Important info on Headlight Switch

[MPBTGlim@domain.elided]

I finally got around to taking a look at the Headlight light Column switch in 
my '74 Spider that wasn't working just right ... guess what?

This goes the "ALFA ENGINEERS ARE SMARTER THAN WE THINK" category!

If anyone is thinking about drilling out the rivets, or otherwise "opening 
up" the housing... DON'T!

Why not? You ask.  Because you do not have to, and you risk cracking the 
case. (see above quote about the engineers)

Here's the deal...  Look at the housing on the top and bottom between the 
hollow rivets where the 2 sides fit together.  There are 2 holes on the top, 
and 1 on the bottom.  TADA!  These are burnishing access ports.  

Go to your local electronic supply house.  Maybe even Radio Shack, and ask 
them for a "Contact file or Burnisher."  This is a small, thin flexible file, 
about 2 mm wide by 2 or 3 inches long. (usually less than $2.00) An Emory 
board may also work if it is thin and you cut it small enough to fit in the 
little holes, but then you must spray come contact cleaner in there too to 
get the particles out when your finished.

Here's how to clean the contacts in 4 easy steps and in less than 5 minutes.
(pull the fuse or disconnect the battery if you are the kind that likes to be 
safe)

1.  Insert burnishing tool into the hole about 1 inch.
2.  Turn "light" switch to "on,"
3.  Move file in and out (not all the way out) a few times to clean the 
contact.
4.  Turn "light" switch "off"

Repeat for the other holes..  Low beams, high beams, and running lights.

The above action closes the contacts inside the housing on the burnishing 
tool and allows the carbon and grime to be removed by the "proper" tool.  
After completing this process, your Lights should work like new.

Jon
Dallas TX

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End of alfa-digest V7 #902
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