SolarVet

Need to replace the light bulb that illuminates the ignition switch in my 1965. It is the original switch not an aftermarket one. I have searched the forum and looked at the AIM but it is not obvious to me how to proceed. Is it best to:

1) Obtain the tool that will remove the ignition switch bezel from the front of the dash, push the switch inward, and I assume the light bulb can be removed/replaced (?) or

2) Remove the harness connector from the back of the switch with the switch remaining in the dash and then can i get to the light bulb?

I would like to do it the right way and minimize disturbing the wiring behind the dash.

Thank you - Hunter

Nowhere Man

The light bulb is a regular socket that plugs in the back of the switch

SolarVet

Keith, I looked at it with my inspection camera and it sure looks like the wiring harness connector would have to come off the switch before I could get to the bulb. Are you sure you can just pull out the light socket on a 1965?

Thanks - Hunter

Nowhere Man

I'm sure the switch wiring connector will not be in the way of the light plug as it's off to the side and recessed into the switch

vetsvette2002

That light will barely illuminate the area around the switch.
If you do remove the switch, you may find that cardboard light black at the bottom of where the lamp sits is loose and dark and not conductive to aid in illuminating anything.
I removed the cardboard and applied a piece of aluminum foil tape after flattening the paper as much as possible. The light blocking cardboard was still loose, so I added a couple of instant glue to hold it in place. I can now actually see the dim glow around the switch.

Don

65GGvert

The lamp is really useless unless you're going for judging points. It only lights up when the lights are on and even then you can barely see it. The courtesy lights illuminate enough in the dark to find the ignition hole.
If you are changing it, it does just press into a hole in the switch body like the other bulbs. I'm not sure if there's an issue with clearing wiring because I've never changed one, and wouldn't. Just looking, it looks like you could pull it out, change the bulb and press it back in with a little effort. Make sure it's out and not just that you're expecting a great lighting experience before you start. Look at it in the dark and pull on the lights.

SolarVet

65GGVert,
The reason I want to fix it is that I lost a few points at a NCRS regional meet because it was out and I want to correct it. Thanks for your input.

65GGvert

Understandable. I think it can be done without removing, but report back what you find in case it comes up for anyone else. The 65 was a one year only switch, but I don't know if the bulb mounting was different.

R66

Here is an original 066 switch from a 65. The bulb holder and bulb may not be original, but are of the correct type. It is rather difficult to remove the bulb socket/holder as it is a very tight fit. It is also somewhat difficult to align and push back into the opening in the switch.

Original 066 switch

Switch with bulb holder / socket in place.

SolarVet

R66,
Your pictures are very helpful! Thanks for taking the time to post them!!

R66

Thank you for the acknowledgement. I don't recall if the light socket is metal or plastic on R66, but it is just a friction fit with multiple teeth that compress to hold it in place. You may find it easier to remove the switch, but I don't think you have to if you can get your hands in there. It is a PIA.

slwhittenburg

Removing the ignition switch holder wasn't tough on my 64 and 66 so maybe it's easy on the 65. On mine you turn the key switch all the way counterclockwise and then there's a small hole, the size of a paperclip (actually mine had two holes, not sure if that's normal). You push the paperclip in the hole (in the correct hole you can feel the "give" of the latch holding the ignition switch in place). While pushing in the paperclip you turn the keyswitch a little more counter clockwise and the ignition switch pops out. You can then turn the bezel counter clockwise and remove it. Once it's out the ignition switch holder can be removed from the back. It is much easier to work on the connections on that holder when it's out. There are several posts about removing the ignition switch so perhaps there is one for the 65 if it's different from the way mentioned. When you can turn the bezel with needle nose plyers I strongly suggest getting the tool that several of the suppliers sell. Much less chance of damaging your switch and bezel. You might consider putting some tape around the bezel, switch and dash in that area just to be safe.

SolarVet

Success!
After trying for an extended period of time to remove the bulb with the ignition switch installed, I came to the conclusion that it could not be done, at least for someone with hands as large as mine. When the switch is in position there is simply not enough space to unscrew the bulb and replace it. The easy way to change the bulb as noted by slwhittenburg, R66, and others is to:
1) Remove the key cylinder

Tool from ZIP to remove bezel

Ignition Switch

Checking with Ground Wire

2) Get the proper tool (mine came from ZIP) unscrew the bezel
3) Push the switch housing out of the dash (Note: I undid the harness wiring before pushing the switch housing out of dash - I am not sure this is necessary)
4) Remove old bulb and install new one.
5) I tested the bulb before pushing the switch housing back into the dash by running a small ground wire from the ignition housing to a ground point under dash.
6) Push ignition switch back into dash.
7) Reconnect switch harness if you removed it.
8) Install key cylinder.

After doing all of this, as others have mentioned, you still see very little. I took a cardboard tube and placed it over switch while looking in other end to make sure it was working.
Thanks to everyone - Hunter

R66