Hey guys, just picked up the chrome switch cap kit (p/n 71804-03). I will be installing them later this evening. Looked over the instructions and it reffered to a switch cap removal tool. Just wanted to know if I'm going to have to pick one up or if there is something else I can use instead. The guy at the parts counter mentioned that a lot of guys break a cap or two during the install. Trying to avoid this. Looks pretty basic but any pointers that can save me another trip to the dealer would be appreciated.

 

I installed the switch housings and covers in a couple hours. Removing the switches is a little taxing, especially the small screws. I didn't cut the tie straps. The switch covers can be a pain. I used a small jewelers screwdriver to pry the covers off.The turn, horn, and start have small springs under the switches to return them to their original position. Those switch caps are the hardest, they have to go on a certain way, they are indexed. You pry one side out and up on the pin, then pry the other out and the cover comes off. You will see the pins that hold the covers on, they have indexing teeth that hold thecover in the required position to operate the switch. The others which are 2 way switches are a little easier, pry them off the same way. Put the new covers on in the same position that the old ones come off. Just go slow, read the instructions if you want, I glanced at them...
Hopefull others will have some tricks.

 

It's better if you have two people during the install........unless you're an octopus. Installed caps on my 06 Lowrider & my dad's 06 Heritage using "four hands" and it worked out well. If you have a short temper or you're short on beer you might bust a cap, but we didn't have any problems.

 

Just take your time, the small screws can be a real pain. Be careful to get all the wires back into place properly so that when you tighten everything down, you don't pinch any wires. Lots of threads here on problems after install, primarily due to pinched wires. I installed my own without any problems, but it took quite a bit of time, and a bit of cussing due to the small screws.

 

Pay close attention to how the wires are routedon the stoplight switch on the right, 2 wires.
Make sure they are like this:


I just went through all this today. And be careful with the throttle brass ferrules. They are a SOB. Good luck. Tim

 

Thanks for the input guys. Much appreciated.