you all again for your great ideas. Michael