Trying to finish taking my 59 apart for paint, how do the headlight, wiper switches etc come off the dash.
Also need to get the choke cable out too.
Cheers,
Greg

With the 59 you should have large knob on the switches, you simply un screw these knobs. Once you have them off there is a bezzel at the base which you can undo wiyj some circlip pliers, it just unscrews and then you pull the switch out from the back.

Make sure you disconect your battery first as the headlight switch is live all the time.

The dash switches have an alloy ferrule that threads into the switches..

the easiest wat to get the ferrules off unmarked..

is get a large tipped screwdriver and grind the centre out of the end so it will fit over the switch into the two grooves...

If You are careful - You can take the ferrules off with a centre punch and hammer...

its odd that someone hasn't made up a special tool to take them off... easily...

best to put racing tape over the dash around the ferrule so You won't damage the dash...

once the ferrule is loose.. undo by hand - fingers...

LEE

There are lots of different tools designed for this job:

http://www.mamotorworks.com/acvw-volkswagen-dash-switch-removal-tool-1-30-6276.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-Bug-Ghia-switch-nut-tool-wiper-headlight-58-67_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el1262QQcat egoryZ10076QQihZ010QQitemZ200275720751


You might find something from an Aussie supplier.

As Lee said, it's not too hard to make something up, even a piece of flat steel the right thickness will do. Protecting the dash in case you slip is the main precaution. Sometimes they come off fairly easy, some times they are tight.

Regards,


Matt.

Thanks guys, I bet mine will be a bi**h to get off but its OK the dash will be repainted and switches replaced if need be.
I did this years ago on the oval but couldn't remember for the life of me how they came off. Too many sleeps since then..

get someone to hold the circlip pliers for you while you twist the switch inside under the dash

it will come undone easier that way

OK thanks Dave will try that.
BTW Brad no battery in the car, its almost fully stripped, so all safe.

Almost on the same track but a bit further, so when I have a bare shell can I just pull out the wiring loom that goes through the edge of the roof or will it be a royal pain to get one back in without a draw wire?
I'm assuming the ends of the loom will be in the way for paint so would be best to pull out? Just not sure about getting it back in