Headlight knob spring clip

[40phil41]

Does anyone have a photo of the small spring clip that holds the headlight knob onto the shaft? I am getting very tired of the knob coming off every time I put the headlights on. Tried to make one but it doesn't hold. The original went missing many years ago.

 

Phil

[Don Coatney]

[40phil41]

Thanks Don. Now that I see yours I am not sure if my '40 has the same design. Any '40 owners out there that could confirm Don's is the same or not?

 

Here is what the back of my knob looks like.

 

 

Phil

Edited October 4, 2014 by 40phil41

[Young Ed]

Thanks Don. Now that I see yours I am not sure if my '40 has the same design. Any '40 owners out there that could confirm Don's is the same or not?

 

Here is what the back of my knob looks like.

 

clip.jpg

 

Phil

 

Phil I don't have a 40 but a p15 knob has the same hole in it when the clip is removed.

[40phil41]

Phil I don't have a 40 but a p15 knob has the same hole in it when the clip is removed.

Ed, what mine doesn't have is the slot/opening in the side of the knob that Don's has. 

 

Phil

[Young Ed]

Ed, what mine doesn't have is the slot/opening in the side of the knob that Don's has. 

 

Phil

Ah must just be glare I thought I saw it. Anyway maybe that was added for the p15? I think the same style would work you would just have to release it from the back instead of the bottom.

[40phil41]

Ah must just be glare I thought I saw it. Anyway maybe that was added for the p15? I think the same style would work you would just have to release it from the back instead of the bottom.

I agree with you Ed. Now at least I know what I am looking for.

 

Here is a clearer pic.

 

Phil

Edited October 4, 2014 by 40phil41

[Roadkingcoupe]

Ed, what mine doesn't have is the slot/opening in the side of the knob that Don's has. 

 

Phil

The slot was present on knobs that have the clip

A small flat screwdriver is slid up the slot to take the tension off of the "spring steel" clip.

At that point the knob will slide off with very little effort.

When an inexperienced "mechanic" removes the knob by force the spring steel clip breaks off and renders the knob useless.

There are similar knobs with a metal insert and threading, they do not have the slot.

How can the "spring steel clip" type be removed safely from the cable shaft without a slot to depress the clip is beyond me.

[Young Ed]

The slot was present on knobs that have the clip

A small flat screwdriver is slid up the slot to take the tension off of the "spring steel" clip.

At that point the knob will slide off with very little effort.

When an inexperienced "mechanic" removes the knob by force the spring steel clip breaks off and renders the knob useless.

There are similar knobs with a metal insert and threading, they do not have the slot.

How can the "spring steel clip" type be removed safely from the cable shaft without a slot to depress the clip is beyond me.

 

Wouldn't you just pull the headlight switch to the on position and then release it from the back of the knob?

[Roadkingcoupe]

Wouldn't you just pull the headlight switch to the on position and then release it from the back of the knob?

Not quite that easy.

You could "push" on the clip, which would set it firmer against the post

You would need to "pull" back the spring to release the clip from the shaft.

Not sure how you could do that with the restricted space and angle.

In order to release the spring steel clip you have to slide the clip towards the "bottom of the knob" by inserting a small flat screw driver in the slot and push the clip downwards or "away" from the driver.