Flash to pass dimmer switch

[Gwarren79]

M&H is top notch

 

[pagrunt]

Got it done so now it's set up like how GM did it in the Chevette. Ran the new wire into the harness to get the needed lenth to be close to the yellow wire that supply's the power for the headlights themselvies before splitting between the hi & low function. Looks good & I'm happy with it.

 

[brrian]

The headlights in my 81 GP didn't work. With a little help from this thread I was able to determine that the dimmer switch was the culprit, or at least part of it. With a new Duralast UDS423 switch plugged in, headlights are on. I'm ready to install it & it looks like the fasteners are on top of the steering column. So how do I get there... it it easy to lower the column or is there another better way?

 

[pagrunt]

The headlights in my 81 GP didn't work. With a little help from this thread I was able to determine that the dimmer switch was the culprit, or at least part of it. With a new Duralast UDS423 switch plugged in, headlights are on. I'm ready to install it & it looks like the fasteners are on top of the steering column. So how do I get there... it it easy to lower the column or is there another better way?

First thing I'll bring up is that UDS423 is that it'll mount a bit differently than the OE one our cars came with. It's USD424 that is a direct replacement for our cars & won't have the FTP feature in it but will directly swap out the old one with how it's installed.

https://www.autozone.com/electrical-and-lighting/dimmer-switch/p/duralast-dimmer-switch-uds424/129650_0_0

You'll need a #10-24 stud atleast 3/4" long & two thin nuts unless you can find a Chevette/T1000 or a 3rd gen A body (used Autozone's fit list to show what else uses that p/n to find other donors) to find the OE stud & nut.

Now to drop it, remove the lower trim panel(s), disconnect the cable for the shift indicatorfrom the column shift bowl, unbolt the two bolts from the dash frame, then remove the mount bracket. Don't forget to secure dimmer switch rod so it won't come out of the turn signal lever. If you want to add FTP to do it.

 

[brrian]

First thing I'll bring up is that UDS423 is that it'll mount a bit differently than the OE one our cars came with. It's USD424 that is a direct replacement for our cars & won't have the FTP feature in it but will directly swap out the old one with how it's installed.

https://www.autozone.com/electrical-and-lighting/dimmer-switch/p/duralast-dimmer-switch-uds424/129650_0_0

You'll need a #10-24 stud atleast 3/4" long & two thin nuts unless you can find a Chevette/T1000 or a 3rd gen A body (used Autozone's fit list to show what else uses that p/n to find other donors) to find the OE stud & nut.

Now to drop it, remove the lower trim panel(s), disconnect the cable for the shift indicatorfrom the column shift bowl, unbolt the two bolts from the dash frame, then remove the mount bracket. Don't forget to secure dimmer switch rod so it won't come out of the turn signal lever. If you want to add FTP to do it.

Just to be sure - you're saying that it'll mount like the switch below does... I won't use the back screw (because the new switch doesn't reach it), and instead will use a 10-24 stud & nut a little further forward. Is that correct? I do want FTP; I may not hook it up right away but I will eventually.

Dropping the column sounds easy enough.

Thanks!

 

[pagrunt]

Just to be sure - you're saying that it'll mount like the switch below does... I won't use the back screw (because the new switch doesn't reach it), and instead will use a 10-24 stud & nut a little further forward. Is that correct? I do want FTP; I may not hook it up right away but I will eventually.

Dropping the column sounds easy enough.

Thanks!

View attachment 202333

That is correct. Shame alot of the yards I used to hit in the Rocks & one down at Babcock & Evergreen are closed. Not sure if Hosek on on Mt Troy Blvd would have any older GM's anymore that would use a dimmer like the new one to get the needed hardware.

 

[brrian]

That is correct. Shame alot of the yards I used to hit in the Rocks & one down at Babcock & Evergreen are closed. Not sure if Hosek on on Mt Troy Blvd would have any older GM's anymore that would use a dimmer like the new one to get the needed hardware.

There are a few small, older yards around me that I might check out. I've only had the car for a day & I already have a list of stuff I want to look for.

Thanks for the help!

 

[pagrunt]

There are a few small, older yards around me that I might check out. I've only had the car for a day & I already have a list of stuff I want to look for.

Thanks for the help!

Look for '76-'77 GM's to find the OE stud & nut. Even if you get time during the week check out Renicks in Butler. They are several miles past the Clearview Mall on 308 & has alot of old cars & trucks.