how to remove headlight knob? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Low87 · 03-06-2003, 10:28 AM

I was trying to take my dash apart and got everything but the headlight knob off. How are you supposed to removed it so you can pull the dash?

BigRed · 03-06-2003, 10:33 AM

There is a screw-on retainer on the front of the dash that actually detaches the headlight switch assembly from the dash. To get the knob/shaft out of the headlight switch assembly, you depress a button (I think on the bottom) and then the knob and shaft pull out as one.

Low87 · 03-06-2003, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BigRed
There is a screw-on retainer on the front of the dash that actually detaches the headlight switch assembly from the dash.

I didn't see anything resembling that when I was trying to figure it out. I'll take another look tonight. Thanks,

CHaingKaiShek · 03-06-2003, 10:58 AM

Mine (1973) simply pulls out of the switch assembly. Give it a good yank and it comes right free.

To reinstall you need to lay down across the floorboard, reach behind the dash and lift the lightswitch (box) a bit, then just push the shaft back in.

I never noticed any type of release system on mine.

Jeff

LOHRTBT · 03-06-2003, 11:27 AM

On the newer ones from what I understand there is no way to get it off aside from breaking it off and glueing on a new one...your dash will still come off with it there.

Ever notice even heavily modified trucks out there never have a diff headlight switch?? lol

PHOENIX · 03-06-2003, 12:43 PM

There is a little round release button on the side (it will have a spring, you cant miss it). The button kinda looks like the head of a rivet. It should be on the drivers side of the headlight unit inside the dash. If you remove the lower left air duct you can access it there. You have to push kinda hard in most cases. Sometimes it gets jambed in there pretty good and you have to jiggle the knob aroung while pushing in the button. My old release button worked great, but the new headlight switch from LMC is a b*tch to get the knob out. I also played around with a few at junk yards and they were hard as hell to get the knob out.

EDIT:
Yes you do not need to take off the know to take off the gauge bezel. You can work it out with a little moving around of the bezel.

EDIT AGAIN:
The screw thing on the dash hes talking about it like a big washer. Its what you see when looking through the hole of the knob when everything is assembled. If you take this nut (that looks like a washer) loose then the entire assembly can be removed.

BigRed · 03-06-2003, 12:57 PM

Yep, Eddie explained it better than I did.

I did this last night on my new cab, and it was fairly easy. However, everything else was stripped off of there, so it was nice and easy to get to.

LOHRTBT · 03-06-2003, 01:04 PM

so what your saying is that is has to be removed from the backside of the dash then right?

Low87 · 03-06-2003, 01:37 PM

I'll have to take a look tonight to figure out what you guys are talking about. I can't wiggle the dash around it, my ghetto installed radio has to slide out with the dash, making wiggling around it not an option.

**swervin ervin** · 03-06-2003, 02:41 PM

Greg,

if you are careful, you can get the bezel off, without removing the headlight switch knob. I've done it a bunch of times when doing the gauges. It is tight, but it will come off over the knob. But, if you feel the need to remove the knob, first remove the battery cable, because you need to pull out on the knob to release it and your lights will be on. But, to get the knob shaft to release, there is a little push pin on the back side, made to the switch you need to push in. Just lay down in the floor and when you reach the switch, feel around and you will find it. When you find the push pin thing, pull out on the knob and then push the pin in. The knob should slide right out.

All the big washer does, which is behind the bezel, btw, is let you remove the switch itself. No need to take this off unless you are changing the switch.

Low87 · 03-06-2003, 03:37 PM

Thanks Mike! I'll try to get the radio out by itself first, and if the continues not to work I'll try to remove the knob. I unhooked the battery last night when I was messing around with it. So when are you coming to Tulsa?

Low87 · 03-07-2003, 10:32 AM

Got it! Finally got the radio out. There were some metal tabs you had to bend back into the radio before removing. I forgot just how old the CD player was, sticker said manufactured Feb 1994. I ought to sell it in Dallas as an antique. Anyways, got the CD player out and slid the dash around the knob. I got underneath there and couldn't find anywhere to unclip, unbolt, unscrew, or unclamp anything for the knob. I've got the dash down to bare nothings, time to start working on a white face design and get some clean up done.

LOHRTBT · 03-07-2003, 11:03 AM

bout time retard!! lol Only person I know that turns a radio removal into a 2 day process!! haahahaahah

Low87 · 03-07-2003, 11:06 AM

I've never put one IN, so how am I to know how to take it OUT???

