Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Hi all! The rheostat on my headlight switch broke and I don't have dash lights anymore. I obviously have to replace it (it turns VERY freely and doesn't do anything). Can anyone give me a procedure for removing this item before I get to digging around under the dash? Thanks!
Scott

Here is an exploded view of the switch. From what you describe it sounds like the piece of black bakelite (top row, right side) that isolates and engages the shaft to the rheostat wiper has broken.

To remove the switch, loosen the allen screw holding the knob and remove knob. Packard then calls for a special wrench. Packards was probably something similar to 55-6 that slipped over shaft with tangs instead of a hex. Making one, is essentially just a piece of metal with two tabs at 90 degrees spaced so they engage the two rectangular notches on either side of shaft to loosen the bezel. IF CAREFUL, you can use a small punch or screwdriver and gently tap CCW to loosen but as you can see from the picture, someone was not and damaged the notches--very easily done if bezel is tight. A slip would also scratch severely so you have to decide your options-a punch or try making a tool.

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54 and prior didnt use the Hex style retainer bezel nut used in 55/56, but rather a bezel nut that is slotted on either side of hole. You use a small screwdriver on one side to work the nut around in the appropriate direction to tighten or loosen using a gentle tapping action.

But they do sell a tool that has a hollow interior to slip over the switch shaft, and engages the two slots. This makes things easier.

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I've had success using a pair of snap ring pliers with the 90 deg ends

Thanks guys! Guess I know what I'll be doing next week! Is $25 for a used switch a pretty good price? I only know of one vehicle around here I can get parts from. I'm hoping the switch in that one isn't buggered....

I think $25 is more than a fair price for a good used switch. Just a knob could run between $15 and $25.