IML: Those pesky '67-68 headlamp switches

[Tim Klein <iml@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

One of the most common and vexing problems with '67-68 Imperials is 
the headlamp switch.  My understanding of the sequence of events: 
The electrical connections inside the switch get corroded or 
otherwise wonky over time.  This causes resistance, which causes 
heat.  The heat causes the internal circuit breaker to break the 
circuit, thus killing the headlights.  Since the circuit is broken 
now, the switch cools down, so the circuit breaker starts allowing 
current through again, and the headlights come back on.  The current 
causes the switch to heat up again, and so the cycle continues, 
causing the headlights to flash on and off indefinitely (probably 
unbeknownst to the driver).

The corrosion problem isn't unique to Imperials, of course.  The 
reason it's such a pain with '67-68 Imperials is that their headlamp 
switch is unique to those years, and unique to Imperial even within 
those years.  (Other Chrysler cars use different switches, and 
they're not easily interchangeable.)  And the problem seems to be 
nearly universal, even in unused switches -- I bought a few used 
switches and even an NOS switch at considerable expense, only to find 
that every one of them had the same trouble as my original one.  To 
make matters worse, Chrysler seems to have gone out of their way to 
make the danged things difficult to pry open.

Not being a masochist, I finally gave up and authorized my mechanic 
to bypass the stock switch and install a separate toggle switch under 
the dash.  It's not too convenient, and I've lost the ability to turn 
on the parking lights only, but at least I don't have to worry about 
other drivers thinking I'm flashing my headlights to get their 
attention or warn them about speed traps or something.

But that was a few years ago, before Elijah Scott started offering 
his switch rebuilding service.  My recommendation:  Rather than waste 
your time and sanity trying to find a replacement switch that 
actually works, send your existing one to Elijah, and get on with 
your life.  Here's his web page:
    http://home.comcast.net/~imperial1971/


Tim Klein
Dallas, Texas
http://www.timklein.com







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