79 vs. 81&2 Headlight Switch Assembly Differences.

[Jim Fierst]

I finally got all my electrical system problems resolved with a new ignition switch , cleaning all the grounds,replacing a few fuzes and spending hours with the wiring diagrams . Now I am left with a light switch problem, specifically the low beam. Some PO had already been in the switch as the rivots were replaced with screws. I got a new switch assembly with the car from DJ but I seem to remember some physical differences on the upper part of the switch. At the time I compared them I noted that the lower portions of both looked the same . I fixed the existing switch so that the low beams worked. Since it has gone out again I want a more permanent fix. If need be I can cannibalize the new switch assembly but I hate to do that. Anyone ever compare the two side by side ? One of the vendors lists the same switch assembly for all 79 through 82 LBZ. Anyone have a 79 switch assembly?
It sure seems that the 79 Lancias and 79 Fiat Spiders were transition cars and differ in many small ways from the later 2L's.

[davidb]

TMK Jim the stalk switch assembly '79 are way different than
'81-'82 ones. As far as cannibalizing parts one to the other ????
Good old Obert used to have NEW re-pro assemblys for '81-
'82 Betas: approx. $300. Fit a '79, dunno.

[Jim Fierst]

I know that Vick's has the switches that are supposed to fit all.. I will drill out the rivets on the one I have and make it work.

[davidb]

What can I say: go for it.

[SubGothius]

Is there any difference you can discern in the various stalk positions? Any difference in the loom connectors?

If not, then before you dismantle the new one, you could try simply plugging the new switch into your loom and test all the switch positions to see if everything works as expected. If only the connectors are different, it might be easier (and less risk of damage) to figure out if/how you could just swap the terminals into the old connector housings.

[Jim Fierst]

I intend to plug it in and see if there is anything different before I remove the old one. There is a single brown wire with its own connector on the 81/82 that may not be on the 79. Given the wiring is the same I intend to lay them side by side again before I do anything. There had to be some reason I did not use it the last time. How do you spell Alzheimer's ??

[Jim Keller]

I thought 75 thru 78's had different knob styles was all, (that doesn't mean I am not worng on this thought, so no attacks please! LOL), I have had several 81/82's I purchased along the way that had the different style knob switches in them from the 75-78 models and they worked ok, I thought 79's were exactly the same as 81-82, say maybe the paint markings?????? what differences did you note? are the plugs pretty much the same? I would try to use the new switch you mentioned intact before canabilizing anything

[davidb]

Jim's right again: '75 - '78 same. '81 - '82 same. '79s, my
guess would be '81 - '82.

[Jim Fierst]

I was able to lay the 79 switch side by side with the new one I have and there is one wiring difference.. All the lights and turn signals are the same but the wipers are wired different but work. The new one has a single brown wire connector that replaced the 2 wire connector that went to the windshield washer . The new 6 pin connector had 7 wires going to it with one being a double yellow with black. I chased it back to the switch and clipped the one for the washer at the connector. The 79 had 2 lead connector,red w/ black and yellow w/ black. I connected that yellow w/ black from the new switch to the yellow w/ black and the brown to the red w/ black of the 79 connector. Everythings works now.
Anyone have an 81/82 laying around?? Check it to see if it has a single brown wire for the washer.