Couple Of Questions

1)I've got some 16 gauge sheet metal laying around from another project. Would this be ok for patching parts of the body? This Jeep is going to be a goer not a shower so being 100 percent accurate isn't necessary but don't want to go so thick I can't weld it in properly.

2)Removing dash switches, I'm having a dunce moment and can't figure out how to remove the electrical switches from the dash panel so I can repaint it. Specifically the headlight switch and wiper speed switch. I'm sure it's simple and I just can't figure it out.

Thanks,
Josh

 

1. 16 and 18 are fine, I started patching with 16, and switched to 18 because it was easier to work

2. To remove the headlight switch reach under the dash on top of the switch should be a spsring loaded button, push it down hard and pull the knob out, it should come out completely. Then you will see a nut with two slots, I use a screw driver the knock the nut counter clockwise and spin it off, the switch is now loose.

 

I would avoid 16 ga for body repairs. It's fine for brackets and such, but IMO it's too heavy and will be both heavy and hard to work. Either 18 or 20 is good for replacing body steel; the original steel is 19ish on old cars. Newer cars get thinner steel.

Here's a picture courtesy of a Ford truck forum:



The wiper knob has a bent spring steel retainer on the backside of the knob that grabs the shaft, IIRC. Reach in there with a thin screwdriver and push on the retainer to flatten it and the knob will slide off.

I use the tips of needlenose pliers to turn the lock nuts. Using a screwdriver like a chisel (as above) also works. There's probably a spanner socket available.

I went to your profile and found that you have a '73 CJ-5. It would be good to put that info in your signature file so that it's present in every post.

 

x2 on timgr comments. I did use an o-ring hook tool to reach behind the wiper knob and pull on the relesae tab. worked well.