The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Cab interior light

I am trying to remove the frame from the interior light for cleaning and I am having trouble getting the connector wire to disconnect from the back of the frame. Does anyone know how it comes apart? Or would I need to disconnect the other end of the wire and pull the whole thing out? I have read here that it is difficult to rethread the wire back through the overhead, so I would rather not do that. There is also, not enough slack in the wire for me to cut it and install a couple of disconnects on the wires. [img]https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...65F41FE-593D-409F-8B1C-3531CCF4CFE8.jpeg[/img]
1956 1/2 ton.

Thanks, Lee.

I would attach a strong string securely to the disconnected end under the dash and pull out just enough to see if there is a disconnect near the lamp. Hard to believe they would hardwire the light but it was 1956 so...If not then you could install one and then carefully feed the wire back under the dash using the string to assist. You might also consider this a good time to lengthen the wire to provide more slack in the future. Note I have a 49/3100 not a 56 but this is what I would do.

Nice, Ed

Thanks, that is a good idea; I’ll give it a try. I did a rewire a couple of years ago (but not the overhead light) and replaced the light switch, so I have a drawing in my log book of which wire goes to the light.

Lee.

I removed the wires for the cab light and it did give me slack for pulling the light housing out, thanks for the idea. Since I have it loose, I am going to see if I can go ahead and pull new wires for the light.

Lee.

Just be patient wiggling the wire back and forth to get the movement you're looking for otherwise it might get seriously stuck. Good luck.

Well, it did. I had my wife feeding the wire while I slowly pulled, and it got stuck anyway; can’t move it back or forward. If I pull the headliner down (it needs replacing anyway) will that give me access to the wire run? Any advice on removing/reinstalling the headliner on a 56? The headliner rubber is pretty shot; I think it will just fall apart as I try to remove it.

Thanks, Lee.

I don't think that the string trick would have worked on my truck as there were clips holding the wire in place over the door. The headliner hides the clips. The lamp socket was just a friction fit into the housing and I could just push it out. Of course, this was a 1954 model and things could have changed...

I have removed the rubber retainer from the roof on the left side and cannot see any wires; are they farther back? Is there any way to get to them at all? I removed the visor as well and could not see anything from there either.

Thanks, Lee.

Okay, I got it. It appears it was stuck in the aft left corner, were the wire has to make the last turn before running along the back wall to the light. I used a thin piece of wood (tongue depressor size) and kept pushing it into the corner while gently pushing and pulling the wires at the light. Finally I got to the tape where it was spliced with the new wires.
Now I get to replace the rubber gasket (the headliner is still okay, so I may leave it alone).
I have lost count of how many times I have started work on one project on the truck and ended up having to do several. I guess that is called job security!

Thanks for your help, Lee.

Don't you love it when a plan comes together? On to the next puzzle!! Ed

Yep, I’ll be posting a question here next week maybe asking for tips on installing the headliner gasket. Unless it comes with detailed instructions.