Headlight Switch Panel - Broken Tabs

[MHWagoneer]

So, I've got a 1988 Grand Wagoneer. The tabs (tangs in the pic) that typically hold the headlight and dimmer switches in place are completely missing.

Does anyone make a replacement for that switch panel?
If no replacements are available, what have you folks with broken tabs done to stabilize the switches?



I considered resurrecting this thread that didn't get any responses:
viewtopic.php?p=205630#p205630

[letank]

scroll to the bottom of that thread

viewtopic.php?t=23030

I bought a few toggle switches, and used the ones that provided a solution... I will have to go back to my purchases for the correct references from dabay, and amazin.



I used 1 blue (DC) with lighted switch, the greens are a combo of 2, they are AC, but do the work for the parking lights.

The greens are out of stock, but were avail in various colors.

the blue is an amazin, 12v Rocker Switch Waterproof 5 PCS - 12 Volt Toggle Switch with 3 20cm Detachable Wires, SPST 3 Pin On Off Switches Snap-in Design Square Switch with Blue LED Light for Car Boat Marine RV Truck KCD3

added: the opening size is 27mm x 42mm , sorry I deal with metric better than standard for tight fittings. It is important as some of the toggle switches have much larger footprint. If you check the specs from the vendors, you will find the right fitting. I bought a pack of 5, so if you are local and I can spare a couple of the blue ones.

[letank]

The real trick was to disconnect the tabs from the molex, in fact once you take a good look, the molex has hinges

CDashHLMolex5x.jpg

and the interior dimmer switch has a retaining plate that hugs the headlight switch...

DashHLDimm9x.jpg

and before I forget , more details, the spade of the molex are slightly larger than the aftermarket rocker switches, so you need to squeeze the spades a bit, and I added some extensions, just in case one day I found a pristine dash or decide to resolder the broken bit

DashHLloom8x.jpg

and for the final details: as you can see I decided to pull the tailgate switch which was a mistake, the switch cracked opened and bits fell out, so leave these alone if you can. I was lucky I found the little toggles and reconstruction was a success

DashTailPaddleSwx.jpg

[Johnzi10]

This is my temporary fix.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Johnzi10]

I have not found a good solution to keep it stock.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[candymancan]

Mine was broken too.. but some prior owner made something that keeps it in there.. eveb after i replaced the switch itself.

Maybe ill pop my plastic dash cover off and the cluster and snap some pics of how he did it

[MHWagoneer]

Seems like a prime opportunity for someone who owns a FSJ and a 3D printer. I could see using a Dremel to enlarge the opening, and creating an insert that would have a flange that stayed on the front side of the dash, with legs that reach the back of the switch and clamp it.

Maybe I should invest in a 3D printer…

[Greg72]

SIDEBAR QUESTION:

Is it just me, or is anyone else surprised to learn that the switchpanel is actually supposed to be backlit?



I never realized this until I saw this photo recently.... now I am obsessed to figure out how to get in there, and identify what size bulbs those little indicators use.

Such a fun little Easter egg feature if true.


-G

[letank]

Interesting, nothing is mentioned in the 89 owner's manual which I downloaded a copy some years ago.

[90wagmi]

There is a light there on my ‘90. No mention of it in my owner’s manual or service manual.