Headlight switch knob

Ordered a new headlight switch knob for my 75. What I got was a spiffy new knob attached to a shaft. Looks like I'm supposed to replace the whole thing, shaft and knob at once. Ran a quick search, no help.
Anybody know how to replace the shaft/knob combo? I really don't want to pull the whole switch if I don't have to. The plastic bits behind the dash are getting pretty brittle after all these years. When I replaced the wiper switch, two of the little white plastic indicator "boxes" one for the lights, one for the wiper/washer, simply crumbled when I moved the wiring. I hope there is a way to do the headlight knob replacement while still leaving the worms in the can...

 

Is the shaft trangular? If it is that type there is a spring loaded release button on the switch behind the dash. when depresed it will release the shaft and the new one can be installed

 

Yep, its triangular. Where is the button located? Back? Top? Bottom? Right side? Left Side? This is great news. Appreciate the help!

 

Can't remember it's exact location but it's hard to miss. It's a spring-loaded metal button about the size of a match head. Push it in and pull the headlight knob out at the same time.

 

IIRC, it's a spring loaded button near the back (firewall end) on the bottom (opposite side from wires). If you lay on the seat with your feet over the headrest and your head under the dash, shine a light at the switch and you should see the button in question.R)

 

Thanks everybody. Went out and did the feelie thing,,,couldn't feel the button. Looks like I'm gonna have to pull it.
:{

 

Thanks LostDawg, i'll give it a shot.

 

Got it! Finally, something simple that didn't take 3 times longer, or cost 3 times more than I'd planned. Now its off to the chiropractor....

 

Your absolutly right. This is the only thing thats simple. Although it took me 3 months to figure it out. Until then, I had to weld a sheetrock screw to the 1/4 inch of shaft stickin out. Needed a phillips screw driver to dim the dash.

 

Har! Thats funny, Strider!
Being an old carpenter myself, I probably would have used a good panel adhesive instead of welding. I constantly have to fight my urge to fix stuff on the jeep with wood, it would be a lot easier for me. But I'm having fun learning to work with this newfangled stuff called"metal". The best part is ya get to buy all these cool new tools. Even the wife wants me to get a MIG. Whooie! I could really do some damage with one of those.