The Ford Barn

rosenkranswa · 12-08-2017, 11:28 AM

Old problem, thought I'd see if there are any ideas from the forum:

1929 Roadster, original light switch and bail. Switch won't lock when twisted closed. Bail holds it in place for normal driving, but lights are a little wonky due to the contacts not being tight.

Back probably 15-20 years ago I had opened the switch to replace the horn rod and it just never went back together right. About once a year I'll try to get it back together and it almost works, but not quite. I don't drive it much at night, so its more annoying than anything else, but I really need to get it right.

Tried various grippers, filter wrenches, etc. to no avail. Any ideas?

J Franklin · 12-08-2017, 05:06 PM

Make sure everything is seated properly before trying to reassemble the parts. Make sure the slots are free of debris. You can remove the horn rod a bit and see if that is a source of your problem.

Mike · 12-09-2017, 07:56 AM

Wayne,
Bend the bail so it fits a little tighter, or try another ORIGINAL light switch housing.
Mike

J Franklin · 12-09-2017, 12:47 PM

You say the assembly is original, do you mean to the car or factory. Maybe a mix of parts? You might need to punch the pins out a bit or squeeze the other side to get a tighter connection.

rosenkranswa · 12-09-2017, 01:21 PM

The switch and bail are factory original. I've cleaned the slots and pegs several times to no avail. Hadn't thought about the switch rod being a scootch too long, might try that next.

ericr · 12-09-2017, 01:58 PM

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if I were you I would go through the hassle of removing the wire harness assembly and work on the switch outside of the car. they are a touchy fit at best and it is awkward to analyze your problem with the unit still in the car.

12-08-2017, 11:28 AM	#1
rosenkranswa Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Malvern, PA Posts: 361	Light switch won't lock Old problem, thought I'd see if there are any ideas from the forum: 1929 Roadster, original light switch and bail. Switch won't lock when twisted closed. Bail holds it in place for normal driving, but lights are a little wonky due to the contacts not being tight. Back probably 15-20 years ago I had opened the switch to replace the horn rod and it just never went back together right. About once a year I'll try to get it back together and it almost works, but not quite. I don't drive it much at night, so its more annoying than anything else, but I really need to get it right. Tried various grippers, filter wrenches, etc. to no avail. Any ideas? __________________ Wayne @ Barb Malvern '19 T Speedster '26 T Touring '29 A Roadster '30 AA Stakebed '30 A Pickup '30 A Town Sedan '31 A Station Wagon '38 Columbia Girls bike (WWII) '40 Elgin Boys bike (WWII) '42 Super Deluxe Tudor '42 Willys MB Jeep '43 Willys MBT Trailer '43 M3A4 Hand Cart '43 Harley Davidson 42WLA with sidecar

12-08-2017, 05:06 PM	#2
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,959	Re: Light switch won't lock Make sure everything is seated properly before trying to reassemble the parts. Make sure the slots are free of debris. You can remove the horn rod a bit and see if that is a source of your problem.

12-09-2017, 07:56 AM	#3
Mike Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ASTON, PA. Posts: 725	Re: Light switch won't lock Wayne, Bend the bail so it fits a little tighter, or try another ORIGINAL light switch housing. Mike

12-09-2017, 12:47 PM	#4
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,959	Re: Light switch won't lock You say the assembly is original, do you mean to the car or factory. Maybe a mix of parts? You might need to punch the pins out a bit or squeeze the other side to get a tighter connection.

12-09-2017, 01:21 PM	#5
rosenkranswa Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Malvern, PA Posts: 361	Re: Light switch won't lock The switch and bail are factory original. I've cleaned the slots and pegs several times to no avail. Hadn't thought about the switch rod being a scootch too long, might try that next. __________________ Wayne @ Barb Malvern '19 T Speedster '26 T Touring '29 A Roadster '30 AA Stakebed '30 A Pickup '30 A Town Sedan '31 A Station Wagon '38 Columbia Girls bike (WWII) '40 Elgin Boys bike (WWII) '42 Super Deluxe Tudor '42 Willys MB Jeep '43 Willys MBT Trailer '43 M3A4 Hand Cart '43 Harley Davidson 42WLA with sidecar

12-09-2017, 01:58 PM	#6
ericr Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 1,542	Re: Light switch won't lock Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) if I were you I would go through the hassle of removing the wire harness assembly and work on the switch outside of the car. they are a touchy fit at best and it is awkward to analyze your problem with the unit still in the car.