1965 Barracuda headlight switch

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68 bee

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How do you remove the knob on the headlight switch to take it out of the dashboard?
 
If you reach under the dash there is a small spring loaded button on the switch body. Push the button in and pull the knob and rod out. You can then remove the nut holding the switch to the dash panel on the front.
 
Picture courtesy of Mr. Steve 4 speed ragtop

1754075002324.png
 
Often the button will be stiff and difficult to push. Tape a coin to your finger or thumb as applicable, for better leverage. Obvs don't work behind the dash until you've disconnected the battery.

While you're in the neighbourhood:
On (most) pre-1968 vehicles, the parking lamps do not remain lit when you turn on the headlamps. For 1968, this was changed so the parkers stay lit with the headlamps for safety (in case of a headlight burnout you still have at least some visible light on the burned out side of the car). This is easy to retrofit: remove the headlamp switch and unplug its multi-wire connector. Put a short piece of 18ga wire between from the "P" to the "R" terminals on the headlamp switch body, right down at the base of those terminals. Make sure the ends of the jumper are neatly tucked so they won't touch any adjacent terminals. Solder if you like. Then push the connector back onto the switch, on top of your new jumper wire which won't get in the way, and reinstall the headlamp switch. This will emulate the wiring setup of '68 and later cars that keep the parking lamps lit with the headlamps on.
 
slantsixdan said:
Often the button will be stiff and difficult to push. Tape a coin to your finger or thumb as applicable, for better leverage. Obvs don't work behind the dash until you've disconnected the battery.

While you're in the neighbourhood:
On (most) pre-1968 vehicles, the parking lamps do not remain lit when you turn on the headlamps. For 1968, this was changed so the parkers stay lit with the headlamps for safety (in case of a headlight burnout you still have at least some visible light on the burned out side of the car). This is easy to retrofit: remove the headlamp switch and unplug its multi-wire connector. Put a short piece of 18ga wire between from the "P" to the "R" terminals on the headlamp switch body, right down at the base of those terminals. Make sure the ends of the jumper are neatly tucked so they won't touch any adjacent terminals. Solder if you like. Then push the connector back onto the switch, on top of your new jumper wire which won't get in the way, and reinstall the headlamp switch. This will emulate the wiring setup of '68 and later cars that keep the parking lamps lit with the headlamps on.
Click to expand...
Great tip, thanks
Just fyi, I was removing the headlight switch so I could gain access to remove the dashpad.which I’m replacing. One of the more challenging tasks I’ve undertaken on my 65 Barracuda. Very gratifying to see the fresh (and expensive) new dashpad in place of the old cracked and faded original
 
It sure is gratifying, and a bit frustrating as well lol. I just finished installing my dash pad a couple weeks back, I wish I could have replaced my wiring harness but I went over all the connections, replaced the circuit board, all new lights in the dash, ect… I struggled a bit with the dash lights, the old switch was worn and wasn’t working properly so I replaced it. I had a issue with the new circuit board and lights, I pulled it out at least twice but eventually before I put it back in I tested everything… It’s a long story but everything works now and I couldn’t be happier.
 

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