I need a headlight switch for my 1956 Ford Fairlane and I'm debating whether to buy a NOS switch off eBay, or go with an after-market switch from one of the suppliers?  I went through this recently with an ignition switch, initially buying a "new" switch from an after-market source.  It turned out that the threaded posts on the back for BAT, ACC and IGN were much shorter than my original equipment switch, so much so that I couldn't stack all my connections on the posts.  I bought it from a great supplier who immediately returned my money, then I bought an NOS unit off eBay and it worked out fine.  Anyway, just wondering if there's a down side to buying NOS electrical items like these switches.  Thanks, Ron 

If its available, I always get an original or factory replacement in something like a light switch. Factory replacement light switches are easily available so get that, even if it cost some more.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I am with Paul on this question.My first choice would be NOS original Ford followed by NORS name brand.The old original parts are almost always superior to the offshore junk that many suppliers are selling as "replacement" parts.

  

Let me ask what is your reason for replacing the switch in the first place? Is it becasuse the dash lights do not work? If it is there's a way to by-pass the potensiometer...(this is the ceramic coil with the nicrome spring that's wound in almost a complete circle....I'll have to check at home but if you take a short piece of wire and sloder across the the two brass tabs your dash lights will work when you turn your head lights on....You just won'te beable to vary the brilliance....and not too many people do,.....alot  of times this all that goes wrong with the switch.....When you buy a new switch N.O.S. or not the potenciometer part of the switch goes bad after a while....I know this because I've repalced them 4 or 5 times now for myself and for others....I can find out exactly what two tabs get soldererd....

Jeff

Thanks for the offer, Jeff, but a NOS switch is not that much $$ and I prefer to go that route.  The one in my car is original and has about 80k miles on it.  Although it is still working, it is beginning to jam up when when I pull or push to turn it on/off, and the adjustment for the dash lights works only sometimes.  So, time to replace.  Ron

Sounds like the right thing to do Ron...E-bay has several switches being offered at various prices....

Best Regards

Jeff

Ron: Before you buy a switch, often problems with switches & ignition parts is related to dirt accumulation. Try cleaning the shaft of the switch & maybe put a small drop of oil on it. Also clean up the reostate well..what have you got to lose? I had a 57 ignition switch that jambed & barely operated. Took a clean white rag & used solvent initially & later methyl hydrate. Wet the key & repeatedly put it in to the switch & out, wiping the dirt off every time. Eventually got the switch to work fine. That was 2 yrs ago..

Paul

I got a little lucky with my switch I think.The reostat was damaged.I found an original Ford replacement one which back in the day you could buy separate from the switch.My  switch was fine-just the dash lights were not adjustable.