Headlight Switch in 75 Duster ( Standard DS357) Fitment issue

[shanker]

Before putting the Cluster back in a 75 Duster 360, I decided to replace the headlamp switch as the OE unit had a failed potentiometer.

RockAuto showed Standard Motor Products DS357 was the replacement.

it’s slightly longer, but the fitment issue is that with the plunger installed , the knob is almost flush with the cluster bezel.

has anyone else come across this? Is the fix to find a longer plunger? The only other one I have is for a 74 Ramcharger and even with a conical shaped knob for slightly better access, the rod is the same length.

Here are pictures showing the knob in the off position and all the way out in the headlights on position. Interestingly enough the depth difference is the same as the additional length in the replacement switch body

 

[RustyRatRod]

That bullshit doesn't even look like the right one. This one does.

Headlight Switch-4WD NAPA/MILEAGE PLUS ELECTRICAL-MPE HL6571SB | eBay

 

[SGBARRACUDA]

As long as it doesn't create an issue with grabbing the knob I don't see a problem.

 

[shanker]

As long as it doesn't create an issue with grabbing the knob I don't see a problem.

It does, in the off position the knob is about flush with the bezel

 

[Super-Cuda]

It does, in the off position the knob is about flush with the bezel

Just an observation, did you align the tang in the switch with the recess in the dash bezel?

 

[4spdragtop]

This isnt the 1st I've read about this, altho I don't see an issue?

 

[Mattax]

Another minor difference in headlight switches to be aware of is the circuit breaker rating.
AFAIK all A-body headlights were on 15 amp breakers. Most other cars and trucks had slightly heavier wiring and 20 amp breakers.

 

[RedFish]

This isnt the 1st I've read about this, altho I don't see an issue?

You would after your finger tips wore some chrome off your rally bezel LOL. Be honest, Would you be happy with it in your car? The knob doesn't stick out to match the wiper switch knob with lights off.

 

[RustyRatRod]

This isnt the 1st I've read about this, altho I don't see an issue?

If his hands and fingers are as big as my ****, I see an issue. I would find that slap uncomfortable.

 

[4spdragtop]

True, as cheap as the switches are, I would order another from a different mfg.

If his hands and fingers are as big as my ****, I see an issue. I would find that slap uncomfortable.

 

[4spdragtop]

Unless you're Marty Feldman you wont be able to see both switches at same time....on a rally dash anyway.
As I mentioned, I have read about this before on here. Anyone else got info from another mfg?

You would after your finger tips wore some chrome off your rally bezel LOL. Be honest, Would you be happy with it in your car? The knob doesn't stick out to match the wiper switch knob with lights off.

 

[shanker]

That bullshit doesn't even look like the right one. This one does.

Headlight Switch-4WD NAPA/MILEAGE PLUS ELECTRICAL-MPE HL6571SB | eBay

I was just doing some cross referencing and realize that this is the same switch for a 74 Dodge Ramcharger (which I have in my garage and has a brand new one in it) so I'm going to go pull it and see if it works better.

 

[shanker]

That's the Ticket!

This is the Standard Motor Products DS165 that I just pulled out of my 74 Ramcharger. Napa part Number HL6571SB also appears to be correct and I'm going to get one of those to put back into the Ramcharger.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Glad to be of service.

 

[Dusty2]

Ï have a DS357 from Rock Auto and it fits fine on a 75 Dodge Dart instrument panel. No fitment issues.

 

[67Dart273]

Bad rebox or Standard (as usual) has been dining at the Chinezeoatiized table

 

[shanker]

Ï have a DS357 from Rock Auto and it fits fine on a 75 Dodge Dart instrument panel. No fitment issues.

Are you implying that the plunger sits at the equivalent depth to the wiper switch and not deeper?

 

[Dusty2]

Are you implying that the plunger sits at the equivalent depth to the wiper switch and not deeper?

Yes

 

[shanker]

Yes

Then one of us got the correct switch in a DS357 box and the other didn't.

I spent too much time on this issue, the DS357 is not the correct switch.

 

[Dusty2]

Then one of us got the correct switch in a DS357 box and the other didn't.

I spent too much time on this issue, the DS357 is not the correct switch.

The DS357 that I have has a hard to read number etched on the side of the switch 2018301 - 213C. Also, on the box has v20297 and the ups code is 9176908280.
Back in 2005 I purchased a light switch for my 75 Duster 360 that has a 72? Cluster. Part number SMP DS - 165 and it still works.! Hopefully this helps.