66 Mustang – removing and replacing the ignition, light and wiper switches.
Before starting this project, disconnect positive battery
terminal.
- To install the new windshield wiper knob and bezel into your Mustang instrument panel area, use a 1/16-inch Allen wrench to loosen the retaining bolt in the wiper knob. Turn counter-clockwise.
- Pull the knob straight off to expose the switch’s retaining nut.
- Align the tips of the needle nose pliers with the notches in the retaining nut and turn counter-clockwise to remove
the nut and the bezel. Leave the switch in place.
- Put the new Mustang windshield wiper bezel onto the nut and replace, making sure the switch and the bezel are
aligned with the notch in the dash panel.
- Put the new Mustang windshield wiper knob onto the shaft. Tighten the retaining nut while aligning it with the flat
spot on the shaft.
- To install the new Scott Drake headlamp switch knob and bezel, begin by reaching under the dash and locating the
small button on the headlight switch. Press the button while pulling the headlight knob to allow the knob to pull
completely out. These can be tricky, so be patient and make sure the button is fully depressed.
- Use a slotted screwdriver to turn the headlamp switch retaining nut counter-clockwise until it is free.
- Put the new Mustang headlight switch bezel onto
the nut and replace, making sure the switch and the
bezel are aligned with the notch in the dash panel.
- Slide the new Mustang headlight knob into the
switch. Push firmly to make sure it seats properly.
- Pics below - To install the ignition switch bezel you must first remove the key cylinder part of the switch. Insert a
paper clip into the hole just below the key. Hold the paper clip fairly level and just push it in gently until you feel some
resistance. If you go in at an angle, it will go in too deep and miss the cylinder ’release button’. While gently keeping
pressure on the paper clip, turn the key to the left past the “ACC” position to about the 9 o’clock position. The ignition
switch cylinder will now come out.
- While holding the Mustang ignition switch bezel, reach under the dash and push in and turn the sleeve (right up
against the dash facia) counter-clockwise to release it from the bezel.
Remove the nut and the accessory wire block (use a screwdriver) from the back of the switch. Remove the connection plug from the old switch and plug it into the new ignition switch. Put on the accessory wire and tighten the nut. I put shrink tube on the long thread sticking out as it concerns me to have this unprotected ‘live connection’ sitting inside the dash. It is only live when the ignition is on in any key position except off. - Put the Mustang ignition switch spacer on the new ignition switch, then twist it 90o
lock it into place (it will just sit
there loosely – the spring is for the next step).
I recommend practicing connecting the new ignition bezel to cup shaped ignition switch spacer before you fit the ignition switch back into the dash, it will make it much easier. - Put the new bezel in the hole with ‘off’ up to make sure it is correctly oriented and fully seated. Make sure the cup-
shaped collar is still on the ignition switch and fit it all in behind carefully. Hold the bezel in with one hand while
grabbing the body of the switch. Pull it forward against the dash and compress the spring while rotating it clockwise to
lock it back on to the cup-shaped collar. This alignment can be a bit tricky, it may take you a couple of goes that’s why
it’s good to practice this before you put it in.
- Reinstall the Mustang ignition switch assembly. Remember,
the key is at the 9 o’clock position with the hole at 3 o’clock. You
no longer need the paper clip, just push in and turn to the “off”
position. Once you have made sure the switch moves properly
to all its positions, you can hook the battery back-up.
- To install your new cigarette lighter element and knob,
remove the old lighter. Screw the new lighter knob into the new
lighter. Pop it into place and make sure it works, then the
installation is now complete.