Ignition switch bezel

[fabieber]

What is the secret for reinstalling the entire ignition switch and dash bezel? I ended up breaking off one of the electrical connectors on the switch by trying to compress it from under the dash in order to turn the bezel on to the switch.

I am truly perplexed at what should be a very simple task.

 

[widowmaker77]

From what I remember it’s best to install the plug on the back of the switch after you get the bezel on. It really takes some good pressure to compress the spring enough to get the bezel on.

 

[fordguy]

That spring is tough. You have to make sure you are turning it in the right direction. I had help on the last one we did.

 

[Hopstr]

I just did this last week. I had forgotten how much pressure it takes to push it in. Awkward position to work from under the dash.

 

[bigmuddy]

From what I remember it’s best to install the plug on the back of the switch after you get the bezel on. It really takes some good pressure to compress the spring enough to get the bezel on.

It really does, then add one of the SS key guards that go under the bezel! It will work but you have to lead a clean life and hold your mouth just so

 

[DirtDonk]

Is this a new switch and bezel by any chance?
If it is, assemble it outside of the dash as a test to make sure it goes together correctly and that the ignition switch still works after it’s assembled.
Sometimes they’re so tight and crooked that the START position jams up.

 

[DirtDonk]

I don’t think we’ve had one of those discussions in a couple of years now, so maybe the parts are better. But if you bought a new one five or 10 years ago and are just now getting around to putting it in, that could be an issue.

 

[BroncoJimbo]

I fought with this the last couple of days. I walked away when I was tempted to throw it all against the wall LOL. In the end what worked was using the spring from the old switch. Went right in doing that.

 

[DirtDonk]

I remember a friend had to do that as well.

 

[DeezNCSU]

I had a helluva time with mine too, I ended up dremeling the slot on the new one a little and was finally able to
get it.

 

[hunter1]

I had a helluva time with mine too, I ended up dremeling the slot on the new one a little and was finally able to
get it.

Did the same thing to my last one

 

[BroncoLew]

I remember having to walk away from mine a few times before I finally got the bezel back on when reinstalling my ignition switch. I think one of the vendors offers a tool that makes it easier to reinstall and it would probably be worth it because I remember wishing I had an extra hand trying to get it back on.

 

[BroncoJimbo]

It also helps to remove the driver's seat to give you more room.

 

[fabieber]

To all who responded, thank you. Indeed, the new (made in Taiwan) switches did not match up well to the original bezel. A bit of judicious sanding on the ignition barrel took care of that. The solution was my Grandson.......lithe, flexible, arm strength, small fingers that fit in between all the wires and.......patience, which I had long ago ran out of. There simply is no easy way to reinstall the ignition without removing the dash which I would never think of doing. So, if anyone runs into this, my grandson is currently unemployed and mobile!!!!