The Ford Barn

CatMan1 · 12-26-2023, 11:31 AM

The headlights flicker quite a bit till I get the lever placed just right. Anyone else have this at some point? Maybe it just needs a new switch? Is that hard to replace?

nkaminar · 12-26-2023, 11:40 AM

The head light switches have always been hard for me to work with. They can be replaced with some effort. The new repo switches are mostly plastic that melts if there is too much current flowing or resistance. The original switches were made with a material that did not melt.

Before you replace the switch, try restoring it. Check the spring tension and the condition of the contacts. The contacts should be bright shinny. A little bit of electrical grease will help keep the contacts in good condition. Make sure the switch is in the proper position so that the contacts can make good contact.

Dino's A · 12-26-2023, 10:36 PM

When you select the choice of what you want, the switch should pop into a set position .
In other words, you really should not be able to swing the lever much at all. Sounds like the contacts need more tension, so it goes into the selection, without much slop at all.

Or something is broken that prevents a smooth, but definite selection.

Y-Blockhead · 12-27-2023, 12:59 AM

Your switch may just need a good cleaning. The design of the switch allows any leaking 600W oil from the steering box to collect in the switch. After cleaning, install the steering housing end plate with the tube https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7901&cat=41748 (2 tooth or https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7839&cat=41749 (7 tooth)to prevent oil from leaking into the light switch.

CatMan1 · 12-27-2023, 08:24 AM

When I'm selecting the position I want it doesn't pop in, but I can feel a slight indent. Is rebuilding or replacing the switch something that can be done with the steering column still in the car? I also think my front suspension has issues and am considering just tearing the whole front end out and redoing it all.

Canton_Model_A's · 12-27-2023, 08:34 AM

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@CatMan1, you should be able to do the work with the column in the car.

GeneBob · 12-27-2023, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatMan1

When I'm selecting the position I want it doesn't pop in, but I can feel a slight indent. Is rebuilding or replacing the switch something that can be done with the steering column still in the car? I also think my front suspension has issues and am considering just tearing the whole front end out and redoing it all.

CatMan.
The light switch is enclosed in a housing attached to the lower end of the steering column with a wire bale. Once you pop the bale to the side, the wiring harness with the switch plates can be swung out to clean. Just be careful when reassembling because there is a "drive" attached to the switch rod that engages the sliding plate to turn it with the lever at the steering wheel end.
https://modelagarage.com/wp-content/...2-1024x931.png

Bigsnapper43 · 12-27-2023, 08:47 PM

The top half of the switch does wear out from the descripton I would look closly at this part.

12-26-2023, 11:31 AM	#1
CatMan1 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Pella, IA Posts: 337	Flickering Headlights The headlights flicker quite a bit till I get the lever placed just right. Anyone else have this at some point? Maybe it just needs a new switch? Is that hard to replace?

12-26-2023, 11:40 AM	#2
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,900	Re: Flickering Headlights The head light switches have always been hard for me to work with. They can be replaced with some effort. The new repo switches are mostly plastic that melts if there is too much current flowing or resistance. The original switches were made with a material that did not melt. Before you replace the switch, try restoring it. Check the spring tension and the condition of the contacts. The contacts should be bright shinny. A little bit of electrical grease will help keep the contacts in good condition. Make sure the switch is in the proper position so that the contacts can make good contact. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

12-26-2023, 10:36 PM	#3
Dino's A Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Arcadia, Ca. Posts: 251	Re: Flickering Headlights When you select the choice of what you want, the switch should pop into a set position . In other words, you really should not be able to swing the lever much at all. Sounds like the contacts need more tension, so it goes into the selection, without much slop at all. Or something is broken that prevents a smooth, but definite selection. __________________ 1928 Roadster Pickup 1930 Tudor 1943 Ford WWII Jeep 1968 Taco Minibike Member, Santa Anita Model A's Arcadia Ca.

12-27-2023, 12:59 AM	#4
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,849	Re: Flickering Headlights Your switch may just need a good cleaning. The design of the switch allows any leaking 600W oil from the steering box to collect in the switch. After cleaning, install the steering housing end plate with the tube https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7901&cat=41748 (2 tooth or https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7839&cat=41749 (7 tooth)to prevent oil from leaking into the light switch.

12-27-2023, 08:24 AM	#5
CatMan1 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Pella, IA Posts: 337	Re: Flickering Headlights When I'm selecting the position I want it doesn't pop in, but I can feel a slight indent. Is rebuilding or replacing the switch something that can be done with the steering column still in the car? I also think my front suspension has issues and am considering just tearing the whole front end out and redoing it all.

12-27-2023, 08:34 AM	#6
Canton_Model_A's Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Canton, Michigan Posts: 118	Re: Flickering Headlights Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) @CatMan1, you should be able to do the work with the column in the car.

12-27-2023, 08:47 PM	#8
Bigsnapper43 Member Join Date: Feb 2023 Posts: 84	Re: Flickering Headlights The top half of the switch does wear out from the descripton I would look closly at this part.