dash starter button

[texasjr]

Thank you for letting me join.  I have a 1941 Chrysler Windsor and need to replace the push starter button on the dash.  I assume it just unscrews but cant get the bezel to move and don't want to damage the bakelight any suggestions would be appreciated

[Ivan_B]

Since no one responded, I'll take a punch: if you have not already done so, take a flash lite and a mirror and see what the button looks like behind the dash. There might be a nut or a clip on the other side. You can also try to take a picture of the back side with your phone, if that's easier.

[Sniper]

All I know is that there is a screw that holds my ignition switch in the dash of my 51, it's behind the dash.  I dunno about your Chrysler though

[johnjnr]

HI 

I dont know if this photo helps but my starter button on my 40 Dodge just unscrews from the front bezel. Perhaps if this doesnt shift try getting behind the dash and losen the nut behind a little to free off the pressure.

[soth122003]

Try holding the bezel and the lightly turning the switch to break torque. As far as I know the switch is not flat or keyed to the hole on the dash.

 

Joe Lee

[andyd]

My 1940 Dodge has the same button switch as Soth.....try to get access to the rear of the button and push it towards the dash with your left hand taking some pressure off the hold it has and with your right hand try to move/undo the bezel.....thats assuming its going to be the same setup as others........you mention "bakelite".......is that just the molding that the button comes thru or is the actual bezel made of bakelite?........andyd 

[Ivan_B]

2 hours ago, johnjnr said:

I dont know if this photo helps but my starter button on my 40 Dodge just unscrews from the front bezel.

I was just attempting to post your photo here ? If the button is the same, then we need to undo the nut at the back. Also, you can probably look-up the wiring diagram for 41 Windsor, for your electrical problem.

[texasjr]

Thanks guys all good suggestions and solved the problem johnjnr it looks exactly like that. Now I no what I am dealing with couldn't see due the tight quarters I am working in and not being as young as I used to be haha. Andyd the bakelight is the plastic pieces (trim) on the dash.  Thanks again guys I appreciate the info

[hi_volt]

You can buy a special tool to unscrew the switch from the front.  It fits into the two square holes 180 degrees apart on the front bezel piece.  I bought one for my '47 Plymouth P15 on Ebay.  It works for all the dash switches on my Plymouth which look like the one in your picture as long as they have the slots.

 

1939 1940 1941 42 1946 1947 Dodge Plymouth Pickup Truck Switch Nut Removal Tool | eBay

Edited September 6, 2023 by hi_volt

[soth122003]

You can also use a very small screwdriver (flathead) and a small hammer. screwdriver in one of the slots, tap lightly to unscrew. Once it moves undo by hand. Don't tap to hard as the bezel is just a thin decorative piece and is easily cut through.

 

Joe Lee

[joecoozie]

I have used needle nose pliers, too, to remove/tighten that bezel with the slots

[Plymouthy Adams]

get a cheepo screwdriver at the thrift store, pawn shop or flea market of the right blade width,  cut a slot in the middle to straddle the shaft, wha-la instant positive drive removal tool....

[Jerry Roberts]

I don't see any slots in the bezel photo . 

[Plymouthy Adams]

I did not either but other switches/knobs does.....that is why I could not see 25.00 for a 1.00 tool......I no longer have the start button in my P15 so could not say one way or the other.  

[Cannuck]

Maybe yours is different ,but this is what they are referring to.

[soth122003]

My starter button bezel doesn't have the slots either. I think the bezel was installed to be even with the top of threads on the shaft then tightened from the back with a wrench. When i took mine of, I just held the bezel and wiggled the switch to break it loose and then unscrewed the bezel. I reinstalled it screwing the bezel down and just using finger pressure to tighten the bezel.

 

Joe Lee