79 headlight switch vacuum leak?

[g_lower]

out of curiosity what are you guys calling the visibilty group? would this be the illuminated door locks and such?

[Tim Cole]

Graham:

The visibility group is another name for the "Light Group." dual beal lamp light, light under the hood, trunk, instrument panel, ashtray, glove box; door ajar warning lights and warning buzzer for "headslights on." Tim

[Burnt_Orange79]

Originally Posted by Tim Cole

Sounds good. Not bad having your wife actually get involved to help with the repairs. I changed out both fuel filters today and my wife didn't even offer to help. But she did cook a great dinner and supper--so maybe I'll stick with the T-Bird and she th cuisine. Deal

Yeah, it is nice that my wife takes an interest in helping to work on the Bird(especially since it's technically her car). I came home one day last week and she was outside washing it. We have 4 vehicles, and the upkeep on them takes a lot of time, so it's always nice to have a little bit of help. It looks like I'm going to have to wait a month or so before ordering the headlight switch because the registration and car insurance bills on 2 of our vehicles are all due this month. It's always rough when those bills all hit at the same time!

[Tim Cole]

If anyone is looking for a replacement or simply for an extra unit for their headlight switch, there is one for sale on e-bay currently: Item # 120704617758.

I am not familiar with this particular seller of NOS items. I am familiar with the Dennis Carpenter NOS parts and can vouch for them from experience over the years.

Jump on it if you like. They sold new back in the day for around $55.00.
Tim

[Burnt_Orange79]

Originally Posted by Tim Cole

If anyone is looking for a replacement or simply for an extra unit for their headlight switch, there is one for sale on e-bay currently: Item # 120704617758.

I am not familiar with this particular seller of NOS items. I am familiar with the Dennis Carpenter NOS parts and can vouch for them from experience over the years.

Jump on it if you like. They sold new back in the day for around $55.00.
Tim

Tim,
I saw that switch on ebay. I'm not sure if I can trust the seller, though, because the item description say it's a new NOS part but there looks to be some wear on it in the pics. I think I'll go ahead and spend the $75 to buy one from Green Sales. That's not a bad price if they sold new for $55.
-John

[Burnt_Orange79]

I just saw this on ebay: item #190521652074. Will this work for a 79 TBird? It looks like a good buy.

[Tim Cole]

I checked out the switch you saw on e-bay. It is made by ACDelco (GM brand). I would wait to buy until you see a switch made by Motorcraft (Ford products). You shouldn't have to wait too long before one shows up. In fact, why not e-mail Dennis Carpenter productions and see if they have one in stock. Stillwellobsolete is another outfit that might have what you need. Tim

[Burnt_Orange79]

Thanks Tim,
The price on that switch on ebay looked good, but I'm not too crazy about the idea of using a GM AC Delco part on a Ford. I'll check and see if Dennis Carpenter or Stillwell Obsolete has a switch available. Our tax return came in last week, so I'm planning on ordering a switch pretty soon.

[Tim Cole]

John:

Just saw another NOS headlight switch on e-bay with Dennis Carpenter for 77-79 Birds without fog lights. Here is the number: 280667310643
If I needed one myself, I'd go for it. Tim

[Burnt_Orange79]

Originally Posted by Tim Cole

John:

Just saw another NOS headlight switch on e-bay with Dennis Carpenter for 77-79 Birds without fog lights. Here is the number: 280667310643
If I needed one myself, I'd go for it. Tim

Thanks Tim, I just put in a bid on it.

[Tim Cole]

Originally Posted by Burnt_Orange79

Thanks Tim, I just put in a bid on it.

John: Hope you win the auction. If you, keep the old unit for down the road. The headlight switch on our vehicles are quite pivotal for much of the Bird's electrical system. So, a new one will ensure good lighting everywhere. Tim

[Burnt_Orange79]

I will definitely save the old switch if I win that auction on ebay. So far I'm the only bidder. Yesterday I saw a couple of Birds at the local junkyards, and I was able to get the aluminum vacuum check valves off of both of them. Today I replaced the check valve on our car with one of the junkyard valves, and now the headlight doors are staying closed!

[Tim Cole]

Originally Posted by Burnt_Orange79

I will definitely save the old switch if I win that auction on ebay. So far I'm the only bidder. Yesterday I saw a couple of Birds at the local junkyards, and I was able to get the aluminum vacuum check valves off of both of them. Today I replaced the check valve on our car with one of the junkyard valves, and now the headlight doors are staying closed!

That is always a great feeling when you finally start to close in on an elusive car problem. I saw the pix of the junkyard cars. One is very similiar to mine. Wish I could join you in the junk! I know you have way too much fun! Tim

[Burnt_Orange79]

I won the ebay auction for the headlight switch, $28 plus $10 shipping for a new Motorcraft switch!! I can't wait to get it and try it out on our car!

[64yellowbird]

What's the diff between 77/8 & 79 switches? I snagged one off a junker a couple months ago thinking it would be good to have a spare but I can't recall if it was a 79.