Removing dash switches

[M_and_B]

I'm fittting a speedo surround to our 1969 pick-up conversion - van chassis with a Traveller cab. I need to remove the switches under the speedo and can see small screws on the heads of the wiper and lights switches which I assume will allow me to remove the heads of the switches and when the lock ring is removed I can push the switches through the dash. However, I can't see anything similar on the choke and starter and they seem integral to their respective cables. Does this mean they have to be removed forwards through the dash, together with all of their cable or is there an alternative?

[mike.perry]

What switches have you got on your pickup? If it is '69 it should have a push button washer pump, toggle switch wiper and light switches with the ignition in the middle and a choke knob. The choke knob pulls out into the car, complete with cable after undoing the inner cable from the carb and the lock nut behind the panel. The remainder push forward into the inst. panel after undoing the lock nut on the front of the switch.
If you have pull switches pre '63, the light and wiper switches have a small spring release in the side of the knob which you push in with a small screwdriver to release the knob, then remove the switches as previously described. The starter knob cable is attached to the starter solenoid on the engine bulkhead.

[M_and_B]

Thanks Mike. I'll have a go tonight. We do have the earlier layout - from the left the dash has choke knob, wiper, ignition, lights, starter. We know the vehicles a hybrid, so wouldn't surprise me that the cab's either earlier or the guy who rebuilt it wanted a pull-starter.

[bmcecosse]

Be sure to disconnect the battery before fiddling with the switches!

[M_and_B]

Oh yes! Good advice.

I remembered this time, having blown a fuse (car's not mine) the last time we worked on the dash.