Hi folks --
this weekend I started pulling off the combo switch/wiper switch
cluster from a 1985 1st gen GSL-SE. Now there is supposed to be a
"tab" on the back of the unit which you press or pull that frees the
cluster from the steering column housing.

OK, so I can stick my nose back there and can just see a single, 1/2"
tab sticking vertically straight up at the back of the cluster. After
fooling with it for a while, it is not obvious if you should push this
tab forward (to the firewall), pull back (towards the drivers seat),
or try and grab with pliers and pull up and away from the steering
column, to free the works.

Before I bust something trying to force it -- anybody know?!

Thanks
Wayne

 

I'm looking at a combo switch right now and I don't see a tab. There is the a Screw/bolt on the bottom of the combo switch that puts tension on a spring that goes around the column that you have to lossen and the switch should slide right off.

Welcome to the club, take note I live near Baltimore myself maybe I'll see you on the road sometime.

 

In my '85 GSL-SE there is both a bolt with a tension band holding the switch cluster AND a vertical plastic tab (about 1/2") at the very back of the cluster assembly. This tab may not used across all years.

If you have this tab, loosening the band holding the cluster to the steering column cover still will not free it. To slide the cluster off easily without breaking or forcing the tab: push the cluster firmly towards the firewall. With the other hand, push the top of the tab in the opposite direction, towards the drivers seat. The tab will release and move forward slightly; still pushing on the tab, slide the whole assembly off. This tab fits into a small oval slot in the steering column cover, snapping into the hole when the cluster is pushed onto the column. Trying to pull the cluster off without releasing the tab by tiltinging it forward and out of the slot just "digs" it in to the slot more. With enough pulling you probably could overcome this, forcing the tab to rotate back or breaking it off. This is easier.

 

The cluster I was looking at is an '85. So did you get it off? If you haven't I'll send you a picture of the switch so you can circle what your talking about. I try to be helpful but I admit it's been about three months scence I had to remove the switch and I have somewhat of a bad memory.