dash switch tool?

[Fake Name]

What is everyone using for the little slotted collars that retain the headlight switch (etc) on the dashboards? Is everybody kinda tapping them with a screwdriver at an angle? There has to be a proper tool for this...

thanks

fn

[jor]

You can use a pair of long birdbill pliars or better yet, a keeper spreader tool (I have a couple but I'm not sure what they are called).
jor

[kentdaryl]

I just grabbed a junk socket and cut two sections out of, then cleaned up the cuts so they don't scratch the chrome. The remaining ears fit the slots in the switch nuts perfectly. Total cost $0.

[Fake Name]

You can use a pair of long birdbill pliars or better yet, a keeper spreader tool (I have a couple but I'm not sure what they are called).
jor

Snap-ring pliers?

fn

[fordman]

i used a screwdriver

[FORDification]

I've used needle-nose pliers and flat-tip screwdrivers too....but I've never been able to get them removed without boogering them up. That's why you just can't beat the proper tool:

[campfire67]

Keith, That looks pretty similar to the radio entenna sockets they make, is that what that is

[Leadfoot]

Proper tool? like a big hammer if it won't come easy I smash it.

no seriously I made one out of brass but it wore out real quick, but the new aluminium one works good I cast the peace out of 710 foundry ingot. nice thing is no mater how hard I try I never mess the chrome up.

[ivansgreat]

I think I once used a quarter. Pretty simple.

[FORDification]

I think I once used a quarter. Pretty simple.

That would work for the headlight switch, because you can remove the center stalk to gain access to both sides of the slot, but on the windshield wiper switch you can't do that.

The tool is available from Eastwood for $17:

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?item ... pe=PRODUCT

[Alvin in AZ]

I just grabbed a junk socket and cut two sections out of,
then cleaned up the cuts so they don't scratch the chrome.
The remaining ears fit the slots in the switch nuts perfectly.
Total cost $0.

Cool. :)
Here's a picture of it sorta... ;)
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/switchtool.jpg

Guess what this one's made from... ;)
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/ignitiontool.jpg

Alvin in AZ

[Merlin68F100]

And I thought Harley's were the only thing on the road that needed a box full of specialty tools!
Learn something new every day.

[67mann]

And I thought Harley's were the only thing on the road that needed a box full of specialty tools!
Learn something new every day.

Would that be like a jumper wire,box of fuses and an Extra leg---2kick start a stubborn mule Oh wait a minute,that was my ole SHVLHD

[Merlin68F100]

Yes, 81 FLT. I have to carry around the BF allen wrench to torque the rear sprocket to the wheel every 1K milles or so.

[67F110]

The Early Bronco houses carry a tool specifically designed for the Ford dash bezels. Nick Menudier, a talented fabricator, makes them. I spread my money around pretty evenly amongst those places. Wild Horses in Stockton, CA has always treated me right.

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Be ... h_Switches