Headlight switch repair

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Paul Ahnell
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Location: Lyme, CT

Headlight switch repair

#1 Post by Paul Ahnell »

Looking for someone to repair my '60 Normal 6V system headlight switch. The rheostat to control instrument lights' alleged brightness is on the fritz; either all on or all off. Any repair Vendor suggestions?

Also, I note that warning lights (oil pressure, etc.) are 1.2W while the instrument background lights are 0.6W. Why not use a 1.2W for instrument lighting? If this could prove catastrophic, I'll try LEDs/SMDs. Would the rheostat control these?

All things Electric are smoke and mirrors to me (heavy on the smoke).
Paul Ahnell
'60 Normal Coupe

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Doug McDonnell
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Location: Augusta,Michigan

Re: Headlight switch repair

#2 Post by Doug McDonnell »

Try Larry Markham for the light switch.
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

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Paul Ahnell
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Re: Headlight switch repair

#3 Post by Paul Ahnell »

Doug: I've heard Larry's name before but can't make the connection. Does he have a vendor website or an e-mail address you can pass on to me? Thanks.

Better still, If you read this Larry, please contact me if this switch repair is of interest.
Paul Ahnell
'60 Normal Coupe

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Doug McDonnell
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Re: Headlight switch repair

#4 Post by Doug McDonnell »

He is one of the guys who had a shop but is retired. See this link for a recent project he was involved in: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=41099 Perhaps Jim or someone else in LA who has his contact info will respond privately. Being from Michigan I only know names and reputations.
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

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Paul Ahnell
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Re: Headlight switch repair

#5 Post by Paul Ahnell »

Doug: Thanks for that link. Outstanding professionalism and craftsmanship. Wonder where they got what looks like a NOS Leistritz. Well worth the tour of 14 pages. Betcha Larry is the bearded dude. Hope to get a response. Go Blue!
Paul Ahnell
'60 Normal Coupe

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Bill Waite
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Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Re: Headlight switch repair

#6 Post by Bill Waite »

Just to level the playing field: GO GREEN.

356 content: we are now restoring our 1965 356C (Irish Green) coupe. I kind of think of it as "Spartan Green" and have fond memories of my years at Michigan State University. Please: all sing:

MSU, we love thy shadows
When twilight silence falls,
Flushing deep and softly paling
O'er ivy covered halls;
Beneath the pines we'll gather
To give our faith so true,
Sing our love for Alma Mater
And thy praises MSU.
When from these scenes we wander
And twilight shadows fade,
Our memory still will linger
Where light and shadows played;
In the evening oft we'll gather
And pledge our faith anew,
Sing our love for Alma Mater
And thy praises MSU.
Bill Waite
Grand Rapids, MI

1965 356C Coupe "Reversible Outlaw"

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Doug McDonnell
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Re: Headlight switch repair

#7 Post by Doug McDonnell »

Bill You are losing it!
Last edited by Doug McDonnell on Sat Jun 16, 2018 7:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

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Bill Waite
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Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:05 pm
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Re: Headlight switch repair

#8 Post by Bill Waite »

Loosing... or "losing." Either way... yes!
Bill Waite
Grand Rapids, MI

1965 356C Coupe "Reversible Outlaw"

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Dave Wildrick
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Joined: Wed Mar 26, 2008 2:10 pm
Location: Houston, TX

Re: Headlight switch repair

#9 Post by Dave Wildrick »

PaulAhnell wrote:Looking for someone to repair my '60 Normal 6V system headlight switch. The rheostat to control instrument lights' alleged brightness is on the fritz; either all on or all off. I'll try LEDs/SMDs.
Would the rheostat control these?
Yes, the rheostat will control them. I've had LED instrument lights in both C coupes for many years now.
Dave Wildrick
Houston, TX
#10230
64C coupe
65C coupe

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