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Old 08-10-2020, 08:40 PM   #1
APH48
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Default 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

Any ideas on how to solve this problem? I'm having trouble connecting the light switch body to the steering gear light switch bracket. The light switch body only goes in about a 1/4" into the steering gear light switch bracket, so it isn't far enough to connect to the light switch spider. The horn rod and spider are properly connected with the spider at the 6 and 12 o'clock position. Is it possible my light switch/horn rod is too short? Should the horn rod extend beyond the light switch bracket? Thank you to all who can help me!

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Old 08-10-2020, 10:03 PM   #2
Bob C
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

Is your light switch in the off position? Here are a couple of pictures
that may help.
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Old 08-10-2020, 10:55 PM   #3
APH48
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

Bob, thanks for the tip and pictures. My light switch is in the off position. My problem is the neck of the light switch body will not go in more than 1/4" into the steering gear light switch bracket. Any other ideas are welcome!
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Old 08-11-2020, 09:22 AM   #4
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

I'm thinking that you have to rotate the inside of the switch so that the openings for the tabs on the spider are at 12 and 6 O'clock to line up with the spider tabs. The inside of the switch can/will turn then your spider tabs won't engage so it won't go in all the way.
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Old 08-12-2020, 06:29 AM   #5
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

Could be the switch is slightly misaligned not allowing the spider to go fully home . Get an able assistant to gently move the lever at the steering wheel to and fro while you try to push the switch body in . Daughters are best for this kind of thing as sons are generally smarter than Dad and might have a better idea. But you could try the wife but they are not always available (cooking,housework etc etc)

John in very hot humid Suffolk County England .
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Old 08-12-2020, 10:45 AM   #6
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

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I agree with Licensed to kill. I had the same problem last week. Once I got the slots lined up for the spider all was well.
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Old 08-12-2020, 12:03 PM   #7
APH48
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

Thank you John Charlton and L T K. Your suggestions did the trick. I guess WMSW and others have experienced this problem. You guys are great, thanks.
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Old 08-12-2020, 01:46 PM   #8
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

If you are using a new wiring harness it may be made too thick. Look up part # 20400 on Brattons website There is a diagram with a fix for this problem


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Old 08-13-2020, 05:57 PM   #9
APH48
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

Just an update. So far light switch is connected and installed in the steering column. I have a new problem, I can't get the Bail to stay in place, slight vibration causes the bail to release and light switch to fall out. Can someone help me with a cure? Thanks, Tony.
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Old 08-13-2020, 06:20 PM   #10
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

Are you sure you are clicking it all the way in place?. It takes quite a bit of effort to get it to snap into place.
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Old 08-13-2020, 07:34 PM   #11
Bob C
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

You may need to bend the bail a little more.
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Old 08-13-2020, 08:01 PM   #12
APH48
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

Hi Bob C, I have a new bail that's straight and has no slight V shape in it. Should I put a deeper V in my bail? Thanks.
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Old 08-14-2020, 06:19 PM   #13
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

APH48, don't know what your wind-up was but there was a change to the length of the light switch lower cover, because sometimes the wires somehow got bunched up within the switch and I assume, alterations to the bail wire followed.

In any event the light switch is a continual subject here. I wish someone who had good photography skilled could pose and photograph the inside of the switch at off position so we could more easily orient the switch into the spider ears,
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Old 08-14-2020, 09:39 PM   #14
APH48
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

I agree with ericr! I was able to bend the bail enough to get it to latch on the body of the light switch housing. Bob C, thanks for your idea. And thanks for everyone's help!
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Old 03-27-2021, 02:33 PM   #15
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

SAPH48——-What ball are you talking about. ? I have never had such an aggravating problem rebuilding my Model A.
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Old 03-27-2021, 02:42 PM   #16
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Default Re: 1931 Model A Coupe light switch body installation

Whoops I must be going blind - I read it wrong, I see it BAIL mow.
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