BigRed · 03-07-2003, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Low87
....the CD player was, sticker said manufactured Feb 1994. I ought to sell it in Dallas as an antique

They made CDs way back then? LOL

I bet you could sell it out there. People will buy anything if they THINK they're getting a good deal!

Low87 · 03-07-2003, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BigRed

They made CDs way back then? LOL

I was just telling Dave I remember going to buy it, aftermarket CD players had just come out not long before that. I had about 3-5 CD players to choose from, everything else was tape deck. It's a Sony, it's held up very well.

LOHRTBT · 03-07-2003, 12:50 PM

except for the 5 face plates its burned out!! lol

BigRed · 03-07-2003, 01:04 PM

Sony has made good stuff in the past! Not sure if they still do but that's what I always bought back when I had money!

LOHRTBT · 03-07-2003, 01:06 PM

No..I love Sony....All my home theater stuff is Sony.

I was just givin him poop!! lol

PHOENIX · 03-07-2003, 02:40 PM

Damn it Greg. About removing the knob, read what I posted again. I dont know how you could not understand after a description like that

. I dont think you can see it from underneath as well as you can see it from the side. Do you want me to post a few pictures to help you out?

Eddie

EDIT:
Is 87 different then my 83?

Low87 · 03-07-2003, 03:04 PM

No need to now, damn it Eddie! But yeah, post them for future reference!

LOHRTBT · 03-07-2003, 03:06 PM

Eddie..remember..this tool couldnt get out a damn radio!! lol

PHOENIX · 03-07-2003, 03:09 PM

Yeah I know

I will post some pictures though.

PHOENIX · 03-08-2003, 03:50 PM

OK here is the picture. I'm sorry its blurry, but atleast you can see it.

"A" is the knob release button. Mine is located on the side of the headlight switch unit. You could rotate the headlight switch unit and it would be on the bottom. So I guess it depends on how you have it installed. You press in the "A" release button and pull on the headlight knob as if you were turning on the headlights. Keep pushing in the release button and pulling on the knob until the knob is disconnected from the main headlight switch. You may have to jiggle the knob while pulling if its jambed in there.

"B" is the nut that holds the entire unit to the dash. It looks like a big washer, but it is actually a nut and a washer in one. If you remove the guage bezel and unscrew this big nut/washer, then you can remove the entire headlight switch unit.

The "B" is what you see when you look inside the hole for the headlight knob. It covers the entire steel behind the knob so you look at this nut and not the steel behind the bezel. It kind of serves as a nut for the switch and a cosmetic piece as well. Mine is kinda green, I will paint it when I have the dash apart next time.

Does that help anymore?

03-06-2003, 10:28 AM	#1
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	how to remove headlight knob? I was trying to take my dash apart and got everything but the headlight knob off. How are you supposed to removed it so you can pull the dash? __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

03-06-2003, 10:33 AM	#2
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	There is a screw-on retainer on the front of the dash that actually detaches the headlight switch assembly from the dash. To get the knob/shaft out of the headlight switch assembly, you depress a button (I think on the bottom) and then the knob and shaft pull out as one. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

03-06-2003, 10:58 AM	#4
CHaingKaiShek I love goooooold! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: In the middle of Hell, Arizona Posts: 133	Mine (1973) simply pulls out of the switch assembly. Give it a good yank and it comes right free. To reinstall you need to lay down across the floorboard, reach behind the dash and lift the lightswitch (box) a bit, then just push the shaft back in. I never noticed any type of release system on mine. Jeff __________________ "Musha ring dum a doo dum a da Whack for my daddy-o Whack for my daddy-o There's whiskey in the jar-o."

03-06-2003, 11:27 AM	#5
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	On the newer ones from what I understand there is no way to get it off aside from breaking it off and glueing on a new one...your dash will still come off with it there. Ever notice even heavily modified trucks out there never have a diff headlight switch?? lol __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

03-06-2003, 12:43 PM	#6
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	There is a little round release button on the side (it will have a spring, you cant miss it). The button kinda looks like the head of a rivet. It should be on the drivers side of the headlight unit inside the dash. If you remove the lower left air duct you can access it there. You have to push kinda hard in most cases. Sometimes it gets jambed in there pretty good and you have to jiggle the knob aroung while pushing in the button. My old release button worked great, but the new headlight switch from LMC is a btch to get the knob out. I also played around with a few at junk yards and they were hard as hell to get the knob out. EDIT: Yes you do not need to take off the know to take off the gauge bezel. You can work it out with a little moving around of the bezel. EDIT AGAIN: The screw thing on the dash hes talking about it like a big washer. Its what you see when looking through the hole of the knob when everything is assembled. If you take this nut (that looks like a washer) loose then the entire assembly can be removed. __________________ AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION * Last edited by PHOENIX; 03-06-2003 at 12:47 PM.

