Classic/Antique Car Repair: Headlight Problem 1967 Caddy Calais, chrome bezel, turn signals

Question
HI:  I have a 1967 Cadillac Calais, 2dr hardtop.  The car has been sitting for several years, but started and driven occasionally. It is one of those projects that I intend to get to, but probably will go to the grave before I do.  When I took the car out today, all of a sudden the headlights do not work on either hi or lo beams.  The parking lights in the front do not work either.  All the turn signals, taillights, brake lights and interior lights work fine.  I checked the fuses, and none appear to be blown.  Am I correct in suspecting that it might be the light switch? If I do have to replace the light switch, how much of the dash will I have to remove to do so? Thanks. 

Answer
The parking lights on this car are not supposed to come on unless the switch is pulled out one click. They are not supposed to come on with the headlights. If you are saying that they do not come on when the switch is pulled out one click, that is a separate problem from the fact that the headlights do not come on.  The parking lights are on the same circuit and fuse as the tail and license plate lights, so if they don't work, the problem is in the headlight switch or the wiring attached to it.

The headlights not working is very likely a problem cause by lack of use - the dimmer switch often causes this symptom when the switch isn't used enough.  Often the cure is to turn on the headlights and work the dimmer switch multiple times rapidly, so as to rub some of the oxide off the contacts.  If that doesn't cure it, you will have to remove the headlight switch and have it tested, or else just replace it.  You don't have to take the dash apart - the headlight switch is removed by reaching under the dash to feel a tiny release button on the top of the switch.  It is about the size of a BB, and is spring loaded.  When you depress it, you can pull the switch knob all the way out of the switch, then unscrew the chrome bezel around the switch.  Then you can push the switch into the hole and let it drop down behind the dash, where you can see it and get at the various connections.

If you have a test light, you can check for 12 volts on the various terminals of the switch.  If you have the shop manual for the car, it will show the colors of the wires and tell you which wire is for which function.  If you have power to the switch, and none at the output terminals when the knob is all the way out, the switch has failed.

If your car has the twilight sentinel feature, or the automatic headlight dimmer feature, the problem could very likely be related to those devices - so turn them off to see if that cures the problem.

Dick