Wanted: Fully operational headlight switch for 51 Kaiser

[konrad]

So my headlight switch works, for the most part, but I have no dash lights, which of course is problematic if driving after dark. 

In the latest round of work I'm having done on my 51 Deluxe I asked my mechanic to check it out, and he informs me I need a new switch.  Willow Run has them, new NOS, but at $275 each...ouch!!!

I'm thinking a working used one should be just fine, so if anyone has one they know is fully functional, gimme your best shot...as the song goes. 

Still gotta check with Larry Barker a bit later this morning, but I'm just looking at all possible options at this point.  Worse case scenario, I always have a small LED flashlight with me, so I can still drive in the dark with that as an aid.

Many thanks!

[larryk]

Not sure if this is the case, but a common issue with headlight switches is the "dimmer" resistor (just a coil of wire) burns out.
Don't know if the Kaiser has a dimmer for the dash lights, but if it does, the resistor could be bypassed so the dash lights work, just always "full on" until proper replacement can be made.

[konrad]

Yup, just got that update on a call with Larry...it's a bad rheostat, a simple wiring bypass and the dash lights are just always on when the headlights are turned on.  Functionally, that should be fine for me.  As he said, the dash lights aren't all that bright to begin with, and since I've just had the generator replaced with a 160+ Amp alternator I don't think I'll sweat the always on with headlights issue.

If I can find a reasonably priced switch, I'll look at replacement, but for now I think the bypass is warranted. 

[Fid]

a simple wiring bypass

Yep. Common problem, easy fix.  I'm fortunate that the one on my '51 Kaiser is good yet.
Here's how it looks (see pic)
The wire by itself (there may be 2 wires if the car has a radio as the radio dial light is also supposed to go to the rheostat so the radio light dims as well when turned) on the right side goes to the rheostat and up to the dash lights.  Take it off there and connect it to the headlight terminal. Only thing you loose is the ability to dim your dash lights and who ever does that?

[G.B. (All Vinyl Dragon)]

Fid, Great Picture’s & Description. I have a Standby to swap Out if On the Road & give Me Trouble. Standby Switch is Important for Night Driving...   
   

[konrad]

Follow up question for this switch...

As usual, in my searches for a replacement I checked Fleabay for a possible replacement, and as we all know, they lie on Fleabay as to compatibility. 

I was able to find the following pair of possible replacement, aftermarket options...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-Volt-Universal-Headlight-Switch-d/290629281530?fits=Year%3A1951%7CMake%3AKaiser&hash=item43aadae6fa:g:LjkAAOSwB4BaQpCG

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12-V-Volt-Headlight-Head-Light-Switch-hot-rod-rat-27-29-30-32-34-36-38-40-Ford-a/301836331931?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225073%26meid%3Dc81eb9e426a146a8bdc27400171b9278%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D290629281530%26itm%3D301836331931%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWebWithDarwoV3BBEV2b&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851


The first link is to a 6 volt version of the switch, the second is for a 12 volt version in which the description states it will work just fine in a 6 volt system.  Both are $18, from the same Taiwanese seller, though the 6 volt version also wants $18 for shipping, while the 12 volt version only wants $4.25 in shipping.

The 12 volt version has a much better description of the dimensions of the switch, including the threading required to work with one's original knob (I need to check my parts book to see if it might even work, but want to get some input before I start digging deeper on that) and they appear to be identical in that regard.

Additionally, the 6 volt version lists is as compatible with a 51 Kaiser Special, though states not compatible with the Deluxe if I use there search options.  The 12 volt version does not mention Kaiser at all in their compatibility charts.

My inference is that this aftermarket switch will not work, but was hoping someone here would a better idea.

As always, my thanks in advance for any input.

[Gordie]

I think that the '51 headlight switches are '51 only and not of good quality when new.  Do as Fid described and your problem will be solved.  Replacement switches have their own knob which will not match the others on your car.

[rrdcorvair]

Headlight switch KF#207782 is the right switch for 1951-1953 Kaisers, agree with low quality even when new.  Best bet, even if installing an NOS one is to do the 'jumper wire' for the dash lights.  I've never been blinded by those dash lights.

[konrad]

I've never been blinded by those dash lights.

Yeah, that' pretty much what Larry B told me of the dash lights...not all that bright to begin with.

I was mainly looking at that Fleabay option as a spare to have in abeyance...

[rrdcorvair]

I looked at that 'ad' on ebay you posted.  It said something about taking a long time to ship.  I have a feeling it'll come from overseas.  We bought something from a 'sponsored ad' on facebook and it took six months to arrive...from China...and not quite the quality we expected.  We just threw it away, it was a 'doggy wading pool', large size mind you, proper size for a teacup poodle.  We have a labradoodle.
   I don't think those switches will mount well behind the dash board and will it accept the retaining ring that's behind the knob that anchors the switch to the dash?  It may be better to hold out for another 'used' switch, cleaned up and 'jumped' and carried as a spare.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

Electrical components for any make of 1930's-late 1950's car or truck will probably be the next thing to become hard to find.  The materials used for construction were never intended to work 50 years or more.  Further complicating the matter is that contacts and other electrical connecction points can corrode or otherwise deteriorate over time just sitting in a box.