Hitchcocks Forum

Just aquired another bullet, unlike my previous one which had the ignition switch in the RH toolbox, this has the switch in the casqette which I intend replacing with the big bakelite 50s style headlight switch..

Question is how do I remove this,are they screwed in or is it a push fit.
I have tried belting it from underneath using a drift but it does not want to budge. I feel if I hit it any harder Im going to do some damage.

Toddy,before you remove the switch do you have any idea as to what is involved in altering the wiring because I assume you plan putting the switch in the toolbox and if this is your plan you really need to know what you are doing, it isn't a simple job and yes you remove the switch and then have to remove the plate which is on a spline and does require a bit of hitting to remove

Second Norm on this - can of worms. If it's an A/C headlight system it would be two can's of worms.

I have to agree with the above.. I work on the principle that, "if it ain't broke yet, don't fix it."

Thanks for the advice - may leave as is.

Hi, sound advice to leave well alone but changing to old style switches was one of the first things I did to my 350 classic as I thought the modern plastic switch gear looked totally out of place. I'm no electrician but didn't find it too difficult. You will need a chrome de-comp lever,an indicator switch,a combined horn/dip switch and an ign. cut-out switch and of course the bakelite h/light switch. If you do it methodically,one at a time and study the wiring to see what goes where it all works out although you lose the headlight flash function. I was very pleased with the result and yes -the chrome ign bezel takes a bit of persuasion to come out. All the best.

Hi Toddy ... I did what you want to do. The crome plate sits in the casqutte paint, so you need some WD-40 as well as the drift. Be patient and don't hit too hard. It will come off eventually... As suggested by Hubb do it methodically when you re-wire and you will be home safe... I needed the empty space for a tacho, so my re-wiring job was not that difficult. Good luck... Jacob

Everything is easy if you know what you are doing but you have to be careful about giving advice on stuff like this because if you simplify electrics too much you can walk someone into a minefield they can't find their way out of