03-06-2003, 12:57 PM	#7
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Yep, Eddie explained it better than I did. I did this last night on my new cab, and it was fairly easy. However, everything else was stripped off of there, so it was nice and easy to get to. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

03-06-2003, 01:04 PM	#8
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	so what your saying is that is has to be removed from the backside of the dash then right? __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

03-06-2003, 01:37 PM	#9
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	I'll have to take a look tonight to figure out what you guys are talking about. I can't wiggle the dash around it, my ghetto installed radio has to slide out with the dash, making wiggling around it not an option. __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

03-06-2003, 02:41 PM	#10
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Greg, if you are careful, you can get the bezel off, without removing the headlight switch knob. I've done it a bunch of times when doing the gauges. It is tight, but it will come off over the knob. But, if you feel the need to remove the knob, first remove the battery cable, because you need to pull out on the knob to release it and your lights will be on. But, to get the knob shaft to release, there is a little push pin on the back side, made to the switch you need to push in. Just lay down in the floor and when you reach the switch, feel around and you will find it. When you find the push pin thing, pull out on the knob and then push the pin in. The knob should slide right out. All the big washer does, which is behind the bezel, btw, is let you remove the switch itself. No need to take this off unless you are changing the switch. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

03-06-2003, 03:37 PM	#11
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	Thanks Mike! I'll try to get the radio out by itself first, and if the continues not to work I'll try to remove the knob. I unhooked the battery last night when I was messing around with it. So when are you coming to Tulsa? __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

03-07-2003, 10:32 AM	#12
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	Got it! Finally got the radio out. There were some metal tabs you had to bend back into the radio before removing. I forgot just how old the CD player was, sticker said manufactured Feb 1994. I ought to sell it in Dallas as an antique. Anyways, got the CD player out and slid the dash around the knob. I got underneath there and couldn't find anywhere to unclip, unbolt, unscrew, or unclamp anything for the knob. I've got the dash down to bare nothings, time to start working on a white face design and get some clean up done. __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

03-07-2003, 11:03 AM	#13
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	bout time retard!! lol Only person I know that turns a radio removal into a 2 day process!! haahahaahah __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

03-07-2003, 11:06 AM	#14
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	I've never put one IN, so how am I to know how to take it OUT??? __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

03-07-2003, 12:50 PM	#17
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	except for the 5 face plates its burned out!! lol __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

03-07-2003, 01:04 PM	#18
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Sony has made good stuff in the past! Not sure if they still do but that's what I always bought back when I had money! __________________ Scott Shelbourne



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03-07-2003, 01:06 PM	#19
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	No..I love Sony....All my home theater stuff is Sony. I was just givin him poop!! lol __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

03-07-2003, 02:40 PM	#20
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	Damn it Greg. About removing the knob, read what I posted again. I dont know how you could not understand after a description like that . I dont think you can see it from underneath as well as you can see it from the side. Do you want me to post a few pictures to help you out? Eddie EDIT: Is 87 different then my 83? __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION * Last edited by PHOENIX; 03-07-2003 at 03:05 PM.

03-07-2003, 03:04 PM	#21
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	No need to now, damn it Eddie! But yeah, post them for future reference! __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

03-07-2003, 03:06 PM	#22
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	Eddie..remember..this tool couldnt get out a damn radio!! lol __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

03-07-2003, 03:09 PM	#23
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	Yeah I know I will post some pictures though. __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

03-08-2003, 03:50 PM	#24
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	OK here is the picture. I'm sorry its blurry, but atleast you can see it. "A" is the knob release button. Mine is located on the side of the headlight switch unit. You could rotate the headlight switch unit and it would be on the bottom. So I guess it depends on how you have it installed. You press in the "A" release button and pull on the headlight knob as if you were turning on the headlights. Keep pushing in the release button and pulling on the knob until the knob is disconnected from the main headlight switch. You may have to jiggle the knob while pulling if its jambed in there. "B" is the nut that holds the entire unit to the dash. It looks like a big washer, but it is actually a nut and a washer in one. If you remove the guage bezel and unscrew this big nut/washer, then you can remove the entire headlight switch unit. The "B" is what you see when you look inside the hole for the headlight knob. It covers the entire steel behind the knob so you look at this nut and not the steel behind the bezel. It kind of serves as a nut for the switch and a cosmetic piece as well. Mine is kinda green, I will paint it when I have the dash apart next time. Does that help anymore? __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

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