does anyone know how to attach those little black buttons on the switch housings on 70's shovelheads? i bought new bars, extended harness and all in a kit, but the buttons are a mystery to get them to attach to the little posts... any help guys?

 

They are supposed to snap to the end of the post when the switches are assembled to the housing. In reality the aftermarket switches and buttons don't seem to work as they are supposed to. I usually end up having to glue them.

 

I used a drop of Crazy Glue on my buddies Ironhead. A couple fell back off with use. Maybe you can find some OEM ones at your local dealership, and they may may stay on.

 

Glue helps but I bought about 10 of them just to have in my collection for my Sporty, they always seemed to pop off.

 

Note that if you glue them the end will probably be broken off the switch if they are removed again...Possibly what has already happened.
If you look closely, the switch has a Smaller [slightly] end on the post, this has a Kind of a **** on it...the Little button extension should snap over that "button"...sometimes you gotta push pretty hard.
And sometimes the switch has been broken, and the button extension must be glued in place....
Finding quality replacement switches, and getting them soldered in place without damage, can be a Challenge...Best try to find someone who has done it before...or Buy lots and practice...
One thing..they do Not need as much heat as some think and the buttons are much easier to solder [correctly] than the damn switches...
Finally make sure the wire ends are not too long and well "tinned"
Good luck

 

If using aftermarket (Chinese) switches, make sure the wiring pins don't touch the handlebar!

 

I put just a little dab of spit on the end of the post and press down pretty firmly on that button. You can feel it (usually) snap in place on the post.



carl